⚽ RODNEY PARADE ⚽
Newport County AFC – Your Complete Travel Guide for 2025-26
ℹ️ 2025-26 Season Guide: All information has been researched and verified for the current season. Always check newport-county.co.uk for the latest ticketing, parking and matchday updates before you travel. Key notes: Away fans enter via Gate 6 on Corporation Road. The main away section is the PureVans.com Away Stand (609 seats); additional allocation in the Bisley Stand (422 seats). Stadium bars are cashless (card only); gate ticket booths are cash only. No parking at the ground — use the town centre car parks and walk over the footbridge. Newport station is approximately a quarter of a mile from Rodney Parade.
⚽ ABOUT RODNEY PARADE
Rodney Parade is one of the most historically significant grounds in the Football League. Located on the east bank of the River Usk, a short walk from Newport city centre, it is the third-oldest sports venue in the Football League — behind only Deepdale and the Racecourse Ground. The ground first staged a floodlit match in October 1879, making it the first venue in Wales to be lit by electricity.
Newport County share the ground with Dragons RFC, the Welsh regional rugby union team. Capacity is significantly reduced for football, sitting at just over 5,500 for County matches — well below what the full stadium can hold for rugby. This gives the ground a distinctive, slightly unusual feel: proper stands on two sides, an open terrace at the town end, and the curious South End, which houses changing rooms and a video screen. The views of the River Usk from the walk-in are genuinely atmospheric.
Away fans are allocated the PureVans.com Away Stand (609 seats) and, when extra allocation is needed, the away section of the Bisley Stand (422 seats). Both sections offer covered seating. The Bisley Stand is a smart, modern all-seater stand with excellent sightlines and decent facilities. A bar and burger van operates inside the away entrance — card only for bars, cash only at the ticket booths on the gate.
Newport County’s story is genuinely one of the most remarkable in English football. Founded in 1912 by steelworkers who had migrated from the Midlands — many were Wolverhampton Wanderers fans, which explains the amber and black colours — they were invited to be founder members of the Football League Third Division in 1920. They reached the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-finals in 1981 (featuring a youthful John Aldridge and Tommy Tynan) before financial ruin brought the club’s end in 1989.
Four hundred supporters reformed the club as Newport AFC. Unable to play in Newport, they played their first season in Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire — 80 miles away — earning the immortal nickname The Exiles. They spent years in legal battles to play in Wales, fought back through the non-league pyramid, and finally returned to the Football League in 2013 with a Wembley play-off final win over rivals Wrexham. That night — Justin Edinburgh’s finest hour — is etched into Newport folklore. One of football’s great resurrection stories.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS – 2025-26
| Football Capacity | Approx. 5,500 for football matches |
| Opened | 1879 (third-oldest Football League venue in use) |
| Address | Rodney Parade, Newport, South Wales, NP19 0UU |
| Away Section | PureVans.com Away Stand (609 seats) + Bisley Stand away section (422 seats). Enter via Gate 6, Corporation Road. |
| Away Sat Nav | NP19 0BG (takes you directly to the away turnstile) |
| Nickname | The Exiles / The Ironsides / Amber Army |
| Division | Sky Bet League Two (2025-26). Longest current tenure in League Two — in the division every season since 2013. |
| Club Website | newport-county.co.uk |
| Ticket Office | 01633 481896 | newport-county.co.uk/tickets | office@newport-county.co.uk |
| Matchday Programme | £3.00 (cash only). Available at the ground on matchdays. |
| Stadium Shared With | Dragons RFC (Welsh regional rugby union). Check fixture calendars carefully when planning your visit. |
🚗 GETTING TO RODNEY PARADE
Rodney Parade’s location on the east bank of the River Usk makes it one of the easier lower-league grounds to reach. Newport station is barely a quarter of a mile away — the walk across the river footbridge takes around 10-12 minutes and is thoroughly straightforward. The M4 corridor puts Newport within easy reach of London, Bristol, Cardiff, the Midlands and South Wales.
