Newport

Newport is a thriving and picturesque market town, located 10 miles from Telford and 15 miles from Stafford. In 2014 it was awarded a 'Gold' medal from the Heart of England in Bloom competition for the quality of its floral displays.

The town itself dates back to the twelfth century at the time of Henry I and its main feature is its distinctively wide main street. Unfortunately a number of the original buildings burned down in the great fire of 1665. Whilst few of the medieval buildings remain, many of the town's dwellings have 18th century frontages in the Regency and Georgian styles.

Today, visitors to the town can enjoy a selection of fine restaurants, pubs and cafes, as well as a variety of accommodation, the historic buildings and the old market cross. The High Street is home to a number of specialist independent shops. An indoor market is held each Friday and Saturday in the attractive 19th century Market Hall, supplemented by a monthly outdoor farmers market, usually on the last Thursday of each month. A visitor information centre, which also serves as a café and shop for local crafts is open Monday to Saturday and can be found adjacent to the 15th century Guildhall in the High Street. Car parking in the Town is free as are the public toilets on Stafford Street car park, next to Waitrose.

The town holds a host of community events throughout the year, including an old tyme market, a carnival, the Christmas lights switch-on, floral competitions, St George's day celebrations and its own internationally renowned floodlight cycle race. Newport also has its own canal section with a recently modernised tow-path, for a gentle stroll adjacent to the town's 'Victoria Park'. The canal is generally used for fishing, however work to extend the canal at its eastern end is underway with the aspiration to join up with the canal at Norbury Junction. Newport is also connected to the national cycle route with Ironbridge, Telford and Stafford being easily accessible by bike.

Newport has a few famous connections, firstly Thomas Brown (1663 - 1704), the irreverent satirist is thought to have been born in Newport and was educated at Adams Grammar school, founded in 1665.

Charles Dickens also stayed in the Bear Hotel and modelled Miss Havisham in his novel 'Great Expectations' (1861) on Elizabeth Parker, a recluse who lived at Chetwynd House in the town.

Nearby in Tong you'll also find the grave of Little Nell.

Four miles south of Newport are the ruins of Lilleshall Abbey, founded in 1145 under a charter from King Stephen. Today the Abbey is a romantic looking ruin, ideal for picnics or short walks.

On the outskirts of Newport you will also find Lilleshall National Sports Centre to the south, home of British Gymnastics and Archery organisations and Harper Adams University to the north. Newport is home to a number of successful sporting clubs who regularly compete to a high regional standard, notably the rugby, cricket and bowls clubs. Newport & District running club, Nova Junior football and Newport tennis club are also extremely successful along with the Scouts, Brownies, Air Cadets, Royal Naval Club, Royal British Legion, Angling club, Canal trust and History Society.

Please click here to view a map of Newport town centre.