Car Hire Newport (Isle of Wight) - Mini guide to Newport (Isle of Wight)

Located in the centre of the Isle of Wight, Newport, with its narrow streets and town squares, is the capital of the island. It has a town quay which is now mainly used mainly by pleasure craft.

Carisbrooke Castle, in the care of English Heritage, offers seven acres of castle and earthworks to explore. Carisbrooke Castle Museum is located inside the Great Hall of the medieval Castle and has educational involvement with both Island and mainland schools. Enclosing the medieval castle is a fortification built in the 1590s.

Quay Street has many grand merchants’ houses, namely the Town Hall and Clock Tower. St Thomas's Square lies nearby, bordered by small shops and eateries. There are many fine town houses dating from Georgian and early Victorian times. The colonnaded Guildhall now houses the Museum of Island History and the Tourist Information Centre.

The Quays Arts Centre, on the western bank of the river, is where you will find pubs, sports facilities and a cycle way to Cowes. Leisure sports are available at Seaclose Park and at the nearby Mountbatten Centre, a modern complex with indoor swimming pool, theatre and adjoining Arboretum. High Street has many major chain stores and intriguing little shops in the lanes leading off High Street and the two main squares. Newport harbour provides facilities for visiting yachtsman and the Riverside Centre has a waterfront restaurant.

The Isle of Wight is one of the UK’s sunniest places - discover picturesque villages, spectacular cliffs, sandy beaches, rich farmlands, creeks and river valleys. Bembridge Windmill, constructed from local stone, is the last surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight, dating from the early part of the 18th century. Visit the Needles Old Battery fort, situated in a spectacular location punctuating the tip of one of Britain's most famous coastal landmarks - The Needles.

Wightlink Ferries run services over three routes to and from the Island. Portsmouth to Ryde (High Speed Passenger Service), Portsmouth to Fishbourne (Car and Passenger Service), Lymington to Yarmouth (Car and Passenger Service). Hovertravel run services between Ryde Esplanade and Southsea in under 10 minutes. There are two airports on the Isle of Wight which can cater for light aircraft. Both are situated at the eastern end of the island.