It’s worth noting that the area immediately around Rodney Parade is relatively run-down — this is an honest reflection of the city’s post-industrial character rather than a safety warning. Away fans are generally well-received in colours around the city centre and en route to the ground. The ground itself is well-stewarded, and the atmosphere, while partisan, is typically good-natured.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Rodney Parade: Rodney Road, Newport, NP19 0UU | Away entrance: Gate 6, Corporation Road (Sat Nav: NP19 0BG). The ground is on the east bank of the River Usk, just across from Newport city centre and station.
🚂 BY TRAIN – Newport Station is a 10-Minute Walk from Rodney Parade
👍 Train is the Best Option: Newport station is served by Great Western Railway and Transport for Wales, with fast and frequent services from London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Cardiff Central and Birmingham New Street. It’s one of the most accessible League Two grounds in the country for rail travellers. The walk to Rodney Parade takes approximately 10-12 minutes across the River Usk via the Newport City Footbridge or Newport Bridge.
Journey Times to Newport Station:
🔴 London Paddington: approx. 1 hr 50 mins direct on GWR. Excellent direct service, making this very viable for fans travelling from London and the South East. gwr.com
🔴 Bristol Temple Meads: approx. 35-40 mins — ideal for fans from the South West. Multiple services per hour. Excellent option for a day trip from Bristol.
🟡 Cardiff Central: approx. 15-20 mins. Very frequent services. Newport is the first major stop east of Cardiff on the Great Western Main Line.
🟢 Birmingham New Street: approx. 1 hr 15 mins. Direct services via GWR and CrossCountry. Good option for fans from the Midlands.
🟢 Manchester Piccadilly: approx. 2 hrs 15 mins. Via Birmingham New Street or Bristol. A long but manageable day trip for northern fans.
🟢 Swansea: approx. 50-55 mins. Frequent Transport for Wales services along the South Wales Main Line.
Station to Ground – Walking Directions (10-12 minutes):
1. Exit Newport station via the main entrance and turn left along the main road (Queensway).
2. Follow Queensway until you reach a large roundabout.
3. Take the pedestrian underpass beneath the roundabout and at the centre turn left towards Clarence Place / River Usk.
4. Back at street level, you’ll see the Newport City Footbridge ahead — cross the River Usk.
5. Turn right onto Rodney Road. The stadium is down this road on the left.
6. For the away entrance, continue along to Corporation Road (Gate 6) — follow the signs from the footbridge.
💡 Alternatively, from the east: Sat Nav NP19 0BG takes you directly to the away turnstile on Corporation Road via the Chepstow Road approach.
🎫 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | gwr.com | tfwrail.wales | thetrainline.com
🚗 BY CAR – Easy M4 Access, but No Parking at the Ground
⚠️ KEY WARNING: There is no spectator car park at Rodney Parade. Only pre-booked spaces are permitted inside. The streets immediately surrounding the ground are subject to residents’ parking restrictions — these can catch visiting fans out. Use the town centre multi-storey car parks (approximately 10-15 minutes’ walk) or street park further away with care.
Driving Directions:
From the North & East (M4): Leave the M4 at Junction 24 and take the B4237 signposted Newport (E). After approximately 2.5 miles, turn left at the traffic lights (signposted B4237 — there is a pub called The George on the right-hand corner). Go under a bridge and at the next traffic lights turn right into Corporation Road. Pass an ATS garage on your right and the away supporters’ entrance is on your left. Sat Nav: NP19 0BG
From the West (M4): Leave the M4 at Junction 26 and take the A4051 towards Newport. After going under a flyover (A4042), reach a large roundabout and take the 2nd exit in the filter lane towards the City Centre/Railway Station. At the next roundabout take the 1st exit over the river onto the B4591 towards Maindee. At traffic lights bear right onto Chepstow Road, then first right into Corporation Road. Take the next right into Grafton Road and the entrance is on the left.
From the Midlands (A449): Take the A449 from Monmouth then join the B4237 as per the North & East directions above.
