Discover Island history for free with Newport Heritage Day 2025

Discover local history for free as Newport’s Heritage day makes its much anticipated return for 2025! On Saturday 6th September between 10am and 1pm, the Museum of Island History will be opening its doors for free.

As part of this year’s special Newport Heritage Day, visitors will be invited to discover more about their local heritage with displays of artefacts from the Island’s history - from fossils to festival, exhibitions about Newport in days past and a new display of locally found archaeological treasures unearthed by the Vectis Searcher’s Metal Detecting Club.

The museum is located in the iconic and historic Guildhall on Newport’s High Street, designed by eminent Georgian architect John Nash. and during the event there will also be a free family trail and hands-on activities.

Other events taking place across the town include activities at Newport Minster such as guided tours, bookbinding with Quarr Abbey and Newport and Carisbrooke Heritage Society in attendance, as well as the Isle of Wight Classic Motor Show at Newport Quay, exhibitions at Independent Arts Hub and 64 High Street and decorated shop windows throughout.

Newport Heritage Day is a free heritage festival celebrating the Island's historic County Town. This event is being organised by the Isle of Wight Heritage Service in collaboration with the Newport Cultural Consortium.

Councillor Julie Jones-Evans, chair of the Economy, Regeneration, Transport and Infrastructure committee said: "Newport is the historic County Town of the island, teeming with buildings, people and artifacts that tell our stories.”

“This will be a fabulous opportunity to discover more, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy the weekend's activities."

To find out more, visit: https://newportminster.org/mission/newportheritageday/