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Where Is Wales?

Wales, one of the four countries of the United Kingdom, is a land of rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and vibrant culture. Nestled on the island of Great Britain alongside England and Scotland, it offers a stunning blend of natural beauty and rich heritage. Easily accessible by road, rail, and air, Wales is just a short journey from major cities like London and Birmingham, making it convenient for both national and international visitors. Wales is a hidden gem waiting to surprise and inspire those who discover it.

Discover Newport

Strategic Location

Newport, located in South Wales, is the perfect gateway to the region's breathtaking natural landscapes and vibrant cities. Positioned just off the M4 motorway, which is the main route connecting Wales to England, Newport is ideally located for easy access to both urban and rural destinations. Only 30 minutes from Cardiff, Wales' capital city, and just a 45-minute drive from Bristol, Newport offers a blend of city amenities and proximity to some of the UK’s most stunning countryside, including the Brecon Beacons National Park and the beautiful Gower Peninsula. 

Rich History & Culture

Newport boasts a rich industrial heritage, with landmarks like the historic Tredegar House and the iconic Newport Transporter Bridge. The city is also home to vibrant arts and cultural scenes, including the renowned Riverfront Theatre and the bustling Newport Market, a lively hub for local food, crafts, and independent businesses.

Gateway to Natural Beauty

Newport is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the beautiful Newport Wetlands Reserve and the nearby Brecon Beacons and Gower Peninsula, offering endless opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic views. Whether you're hiking through lush hills, cycling along coastal paths, or exploring tranquil nature reserves, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast. These breathtaking locations make Newport the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Modern Amenities

With a thriving economy and excellent transport links, Newport combines modern city amenities with a welcoming atmosphere. It’s home to a variety of restaurants, shopping venues, and cultural attractions, making it a convenient and dynamic destination for both business and leisure.

A Short History

Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and nestling on the bank of the River Usk, Newport has been a port since Medieval times and has a notable maritime history due to its role as a major port in the Industrial Revolution – in 1913, Newport shipped over six million tons of coal.

Legacies of its rich nautical past include the Newport Transporter Bridge, a Grade 1 Listed structure which is one of the few remaining operational transporter bridges in the world, the Newport Medieval Ship, a 15th century sailing vessel, two lighthouses – West Usk and East Usk, and the largest masonry dock in the world in the 19th Century – Alexandra South Dock.

Newport Today

Today, Newport is a vibrant and thriving city that seamlessly blends its rich industrial heritage with modern development. While its maritime past remains a key part of its identity, the city has evolved into a dynamic hub for business, culture, and leisure. With excellent transport links, including easy access to Cardiff, Bristol, and beyond, Newport has become an attractive destination for both businesses and visitors. The city boasts a variety of cultural attractions, from the Riverfront Theatre to the bustling Newport Market, and is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes perfect for outdoor activities. With a growing economy, diverse communities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Newport is a city that continues to evolve while celebrating its history.

Why Come To Wales?

Unique Welsh Hospitality

One of the highlights of visiting Wales is the warmth and friendliness of the Welsh people.  From the moment you arrive, you’ll experience a warm Welsh welcome that make Wales not only a stunning place to visit but a place where people truly feel at home. Whether it’s directions, recommendations, or just a friendly chat, the Welsh spirit will make your experience even more memorable.

Unique Environment

ICC Wales is a truly unique venue, offering the perfect blend of stunning location and world-class facilities. Nestled in the heart of Wales, surrounded by the tranquil Coldra Woods, it provides an inspiring and peaceful setting that enhances creativity and productivity. Yet, it doesn’t compromise on technology or service - ICC Wales is equipped with cutting-edge facilities, flexible event spaces, and exceptional amenities, ensuring that your conference runs smoothly. Whether you're hosting a large-scale event or a smaller gathering, ICC Wales combines natural beauty with state-of-the-art infrastructure, making it a standout choice for any business event.

Accessibility

Wales is incredibly accessible, making it an ideal location for your next conference. Just 95 minutes from London Paddington to Newport, Wales offers easy transport links from major UK cities, with direct trains, road networks, and airports nearby. Whether you're traveling by train, car, or air, getting to your event is simple and stress-free. With a range of transportation options, you can easily travel, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience from start to finish.

Common Misconceptions

Wales Is Difficult To Get To

It may surprise you to learn that it only takes 95 minutes to travel from London Paddington to Newport, Wales - where ICC Wales is based! That’s the same amount of time it takes to travel from London to places like Oxford or Brighton. So, in just over an hour and a half, you can escape the hustle and bustle of London and find yourself surrounded by rolling Welsh hills.

It Always Rains In Wales

A common misconception about Wales is that it always rains, but that’s not the full picture. While it's true that three of the UK’s ten rainiest places are in Wales, seven are in Scotland, and areas like England’s Lake and Peak districts see similar rainfall due to their mountainous terrain. In fact, Wales enjoys a comparable number of sunshine days to England 58 days per year versus 62!

Wales has a lot of sheep

A common misconception about Wales is that it’s overrun with sheep. While there are around 10 million sheep in Wales, it’s far fewer than in New Zealand, where the sheep population outnumbers people by 6 to 1. In reality, Wales is known for much more - its thriving economy, rich culture, and world-class venues like ICC Wales.

Principality Stadium and Cardiff Castle
Newport Market
Tredegar House

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Things to do

You don’t need to venture far to discover everything this stunning county has to offer. Jaw dropping landscape, colourful coastlines, rich wildlife, castles and countryside, Wales is certainly the host with the most.

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Tŷ Newport Hotel Room

Places To Stay

ICC Wales is conveniently located just off Junction 24 of the M4, with over 1,000 hotel rooms nearby.

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Transport Links

We may be surrounded by fresh mountain air, but luckily for us and you, we’re a stone’s throw from the M4, Cardiff Airport and main train stations.

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