Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall

Important notice -

In line with government guidance, our countryside space is open for local visitors to access for walks. We ask all visitors to follow guidance on social distancing to keep everyone safe.

A quiet backwater with a busy Medieval past, now bursting with wildlife and a town hall with no town...

More about this place

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Visiting this spring 

Our gardens, parks and countryside locations are open to visit. Shops are also open and outdoor seating is available at some cafés. Subject to government confirmation, we're planning to reopen houses in England and Wales from 17 May, and in Northern Ireland from 24 May. Advance booking for visits helps us keep everyone safe and socially distanced. When space is available, particularly on weekdays, pre-booking isn't always necessary. But to guarantee, entry please always book in advance, especially at busier times like weekends and bank holidays. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance.

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Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall

Things to see and do 

Two walkers stride out along the harbour wall at Newtown with water on both sides

Enjoy the estuary... Newtown walk 

Take a gentle stroll through the varied habitats of the Island’s only National Nature Reserve, and visit a hamlet with a colourful past.

Geese fly past as dusk settles at Newtown

Winter birdwatching at Newtown 

Signalling the arrival of the colder months, the appearance of winter migrants at Newtown is a spectacular sight. Wildfowl and waders fill the creeks and estuary making it the perfect place for a spot of winter birdwatching.

View from Freshwater Bay of Tennyson Down, Isle of Wight

More about visiting the Isle of Wight 

Whether its walking, cycling, family fun, wildlife or history that interests you, you can find it all on the Isle of Wight.

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Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall

History

The Old Town Hall

Inside Newtown Old Town Hall, Isle of Wight

Newtown: a hall with no town 

Newtown's Old Town Hall has existed on this site since the 13th century but the road to its ongoing survival hasn't been smooth.

An old photograph of Newtown Old Town Hall in the late 1920s

Newtown Old Town Hall - saved by Ferguson's Gang 

In the late 1920s, Ferguson's Gang saved our Old Town Hall. Find out why they did it and who they were.

The National Nature Reserve

Early morning light over Newtown creek

Walters Copse 

Discover how Walters Copse has changed from meadow land in the middle ages to the special group of trees we now find here today.

A clear view over the salt pan lagoon

The salt industry 

Although no commercial salt has been made here for over 80 years, the salt lagoons were once part of a thriving industry.

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Newtown National Nature Reserve and Old Town Hall

Our work

A view across the meadows of Newtown, Isle of Wight, towards the harbour at Big Camp 2015

Looking after Newtown's meadows 

We carefully look after Newtown's meadows so that they are filled with delicate wildflowers in summer which support colourful butterflies and important insects.

Our Hebridean sheep at Newtown where they graze in the meadows

Our flock of Hebridean sheep on the Isle of Wight 

Meet our flock of Hebridean sheep and discover what's so special about them and how they help us care for our Nature Reserve.

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