Parking Options:
🅿️ Kingsway Centre Car Park – NP20 1EU (town centre, approx. 10-15 min walk)
The closest multi-storey car park to the ground in the town centre. Off the A4042, well-signed from the ring road. Walk across the Newport City Footbridge to reach Rodney Parade. Recommended by the club. Check newport.gov.uk for current charges and opening times.
🅿️ Newport City Centre Multi-Storeys (various, 10-15 min walk)
Several pay-and-display car parks in Newport city centre, all within reasonable walking distance of Rodney Parade via the footbridge. The town centre is the safest and most practical base for away fans travelling by car. Park up, visit the pubs and town, then walk to the ground. Details at newport.gov.uk/parking
🅿️ Street Parking – Chepstow Road area and beyond
Some street parking is available on roads beyond the immediate residential restriction zone. Note that restrictions can apply to one side of a road but not the other in this area — check all signage extremely carefully. Please park courteously and be mindful of local residents. Avoid Corporation Road and the streets immediately adjacent to the stadium where restrictions apply.
💡 Top Tip: If driving from the east or Midlands, consider parking at Newport station’s long-stay car park and walking over. If coming from Bristol or London, the train is strongly recommended — Newport station is a 10-minute walk from the ground.
🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR RODNEY PARADE
ℹ️ AWAY FAN ADVICE: The city centre (across the river) is the best area for away fans wanting pre-match drinks. Away fans are generally welcomed in colours in the city centre pubs, as usual, exercise sensible caution in venues very close to the ground. The immediate area around Corporation Road and Grafton Road is best avoided for drinking. Inside the ground, a bar operates within the away stand (card only). The Excelsior Club on Corporation Road also admits away fans.
🍺 Closest to the Ground
🍺 Away Bar – Inside Rodney Parade (card only)
A bar operates within the away stand (Bisley Stand). Access once through Gate 6. Card payments only — no cash. A burger van also operates just inside the entrance. Limited space so arrive promptly if you want a pre-match drink inside.
🍺 Excelsior Club – Corporation Road (very close to away end)
A social club on Corporation Road, right by the away entrance, that has historically welcomed away supporters. Shows televised sports and is family-friendly. One for those arriving just before kick-off who want a quick pint close to the gate — but check the situation on the day as policies can change for larger fixtures.
🍺 The Godfrey Morgan (Wetherspoons) – Chepstow Road (approx. 10 min walk from away end)
The nearer of Newport’s two Wetherspoons, on Chepstow Road heading towards the ground from the city centre. Straightforward, reliable, cheap drinks and food. Named after Godfrey Morgan, 1st Viscount Tredegar, who survived the Charge of the Light Brigade and later opened Newport’s famous Transporter Bridge. Convenient for those arriving by car from the east.
🍺 City Centre (10-15 mins walk / across the footbridge)
🍺 Tiny Rebel – Cambrian Road / High Street ⭐ TOP PICK ⭐
Newport’s most celebrated craft brewery and taproom, and genuinely one of the best bars in Wales. Award-winning ales brewed locally with a rotating and adventurous range of beers. Lively, characterful atmosphere, excellent food in the evenings. Hugely popular with football fans on matchdays. If you’re only having one pre-match pint in Newport, make it here. tinyrebel.co.uk
🍺 The Pen & Wig – Stow Hill, NP20 1JD (CAMRA Good Beer Guide)
A proper traditional pub on Stow Hill, part of the respected JW Bassett group and a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular. Cosy, welcoming atmosphere with an excellent real ale selection and solid pub grub. The kind of pub that makes a Newport away day — it’s what you come to a lower-league away day for. Friendly and genuinely enjoyable.
🍺 The John Wallace Linton (Wetherspoons) – Cambrian Road NP20 4AD
Newport city centre’s remaining Wetherspoons, just a few minutes from the station. Named after Lieutenant Commander John Wallace Linton VC, a Newport-born World War II submarine commander. Newport County flags decorate the walls — it’s a convivial enough space for pre-match drinks. Cheap, reliable and conveniently located for fans arriving by train. CAMRA Good Beer Guide listed.
