Newport is centred on two elegant squares with fine Georgian and Victorian town houses. It offers superb shopping, with many branded outlets, exclusive shops, and the Quay Arts Centre.

Be sure to visit the impressive colonnaded Guidhall designed by John Nash, now home to the Museum of Island History. With a Cinema, three theatres, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs, there's plenty of evening entertainment too. For music lovers, you don't get bigger that the Isle of Wight Festival in June or the Bestival in September.

Walking and cycling by the River Medina during the summer is delightful, or take time to unearth some history at the Newport Roman Villa or Carisbrooke Castle. The latter, a motte and bailey castle where Charles 1 was held captive, has a 161 feet deep well with working 16th century wheel.

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