Summary
The largest town in West Berkshire, Newbury forms a pair with Thatcham on the River Kennet by the North Wessex Downs.
Newbury serves as the UK headquarters for Vodafone and several other high-technology firms, showcasing a long-standing history of business proficiency.
In the 16th century, the cloth trade flourished here, with the prominent cloth merchant Jack O’Newbury constructing the hall that currently houses the town museum.
Later, Newbury evolved into an inland port on the Kennet & Avon Canal, which remains an essential part of the townscape at the Wharf and Victoria Park.
Located just a few minutes from the town center is Highclere Castle, widely recognized as the filming location for the acclaimed TV series, Downton Abbey.
Let’s explore the best attractions in Newbury:
1. Highclere Castle
Those familiar with the series Downton Abbey will immediately recognize this splendid country estate.
Highclere Castle has been the rural residence of the Earls of Carnarvon since 1679, with much of its architecture dating back to the early 1840s.
This structure exemplifies the Jacobethan style, which is a revival of architectural elements from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Earlier, renowned 18th-century landscape architect Capability Brown designed the gardens.
During the summer months and on certain select dates throughout the year, visitors can immerse themselves in the life of the fictional Crawley family, exploring filming locations both inside and outside the castle on guided tours of the great hall, library, dining room, music room, saloon, drawing room, and bedrooms.
Additionally, the estate features a collection of Egyptology artifacts accumulated by the 5th Earl’s involvement in excavations such as the Tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922.
2. Shaw House
Owned by West Berkshire Council, this magnificent Elizabethan manor house on the northeastern edge of the town dates back to 1581. Shaw House was commissioned by the wealthy cloth merchant Thomas Dolman and is architecturally significant as an early example of the symmetrical H-plan.
Queen Elizabeth I visited during the 16th century, and in the 18th century, Shaw House became the property of James Brydges, the 1st Duke of Chandos, a patron of the composer George Frideric Handel at the onset of his career.
From February to September, visitors can explore Shaw House on weekends, with numerous family-friendly activities available.
These events may include afternoon teas, outdoor film screenings, theatre performances, history-themed workshops for children, puppet performances, floral arrangement classes, and discussions regarding the mansion’s history.
3. Donnington Castle
Near the River Lambourn on the northern outskirts of Newbury, visitors can find the evocative ruins of what was once a royal stronghold.
Donnington Castle originated in 1386 and was sold in 1398 to Thomas Chauncer, son of the celebrated poet Geoffrey, a notable figure in early English literature.
During the Tudor period, ownership shifted to the crown, with both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I spending time here.
The castle’s most significant era unfolded during the English Civil War, as control alternated between Royalists and Parliamentarians.
In 1646, following an 18-month siege, the fortress was dismantled, leaving only the imposing gatehouse and extensive earthworks from the Civil War era.
4. Sandham Memorial Chapel
A hidden gem in the Hampshire countryside, Sandham Memorial Chapel features a series of evocative paintings by British artist Stanley Spencer.
The chapel, constructed in the 1920s, houses Spencer’s cycle of 17 paintings created up to 1932. These works reflect his experiences during the First World War, focusing on his daily life rather than the brutality of battle.
The chapel’s design draws inspiration from the 14th-century Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, famous for its frescoes by Giotto, and it hosts an important annual service for Remembrance Day.
5. West Berkshire Museum
This regional museum resides in two of Newbury’s most valued historical structures.
One building is the Cloth Hall, established as a cloth factory in 1627, while the other is the former granary located at the Wharf.
The museum, renovated in 2014, offers a multifaceted examination of West Berkshire.
Visitors can learn about significant figures from the area, including Jack O’Newbury, a dominant force in the Tudor-era cloth trade.
The museum commemorates two Civil War battles that occurred in Newbury and recounts the 19-year history of the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp, which protested nuclear arms at the RAF base until 2000. Additionally, it features an exhibition about Newbury Racecourse, along with temporary exhibits and seasonal showcases of art, sculpture, and crafts.
6. Newbury Racecourse
In some circles, the name “Newbury” is synonymous with horse racing, and the town’s acclaimed racecourse even has a dedicated railway station.
Newbury has hosted racing events since the early 19th century, with the current racecourse established in the Greenham area in 1905. The venue welcomes both National Hunt (jump) and flat racing, boasting over 30 race days throughout the year.
Key highlights of the racing calendar include the Ladbrokes Trophy in November and the Grade I Challow Novices’ Hurdle at the end of December, both of which are jump events. The Group I Lockinge Stakes in May represents flat racing.
During summer, live entertainment is featured on race days, with prominent artists such as Tom Jones and Jessie J performing as part of the Party in the Paddock series.
7. Corn Exchange
In 1993, the historic Neoclassical Corn Exchange (1862), located in Newbury’s Market Place, was transformed into a performing arts center with a capacity of 400 seats.
This venue has a rich history of live performances, notably hosting a legendary altercation between members of The Who in 1966. A diverse array of performances, including classic pop, rock, and classical music, take place at the Corn Exchange, with live broadcasts from the Royal Opera House during their season.
Dance enthusiasts can enjoy performances, engage in workshops, and watch live streams from the Royal Ballet.
