Heritage Open Day - Newport History Society walks
The Guildhall, Shropshire, TF10 7AR
Saturday 12th September 2026
As part of Heritage Open Day, Newport Town Council will be opening all four of its historic sites as well as Newport Indoor Market to the public. Alongside this, the Newport History Society will be hosting two guided walking tours exploring different parts of Newport and its history.
Each tour has 20 spaces available, and participants will be provided with headphones for the duration of the walk so they can clearly hear the guide throughout the tour.
Booking opens on 12th August, and places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
11:00am – Town Walk
Meet at The Guildhall
Join us for a lively guided walk through the heart of Newport. We’ll set off from The Guildhall, wander down the High Street, and make our way to St Nicholas Church (please note: the church tower tour isn’t included this time).
From there, we’ll continue to The Black Shed, stopping along the way to uncover stories of the town’s people, its buildings, and the colourful life that once filled these streets. Hear about the bustling coaching inns on the old London–Chester Road, the Market Hall that anchored local trade, the 17th‑century Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar School, and the canal that shaped Newport’s growth.
It’s a relaxed, engaging walk full of character, perfect for anyone who wants to see Newport with fresh eyes.
1:30pm – East Walk
Meet at The Guildhall
Our afternoon walk begins again at The Guildhall, heading east through Newport and finishing at Newport Cemetery, where you’ll hear stories of remarkable local people and the town’s evolving history.
Along the way, discover how the Great Marsh was drained, how the gas works transformed daily life, and how Newport’s schools shaped generations. You’ll also hear about the old racecourse and what life was really like inside the Workhouse.
This is a thoughtful, fascinating route that brings Newport’s past to life in a way that’s easy to enjoy.
Spaces are limited to 20 people per walk. Participants are advised to wear comfortable footwear as both tours involve walking through the town.
Each tour has 20 spaces available, and participants will be provided with headphones for the duration of the walk so they can clearly hear the guide throughout the tour.
Booking opens on 12th August, and places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
11:00am – Town Walk
Meet at The Guildhall
Join us for a lively guided walk through the heart of Newport. We’ll set off from The Guildhall, wander down the High Street, and make our way to St Nicholas Church (please note: the church tower tour isn’t included this time).
From there, we’ll continue to The Black Shed, stopping along the way to uncover stories of the town’s people, its buildings, and the colourful life that once filled these streets. Hear about the bustling coaching inns on the old London–Chester Road, the Market Hall that anchored local trade, the 17th‑century Haberdashers’ Adams Grammar School, and the canal that shaped Newport’s growth.
It’s a relaxed, engaging walk full of character, perfect for anyone who wants to see Newport with fresh eyes.
1:30pm – East Walk
Meet at The Guildhall
Our afternoon walk begins again at The Guildhall, heading east through Newport and finishing at Newport Cemetery, where you’ll hear stories of remarkable local people and the town’s evolving history.
Along the way, discover how the Great Marsh was drained, how the gas works transformed daily life, and how Newport’s schools shaped generations. You’ll also hear about the old racecourse and what life was really like inside the Workhouse.
This is a thoughtful, fascinating route that brings Newport’s past to life in a way that’s easy to enjoy.
Spaces are limited to 20 people per walk. Participants are advised to wear comfortable footwear as both tours involve walking through the town.
