In 1891, Lord Tredegar donated land to provide a public park for Newport residents. An open competition to design and construct the park was won by Thomas H. Mawson (1861-1933) of Windermere, a self-taught horticulturist who came from a humble background. The sweeping steps and terraces at Belle Vue are examples of Mawson’s trademark style. Mawson went onto become one of the most famous and influential landscape architects of his time.

Work began in 1892 and Belle Vue Park was opened in 1894. The park has many Victorian features, including conservatories, pavilion, bandstand, rockeries, ornamental trees, walks, lawns, and water features. The park offers wonderful views of Newport’s Transporter Bridge — However, this was likely not by design as planning work on the bridge did not begin until 1900.

In 1896, the Gorsedd Stone Circle was added for the National Eisteddfod held in the park the following year. The bowling greens were opened in 1904 and the Tea House was added in 1910.

In 1996, Cadw — the Welsh Government’s historic environment service — gave the pavilion, conservatories and terracing a Grade II listed status and extended this to the gates, gate piers, lodges and tea house in 2000. The park underwent restoration work from 2003–2006 with the aid of the Heritage Lottery Fund who awarded Belle View Park £1.5 million.

Available in August 2016 at Crafted, a design-led store selling items sourced from within a 25 mile radius of Newport City Centre.

The print measures 10 x 13 1/2 inches, to fit perfectly in the 40 x 50 cm IKEA Virserum frame.

{This travel print was a limited run and has sold out. Thank you to everyone who bought one! There are greeting cards available at Crafted.}