Things to do

Located just a short distance from ICC Wales, Newport Market is a must-visit destination for delegates looking to experience the best of the city. As Europe’s largest indoor market regeneration, it offers a unique shopping experience with a vibrant mix of food & drink traders, independent stalls, lifestyle units, and spaces for business. Housed in a striking Victorian building, the market seamlessly blends historical charm with modern flair, making it the perfect spot to explore, meet, eat, drink, and shop. Be sure to check out the calendar of events for exciting happenings throughout the year, including the unique events space on the mezzanine floor.

Just a short distance from ICC Wales, Tredegar House is a stunning 17th-century Charles II mansion set within 90 acres of beautiful parkland. A perfect spot for delegates to unwind and explore, the house and its gardens offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the powerful Morgan family, local landowners and later Lords of Tredegar. The house, now managed by the National Trust, is famous for its connections to Sir Henry Morgan, the legendary pirate of the Caribbean, and his army hero brother Godfrey, who survived the Charge of the Light Brigade. Visitors can also enjoy the tranquil parkland, where the remarkable story of Sir Briggs, the horse who lived to 28, is celebrated. Tredegar House offers a delightful day out, blending history, nature, and the charm of its beautiful grounds.

The Newport Wetlands Reserve offers delegates a unique opportunity to explore one of Wales' most important wildlife habitats. Covering 438 hectares of reed beds, lagoons, wet grassland, and scrub, the reserve is home to a diverse range of birdlife, including bearded tits, bitterns, marsh harriers, and peregrines. Created to compensate for the loss of mudflats when the Cardiff Bay barrage was built, the reserve also boasts a rich variety of orchids, butterflies, dragonflies, and even otters. Whether you're visiting for a peaceful walk or birdwatching, Newport Wetlands is the perfect place to connect with nature.

the iconic Newport Transporter Bridge is a must-see landmark, built in 1906 by the Morgan family. One of only eight remaining transporter bridges in the world, it was designed to carry cargo across the River Usk on a gondola suspended from a high rail, allowing ships to pass underneath. While it may sound unusual, the bridge is still fully operational today, and visitors can even take their car across for just £1. With its rich history and impressive design, the Newport Transporter Bridge is a unique and fascinating attraction.

The Gower

Gower was the first place in Britain to be named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s easy to see why. The award-winning Three Cliffs beach is one of Gower’s most picturesque beaches which is accessed through a valley that leads to a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, salt marshes and the three cliffs themselves. It would be difficult to find a better picnic spot.
 

Swansea

Wales’ vast industrial and maritime heritage is ready for you to explore via cutting-edge, interactive technology married with traditional displays. Located in an original and listed waterfront warehouse lose yourself in the rich and enthralling history of Welsh industry and innovation.

Laugharne

Overlooking the Taf estuary, this pretty village was the home of perhaps Wales’ best-known writer, Dylan Thomas. Visit the boathouse and writing shed where he wrote many of his major pieces but don’t leave without a walk along the estuary, a look around the magnificent castle, and a pit stop at one of the many cafés and restaurants.

Pembrokeshire

Even if Pembrokeshire wasn’t Britain’s only coastal national park, it would take something very special to beat it. Barafundle is a pristine paradise that has been voted many, many times as one of the best beaches in Britain and the world, its claim to fame is it was used to film an advert for Bounty chocolate bars.

New Quay, Cardigan Bay

Home to Britain’s biggest resident population of bottlenose dolphins (reaching up to 300 mammals in the summer months), take to the seas in search of these impressive wild animals and you may also spot harbour porpoises and Atlantic grey seals.

Pembrokeshire

This chic little market town has a big reputation as a shopper’s heaven. The stylish high street is lined with gorgeous independent and boutique shops selling everything from voguish fashion to fine art, while the many award-winning delis, cafés and restaurants provide a welcome time-out from your retail therapy.

Pembrokeshire

It may be the smallest city in the UK but it has big appeal, and is a much-loved location of artists, travellers, pilgrims and surfers. The magnificent cathedral at St David’s dates back to the 12th century and houses the shrine of Wales’ patron saint in the heart of this great building. This pretty peninsula has heaps to explore so grab a map and lace up your walking boots.

North Wales

To trek or get the train (up the 1,085 meter giant), that is the question. However you reach the top of the highest mountain in Wales, enjoy the sweeping panoramic views from the summit cafe. Snowdonia’s national park is a spectacular site of mountains, lakes and waterfalls but there are many friendly seaside resorts and famous attractions in the surrounding area to visit too.

Porthmadog

This amazing Italianate village on the North Wales coast was founded in 1925 and remains one of Wales’ most remarkable landmarks. Set on its own peaceful peninsula overlooking an estuary, Portmeirion Village is a fantastical collection of colourful heritage-listed buildings, a pretty plaza and ornamental gardens, surrounded by vast woodlands.

Caernarfon

Built by King Edward I, this mighty brute of a fortress is a truly impressive sight. It dominates the small fishing town of Caernarfon, with the entire town wrapped within the castle’s mighty stone walls. One of the most impressive castles in Wales, it’s worthy of its World Heritage status.