Children can participate in “make and do” days, and top comedians perform throughout the year.
On any given evening, guests may arrive for a film, whether it’s a major Hollywood production or an independent release, with the Kitchen & Bar in the foyer providing a refined dining option for lunch.
8. St Nicolas Church
Constructed in its entirety during the 16th century, St Nicolas Church stands as a uniform example of the Perpendicular Gothic style. Its grand scale reflects Newbury’s prosperous cloth industry during this period.
Distinct motifs in the stonework reveal the church’s construction date, as the pomegranates and portcullises symbolize the marriage between Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon in 1509. Observe the intricate tracery on the windows, adorned with Victorian stained glass from a 19th-century renovation.
Inside, one can find the Jacobean pulpit dating back to 1607, from which the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, is known to have preached in 1740. The south aisle features a magnificent 16th-century Renaissance memorial for Griffin Curteys, which also depicts his wives and children.
9. North Wessex Downs
Newbury is situated at the edge of a 670-square mile expanse of undulating chalk hills.
The North Wessex Downs constitute the third largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, offering exhilarating walks over verdant hills, crystalline chalk streams, extensive distant views, and abundant wildlife.
One of the trails, the Lambourn Valley Way, begins in Newbury and follows the course of the River Lambourn for 20 miles, ultimately reaching the Uffington White Horse.
This prehistoric equine figure, measuring 110 meters, was carved into Whitehorse Hill approximately 5,000 years ago.
However, you need not venture far as minutes from Newbury, one can find elevated terrain where deer and bird species, including red kites and buzzards, may be spotted.
10. Watermill Theatre
This esteemed and intimate performing arts venue was established in 1967 within an 18th-century mill on the River Lambourn.
With a seating capacity of 220, the Watermill Theatre is renowned as one of the leading producing theatres in the country, with many of its productions touring major venues across the UK. Each season sees the introduction of up to ten new plays, which may be adaptations of fairytales or classic novels by authors such as Dickens and Terry Pratchett, as well as original works from some of the foremost playwrights.
For instance, during the 2018-19 season, productions included John Eyre, Robin Hood, Noël Coward’s Easy Virtue, and Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s new play Trial by Laughter.
11. Kennet and Avon Canal
Constructed in phases throughout the 18th century, this waterway intersects the West of England, extending from Bristol to Reading.
For much of its existence, the Kennet and Avon Canal facilitated the transport of Somerset limestone to London, before experiencing a decline with the advent of the railway system.
Newbury offers a particularly picturesque stretch of canal that runs adjacent to the Newbury Wharf, a remnant of a once active inland port.
The Kennet and Avon Canal Trust operates a café and information center at the wharf, and organizes weekend trips on a narrowboat at 12:00 and 14:00. For the more adventurous, narrowboat rentals are available for self-guided excursions lasting a day or longer.
12. Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre
Located to the south of Thatcham, this 165-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest features the Thatcham Reed Beds, which hold national importance due to their diverse ecological environment comprising grasslands, hedgerows, dense alder woodlands, fens, and vast reed beds.
This variety of habitats supports numerous plant and animal species, including breeding birds such as common terns, swallows, house martins, swifts, and Cetti’s warblers.
The Discovery Centre showcases engaging exhibitions focused on natural history and wildlife while providing a network of trails throughout these habitats.
The Lakeside Café offers light meals, while a gift shop supports the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust.
13. Victoria Park
At the dawn of the 20th century, this common next to the Kennet was re-named Victoria Park in honor of the long-reigning monarch.
The park is home to a statue of the queen, supported by four lions, which was initially installed in Newbury’s Market Place in 1903 before being relocated to its present site in 1966. During the summer months, families can take advantage of the many facilities available, including a splash park, boating pond, and skate park.
Visitors can reserve a tennis court or enjoy a picnic beside the canal, with weekly concerts held at the bandstand by local and military brass bands.
14. Bucklebury Farm Park
Situated on what was once a working farm, Bucklebury Farm Park offers families an animal and activity park spread across 77 acres in the picturesque Pang Valley.
The park distinguishes itself from similar attractions with its extensive deer herd, featuring sika, axis, fallow, and red deer species.
All day long, visitors can partake in deer safaris and tractor rides that provide close encounters with these majestic animals.
Additionally, many other farm animals await, including llamas, pygmy goats, pigs, wild boars, donkeys, sheep, and chickens, while children can interact with rabbits and guinea pigs in the petting zoo.
For outdoor fun, the park includes a castle-themed playground, a giant bounce mat, go-karts, and a zip-wire, with refreshments available at Crunch’s Cabin and Woody’s Café.
15. Newbury Artisan Market
On the last Sunday of each month, Northbrook Street and its adjoining lanes transform into a bustling market from 10:00 to 16:00. The market offers a variety of art, vintage clothing, unique crafts, homewares, flowers, delectable street food, and high-quality produce.
Visitors can explore selections of sauces, macarons, ciders, jams, olives, organic honey, pastries, premium cuts of meat, and freshly baked breads.
A dedicated Kid’s Corner keeps young attendees engaged and entertained while parents take a moment to relax, and on occasion, live music performances can be enjoyed.