🍺 The Murrenger – High Street (historic Newport pub)
One of Newport’s most historic pubs, named after the medieval fee charged to maintain the town walls. A proper city-centre pub with character and a decent range of ales. A popular stop-off for away fans making their way in from the station along the High Street towards the footbridge and Rodney Parade.
🍺 Newport Market Food Hall – High Street (food and drink)
Europe’s largest indoor market regeneration is a brilliant option for pre-match eating and drinking. Independent food traders, craft beer bars, artisan stalls and a buzzing atmosphere. A superb addition to Newport city centre and well worth arriving early to explore properly before walking to the ground. Right on the High Street en route from the station.
🍔 FOOD NEAR RODNEY PARADE
🍔 At the Ground
Stadium Concourse – Burgers, Hot Dogs, Pies ⚠️ Card Only
A food outlet operates just inside the away turnstile area, with a burger van and the Bisley Stand bar offering hot food and drinks. The usual matchday fare — burgers, hot dogs, pies and hot drinks. All bars are cashless (card only). Come hungry for the burger van offerings , they’re solid League Two matchday food.
🍔 Near the Ground
Takeaways – Chepstow Road
If you’re arriving by car from the east (via the B4237/Corporation Road approach), Chepstow Road has a selection of takeaways on the approach to the ground. Convenient for a quick pre-match bite before heading to Gate 6. Fish and chips, kebabs and the usual options are all available.
Newport Market – High Street (town centre, 10-15 min walk)
The best food option in Newport before the match. The regenerated Newport Market on High Street is Europe’s largest indoor market development, packed with independent food traders, international street food, artisan bakers and specialty coffee. Arrive at least 90 minutes before kick-off to enjoy a proper pre-match meal in genuinely excellent surroundings.
Friars Walk – Newport City Centre (shopping centre with restaurants)
Newport’s modern city centre shopping complex has a good selection of chain restaurants including Zizzi, Bistro Pierre and numerous other options. Right across the river footbridge from Rodney Parade, it’s a very convenient spot for a pre-match meal before walking over to the game. Cash machines are available here — useful given the ground’s cashless bars.
🏨 WHERE TO STAY NEAR RODNEY PARADE
Newport is conveniently located on the M4 corridor and the Great Western Main Line, making overnight stays straightforward. Cardiff is just 15-20 minutes by train and offers a wider range of accommodation and nightlife for those wanting a South Wales city break around the football. Newport itself has a solid range of chain hotels in and around the city centre — most within easy walking distance of the ground.
🏨 Budget
Travelodge / Premier Inn – Newport city centre
Both chains have properties in Newport, with the Premier Inn Newport (Central) particularly well-placed for the ground. Budget-friendly, reliable and easy to book. premierinn.com | travelodge.co.uk
🏨 Mid-Range
Mercure Newport Hotel – The Coldra, NP18 2YG
A comfortable 4-star hotel just off Junction 24 of the M4, ideal for fans arriving by car. Good facilities with restaurant and bar. A short drive into the city centre. mercure.com
Cardiff – 15-20 mins by train ⭐ BEST OVERNIGHT BASE ⭐
For a full Welsh weekend break, Cardiff is a superb option. Excellent range of hotels at all price points, a world-class city centre with Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, vibrant nightlife and outstanding restaurants. Take the 15-minute train to Newport on matchday. Highly recommended for a genuine away day weekend. visitcardiff.com
🏨 Upmarket
Celtic Manor Resort – The Coldra, Newport NP18 1HQ
One of the UK’s most celebrated luxury resorts and former Ryder Cup host venue. Outstanding golf, spa, multiple restaurants and stunning Usk Valley views just minutes from Junction 24 of the M4. If you’re making a proper luxury weekend of the away day, this is an extraordinary option. celtic-manor.com
🏛️ THINGS TO DO IN NEWPORT & SOUTH WALES
Newport perhaps gets an unfair reputation as a destination, but there’s genuine substance here for the curious away fan. The city has industrial heritage with real weight, some extraordinary Roman history barely two miles away, one of the world’s most remarkable living bridges, and a National Trust treasure on its doorstep. Add the ease of day-trips to Cardiff, the Brecon Beacons or the Wye Valley, and this is a corner of Wales worth spending time in.
