Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Transporter Bridge
(
www.newport.gov.uk/transporterbridge
;
Usk Way; vehicle/passenger £1/50p; 10am-5pm Wed-Sun Easter-Sep)
The spidery towers of the 1906 Transporter Bridge rise over the river, about a mile south
of the city centre. A remarkable piece of Edwardian engineering, it can carry up to six
cars across the river in a gondola suspended beneath the high-level track, while still allow-
ing high-masted ships to pass beneath. It's the largest of eight such bridges remaining in
the world.
If you're planning on driving across and straight back again, you may as well consider
paying the day visitor rate (adult/child £2.50/1.50) which includes access to the motor
house and high-level walkway.
BRIDGE
THE NEWPORT SHIP
In 2002 construction work for the new Riverfront Art Centre uncovered the remains of the most complete medi-
eval ship ever found. Buried in the mud on the west bank of the River Usk, the 25m-long
Newport Ship
(
www.thenewportship.com
) dates from around 1450 and was probably built in France (archaeologists discovered
a French silver coin that had been placed in one of the ship's timbers by the boat builder). Some 2000 individual
timbers have been recovered, and are currently undergoing conservation so that the ship's remains can be reas-
sembled and put on display in a purpose-built museum. In the meantime, the ship can be viewed on monthly open
days; enquire at the tourist office or check the website for details.
Sleeping
West Usk Lighthouse
( 01633-810126;
www.westusklighthouse.co.uk
; St Brides Wentloog; r £145-160; )
Quirky doesn't
even begin to describe this restored 19th-century lighthouse offering views over the
Severn Estuary. It's a little worn around the edges but filled with endearingly eccentric de-
tails, such as a full-size Dalek in the lobby. It's at the end of a potholed private road off
the B4239, 6 miles southwest of Newport.
B&B
£££
Information
Tourist Office
(
01633-656656;
www.newport.gov.uk/tourism
; John Frost Sq;
9am-6pm Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm
Sat)
Getting There & Around
