Rogerstone’s canal and building history offers a way to explore the area. The Fourteen Locks Canal Centre is in Rogerstone, Newport; the Fourteen Locks Heritage Trail runs along the Cefn Flight. The focus is on lock construction and industrial heritage, complemented by two 19th-century church buildings. The two subjects offer different perspectives: the technical structure of the locks and the processing of lime on the one hand, and the churches’ construction dates and design on the other.

Fourteen Locks and the Cefn Flight

The Fourteen Locks flight was completed in 1799. The Fourteen Locks Heritage Trail runs along the Cefn Flight, which consists of a single lock (Lock 21), five pairs of locks and a group of three locks. Five pairs make ten locks; together with the single lock and the group of three, this explains the fourteen in the name. The flight is one of the steepest climbs formed by a larger series of locks in the United Kingdom. Lock 11 is known as “Mystery Lock.”

Industrial heritage along the trail

There is also a limekiln on the Fourteen Locks Heritage Trail. Limestone was burned there to produce lime, which was used as fertiliser or mixed with sand to make mortar. The limekiln adds a specific story of production to the lock engineering: burnt lime had two distinct uses. The limekiln highlights the processing of raw materials and their use; the lock flight can be understood through its construction. Together, they reveal different aspects of industrial history.

Opening hours and directions

As of 1 September 2026: the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre, shop, museum and Dadford Tea Room are open seven days a week from 9:30 to 16:00; the Centre also holds history talks and walks throughout the year. The programme may change. Check opening hours and current event dates before travelling. The Centre is about half a mile from M4 Junction 27 and is signposted from the motorway. The canal towpath is part of National Cycle Route 47 and runs alongside the Sirhowy Valley Walk. These details refer to different points: the M4 junction and signposting relate to the Centre, while the two route references relate to the towpath. The descriptions also differ: the towpath is part of National Cycle Route 47; it runs alongside the Sirhowy Valley Walk.

Church architecture and design

Rogerstone Wesleyan Methodist Chapel was built in 1832. Its masonry is made of Pennant sandstone, while the ashlar details are made of Bath Stone. St Basil and St Gwladys in Rogerstone is a Gothic Revival church dating from 1892. Its features include a picturesque stone bellcote and a carved wooden rood screen. This rood screen is an unusual feature in a late 19th-century Catholic church. This offers a distinction for visitors interested in architecture: the Chapel’s materials are central, while St Basil and St Gwladys is notable for its combination of Gothic Revival style, bellcote and rood screen.

Discover more destinations: Castleton, Newport, Marshfield, Caerleon, Bettws

Back to the main travel overview: Newport.