Beechwood Park is one of Newport’s best loved open spaces. It’s not just a public park but also a community hub, containing an Entrepreneurship Centre, kid’s play zones, bowling and tennis facilities, a café, and space for craft workshops and meetings.
The park was once the grounds of Beechwood House, and the building is still a vibrant and important part of the whole. It has a rich and varied history, being at various times a private residence to George Fothergill (former major of Newport), a hospital, a school, and a home-away-from-home for US troops during World War II. It has now been restored as befits its status as a Grade II listed building.
Outside, Beechwood Ornamental Park covers about 30 acres- more than most families could explore in a week! It also has a very respectable Grade II listing. Many of the features installed in Victorian times still remain today and they are still just as popular with local people and visitors alike.
One of the best things about the park is the view. Despite the urban setting, the top of the sloping parkland provides wonderful panoramic views across Newport and the Channel- this is probably the reason Fothergill chose to build his home here. It may be just a few miles from the bustling city centre but there is plenty of space to find some peace and quiet here. Beechwood Park is the ideal escape from busy Newport.
Address: Beechwood Road, Newport
Postcode: NP19 8AJ
Tel number: 01633 274211
Web Address: http://www.newport.gov.uk/en/Leisure-Tourism/Countryside–Parks/Parks/Beechwood-park.aspx
Opening Hours: 6.30am to dusk
Admission Charges: Free
Parking Charges: None – limited parking available on site
Group information:
Accessibility information: Paths are tarmaced, and wheelchair accessible, but some are quite steep