Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall

About

Discover the wildlife and history at Newtown

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. 

Nature Reserve Visitor Point

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. 

Dog-friendly nature reserve

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

Historic town hall

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.

The Old Town Hall is currently closed due to undergoing conservation monitoring.