Lord Louis Library

Standing right in the heart of Newport, this proper working library doubles as a useful rainy day escape when the island weather turns. The Lord Louis Library serves the local community with books, computers and study spaces, though it's hardly a tourist destination in its own right. What makes it worth mentioning is its central location and the fact that it's free - handy when you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks and need somewhere warm and dry.

Families with bookish kids might find it a decent pit stop, especially if you're already wandering around Newport's shops. The opening hours are reasonable too, staying open until half past five most weekdays and five on Saturdays. It's closed Wednesdays and Sundays, which is worth knowing if you're planning around it.

Honestly, unless you're caught in a proper downpour or desperately need internet access, you'd be better off exploring the island's proper attractions. But if you're staying at Springfield Oaks Camping or one of the other sites within a couple of miles, it's there if you need it. The building itself won't win any architectural prizes, but it does what libraries should do - provides a quiet space and helpful staff.