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Newtown

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Newtown sits on the River Severn about 40 miles inland from Aberystwyth. It is a large town for this part of Wales and offers some nice child friendly walks.

Click here for a map of Newtown. See this sites map page for details on printing the map. On the map:

• The A483 leaving the map at the centre right goes to Welshpool.
• The A483 leaving the map at centre bottom goes to Llandrindod Wells.
• The coloured road at the bottom left corner of the map is the A489 towards Llanidloes.

Tourist Information

The Tourist Information Centre (phone: 01686 625580) is on Back Lane next to the bus station and main town park (see later).

For more information on the town and area see the following general websites:

• newtown.org.uk
• newtownwales.co.uk

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Parking

There are two main car parks in Newtown, both are pay-and-display and both have toilets (see later).

• Behind the Tourist Information Centre on Back Lane. This is the main town car park. It is also the car park for Newtown's main park (see later).
• Next to the river where Shortbridge Street meets Gas Street. This car park in notable for the wonderful old black poplar tree near its entrance. There are usually plenty of ducks to feed on the river just here.

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Walks

Newtown is excellent for buggy friendly river walks.

You can walk along the river at two different levels between the two car parks described above.

• On the lower level walk you go under the river bridge at the end of Broad Street.
• On the upper level river walk you cross the end of Broad Street itself. If you cross Broad Street heading for the car park near Gas Street you need to go down the side of the pub/hotel next to the bridge. Along this stretch of the walk is a ruined church which is a nice place to picnic (provided the local kids are not using it as climbing frame).

By the car park near Gas Street is a footbridge over the river. If you cross this and then turn left the path takes you down to another long buggy friendly river walk which heads out of the town.

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Parks and Playgrounds

The main town park is behind the Tourist Information Centre on Back Lane. The main town car park is also here as well as a cafe and toilets (see later).

On the car park side of the river is a grassed area and a small enclosed playground. The playground is situated by the river at the furthest end away from the Tourist Information Centre.

You can cross a footbridge next to the car park which takes you over the river to an extensive grassed area (see photo 2).

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Art Gallery

The Davies Memorial Gallery is behind the Tourist Information Centre on Back Lane. Both my children enjoy the exhibitions, even at 5 years old. They also like the room between the two exhibition rooms where there is often paper etc for them to use.

Information last reviewed: 7th/9/06.

Shops and Eating

Newtown has several high street names (see photo 1), including Boots, Woolworth, Argos and a Laura Ashley shop as well as several of the large banks. There are also the usual range of local newsagents, clothes shops etc. The main shopping area is:

• On Broad Street.
• On High Street.
• Along Shortbridge Street.
• Along Market Street.

There are two shopping arcades:

• Between Broad Street, High Street and Back Lane.
• Between Market Street and Shortbridge Street.

There is an indoor market between High Street and Market Street. An outdoor one can be found along High Street/Broad Street on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

There are supermarkets:

• Co Op. Near to where Back Lane meets Market Street.
• Pool Road near Stone Street.
• Next to the railway station.
• Large Morrisons. Along the A483 just off the right of the map.

We normally eat in:

• "Lion Cafe". Our favourite. On the corner of Shortbridge Street and Market Street. Has the usual Cafe fare along with vegetarian and vegan meals. Loads of kids options, including vegetables and even baby portions.
• "London Cafe". Where High Street meets Shortbridge Street.
• "Marigolds Chip Shop". Eat-in and take-away situated on New Road (A483 on the map) near its junction with Shortbridge Street.
• The cafe in the same building as the toilets in the main car park.

There is a "Mac Donalds" on Pool Road (A483 on the map) at the far right of the map. Also on the A483 but just off the right of the map is a "Little Chef".

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Toilets

There are three public toilets:

• Near the entrance to the main car park/town park on Back Lane. This is a good quality toilet with an attendant.
• In the car park next to the river where Shortbridge Street meets Gas Street. Good quality toilet with attendant.
• Up a short alley off Market Street. Very basic.

Information last reviewed: 11th/7/06.

Disclaimer: This site is based on the author's experiences with his own children and therefore the advice may not be applicable to other children. The comments provided are the author's own opinions and should be treated as such. The author does not accept any responsibility for any damage, loss or injury resulting from the use of this site.