🌉 Newport Transporter Bridge – Grade I Listed (2 miles from station)
One of only eight surviving transporter bridges in the world, and one of only two still operational in Britain (the other is at Middlesbrough). Built in 1906, the bridge carries vehicles and passengers across the Usk on a suspended gondola — allowing tall ships to pass below. You can climb the towers for superb river views. Currently receiving significant investment with a new visitor centre. A truly unique and unmissable Newport landmark. newport.gov.uk/transporterbridge
🏰 Tredegar House – National Trust (NP10 8YW, from M4 J28)
Widely regarded as one of the finest 17th-century country houses in Britain, and Newport’s crown jewel. Home of the Morgan family for over 500 years — their most famous son was Sir Henry Morgan (1635-1688), the original privateer of the Caribbean after whom Captain Morgan Rum is named. Another Morgan, Godfrey, survived the Charge of the Light Brigade alongside his horse Sir Briggs, who lived to 28 and is buried in the Cedar Garden. Extraordinary house, superb parkland, excellent café. nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegar-house
🏛️ Caerleon Roman Fortress & Baths – NP18 1AE (2 miles from Newport)
One of Britain’s most remarkable Roman sites. Caerleon — ancient Isca — was one of only three permanent legionary fortresses in Roman Britain, home to the 2nd Augustan Legion. The amphitheatre is the best preserved in Britain. The National Roman Legion Museum is FREE and exceptional. An unmissable visit for anyone with even a passing interest in history. museum.wales/roman
🛒 Newport Market – High Street (FREE)
Europe’s largest indoor market regeneration — a stunning Victorian indoor market that has been transformed into a vibrant hub of independent food traders, craft breweries, artisan producers, creative workspaces and live events. A genuinely exciting destination for food and drink lovers and a brilliant example of urban regeneration at its best. Free to enter. Right in the city centre, en route from the station to the ground.
🐦 Newport Wetlands Reserve – NP19 9PD (RSPB, FREE)
438 hectares of remarkable wetland on the Usk estuary — created to compensate for habitat lost when the Cardiff Bay Barrage was built. Home to bearded tits, bitterns, marsh harriers, otters and superb birdlife year-round. Beautiful walking trails, a visitor centre and spectacular Severn Estuary views. A serene and genuinely special natural environment on Newport’s doorstep. rspb.org.uk/reserves/newport-wetlands
🏛️ Newport Castle – Bank Street (FREE, view from riverbank)
The remains of Newport’s medieval castle rise dramatically from the west bank of the River Usk in the city centre. Dating from the early 14th century, the castle was the birthplace of Jasper Tudor and played a role in Welsh rebellions against English rule. The east side still stands impressively. Viewable from the riverside path and surrounding streets at no cost.
🏙️ Day Trip: Cardiff – 15-20 mins by train
The Welsh capital is a superb companion to a Newport away day. Cardiff Castle and the magnificent Victorian Gothic Castell Coch, the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Bay with the Senedd building and Pierhead, the National Museum Wales (FREE) and a brilliant city-centre food and bar scene. Ideal for anyone making a South Wales weekend of it. visitcardiff.com
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE AT RODNEY PARADE
⏰ Turnstiles Open: Approximately 90 minutes before kick-off. Away supporters enter via Gate 6 on Corporation Road. An Away Fans ticket booth operates at the gate where tickets can be purchased on the day if available — cash only at the gate booth. Stadium bars are card only.
📌 Away Stands: The PureVans.com Away Stand holds 609 seats and is the primary allocation. The Bisley Stand away section provides an additional 422 seats for larger games. Both offer covered seating with decent sightlines. The Bisley Stand in particular is a smart modern stand with a good matchday atmosphere when both sections are in use together.
