Things to do at Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall

Family walking together by the harbour at Newtown National Nature Reserve, Isle of Wight — Visitors at Newtown | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

You'll find plenty to do at Newtown National Nature Reserve on the Isle of Wight. Whether you're discovering the area’s political past at Newtown Old Town Hall, relaxing on Newtown Harbour or walking through wildflower meadows, this quiet backwater makes for a great day out.

Coming this summer...

Newtown Randy-O

Each day 27 July – 1 September, 10.30am-5pm

Free

Inspired by the Medieval festival that was once held here, the Randy-O will be returning to Newtown this summer holiday, filled with Medieval activities.

Try testing your aim with some archery or see how far you can balance on the slackline. There's a chance to dress up in Medieval costume and you can put your friends and family in the stocks - which makes a great photo opportunity. Don't forget to tag us.

Visit the wildflower meadow

On the Isle of Wight, wild flowers in various habitats are encouraged, with Newtown boasting one of the best wildflower meadows on the island. Visit in early summertime to see the meadow at its most colourful, full of pink and purple orchids.

Explore Newtown Harbour

Whether you’re exploring by boat or just mooring for a while, Newtown Harbour is a beautiful place to relax in. Experienced canoeists and paddleboarders are welcome in certain areas.

Walk around the nature reserve

Newtown is one of the best places to explore by foot on the Isle of Wight. Walk through woods and meadows to the edge of the estuary, a wonderful network of secluded creeks and waterways. Many of the paths are flat and easy to walk along, but in the winter they can become a little muddy, so it's worth wearing suitable footwear. To spot dragonflies, visit Clamerkin pond, set in a small area of sheltered woodland.

Water channel in the marsh, between low banks, with four large wooden posts in the water, at Newtown National Nature Reserve, Isle of Wight — Water channel in the marsh at Newtown National Nature Reserve, Isle of Wight | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Birdwatching at Newtown National Nature Reserve

Our bird hides provide a great opportunity to see many of Newtown’s resident species up close. A solar-powered telescope in the Seabroke bird hide provides live, close-up images of birds on a screen, and our volunteers are on hand to help you identify the different species. Or visit the east hide, another bird hide overlooking the estuary.

Uncover history at the Old Town Hall

Discover a wealth of political and local history at Newtown Old Town Hall. A set of Hogarth prints on display in the Mayor's Parlour gives a satirical view of politics in the 1750s, while other documents and artefacts tell the story of this former Rotten Borough, once represented by two MPs. You can also learn about the mysterious and eccentric Ferguson Gang, and how they saved the Old Town Hall by reading a copy of their minute book, 'The Boo'.