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.

This autumn.

Autumn brings a rich light and intense shades of colour to the Island’s only National Nature Reserve. The quiet hamlet, ancient woodland, secluded creeks and picturesque harbour are havens of peace and tranquillity, with only the cries of the native and visiting birds, and the occasional calls of the sheep and cattle breaking the silence on cool misty autumn mornings.

Newtown is one the best places on the Isle of Wight for birdwatching, and the natural harbour is a quiet contrast to the other ports of call for yachts and boats on the Island. It’s an ideal setting for a family walk, where you can put on your wellies, feel the fresh sea air, and hunt for squirrels in the woodland.

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 hide provides 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.

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'.

Please note: The Old Town Hall is currently closed to visitors at it is undergoing conservation monitoring.