🍺 Food & Drink: A bar is situated within the Bisley Stand away section (card only). A burger van operates just inside the turnstile entrance. Hot and cold food and drink are available. Alcohol is served in the ground for away fans. Please note: all stadium bars are cashless — bring your card. Gate ticket booths are cash only, so bring both.
📰 Matchday Programme: £3.00, cash only. Available at the ground on matchdays. Also check the club website for digital editions and preview content at newport-county.co.uk.
🎫 Tickets: Away tickets must be purchased in advance through your own club’s ticket office wherever possible. Day-of-match tickets can be bought at Gate 6 (cash only) unless the fixture is all-ticket. Newport slightly increased prices for 2025-26 — there is a £2 surcharge for tickets purchased on the day. Check newport-county.co.uk/tickets for current pricing.
💳 Cash Machines: There are no cash machines inside the ground or immediately outside. The nearest ATMs are in the city centre across the river — available in and around Friars Walk shopping centre and along High Street. Get cash before crossing the bridge if you plan to buy a programme or gate ticket.
♿ Disabled Access: Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available in the away end. Disability Liaison Officer: Rob Parsons — dob291176@hotmail.com. Supporter Liaison Officer: Donna Linton — office@newport-county.co.uk. Full disabled supporters information: newport-county.co.uk/disabled-supporters
🚌 Getting Away After the Match: Newport station is a 10-12 minute walk via the footbridge — straightforward to leave promptly after the final whistle. Fans heading to Cardiff are on trains running every 10-15 minutes. For car users heading east, the B4237 back to the M4 (J24) is the most reliable exit route — avoid the residential streets immediately around the ground.
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Newport County have one of the most remarkable stories in English football, from collapse and exile through the courts and the lower leagues all the way back to the Football League. Their 2013 Wembley win over Wrexham, which ended 25 years out of the professional game, was one of those nights that reminded you why football matters. Rodney Parade carries that history in its atmosphere.
The ground is functional rather than beautiful, and the surrounding area is honest rather than glamorous. But the walk across the Usk on a matchday has genuine atmosphere, the away end in the Bisley Stand is decent, and the Amber Army create real noise. Give Newport the respect its story deserves — this is a football club that fought legal battles in court to survive, with 400 fans keeping it alive when everything fell apart.
Make time for Tiny Rebel before the game — genuinely one of the finest craft breweries in Wales. Get to Newport Market for food. And if you have a day or two, Caerleon’s Roman fortress, Tredegar House and the extraordinary Transporter Bridge are genuine unmissables. The Celtic Manor and Cardiff are outstanding overnight options for those making a proper South Wales weekend of it.
🟡⬛ Enjoy Your Away Day at Rodney Parade – Come and See The Exiles! ⬛🟡
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS & LINKS
🏟️ Newport County AFC: 01633 481896 | newport-county.co.uk | office@newport-county.co.uk
🎫 Tickets: newport-county.co.uk/tickets | Gate 6 on matchday (cash only)
♿ Disabled Fans: newport-county.co.uk/disabled-supporters
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
🚂 Transport for Wales: tfwrail.wales
🚂 Great Western Railway: gwr.com
🅿️ Newport Parking: newport.gov.uk/parking
🌉 Newport Transporter Bridge: newport.gov.uk/transporterbridge
🏰 Tredegar House (National Trust): nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegar-house
🏛️ Caerleon Roman Museum (FREE): museum.wales/roman
🍺 Tiny Rebel Brewery: tinyrebel.co.uk
🏙️ Visit Newport / Visit Wales: visitwales.com
📸 SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
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⚽ Part of the Football Nonsense League Two Away Days Collection
For more away day guides across all four divisions, visit footballnonsense.co.uk
© 2026 Football Nonsense. All rights reserved. Information researched and verified for the 2025-26 season — always check newport-county.co.uk for the latest matchday details before travelling.
John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.