Newtown Old Town Hall and National Nature Reserve

About

The Island's only National Nature Reserve, Newtown was once a bustling Medieval town. Today it is cared for by the National Trust and is home to wildflower meadows and woods filled with butterflies and red squirrels, with the only sign of its former importance being the Old Town Hall. Head down to the harbour, through the meadows and salt marsh, where you'll find boats bobbing about in the summer and the waters alive with birds in the winter and spring. There are even two bird hides to spy the visiting winter birds from. 

Car parking is available at the Visitor Point (free for National Trust members) along with toilets, and inside the Visitor Point there are family friendly activities, second-hand books for sale and refreshments for a small donation. 

Dogs are welcome to visit the National Nature Reserve but must be kept on leads at all times. 

Newtown Old Town Hall is open for free on select days throughout the year. Please visit National Trust website for information on opening days and times.

The ancient Old Town Hall dates from around 1699, with alterations in 1813 and stands in a grassy space that was once a wide street. Newtown was known as a 'Rotten Borough', meaning it once sent two Members to Parliament, and has a fascinating local history dating back to the 13th century.

Inside the Old Town Hall you can discover more about the mysterious and masked Ferguson Gang who saved the quirky building for the nation in 1933 and soak up the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Free entry.

Assistance dogs only in Old Town Hall on ground floor.

EDUCATIONAL GROUPS - Newtown Old Town Hall welcomes school groups. For more information and to book your visit please call 01983 531622 or email oldtownhall@nationaltrust.org.uk

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DRIVE LESS SEE MORE EXPERIENCES:
Take a bite of the Taste Round the Island Cycle Route as you peddle through some of the Island’s prettiest quiet country lanes to Newtown Town Hall. Once a rotten borough to elicit extra votes, this village is now the perfect destination with walks to bird hides and woodland edging the Newtown estuary. Hire bikes from either Yarmouth or Newport to make the day trip to Newtown. Please note: bicycle racks are available at Newtown National Trust car park. Bikes should not be taken into areas where they may disturb wildlife.

* Taste Round the Island Cycle Route page and map: http://www.visitisleofwight.co.uk/bicycle-island/taste-round-the-island-route
* Bike hire Yarmouth & Newport: Wight Cycle Hire: https://www.wightcyclehire.co.uk/hire/
* Bus Info - http://www.islandbuses.info/

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