The busy market town of Newbury lies on the River Kennet, and to the north, west and south, is surrounded by the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In the south, downland rises from the river valley providing wonderful views.
Newbury was founded in the 11th century and acquired the name 'new' because it was one of many new towns established after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
The valley of the River Kennet has provided an important east-west transport route for the Kennet and Avon Canal, the Great Western Railway and the A4 London to Bristol Road (now replaced as a long-distance route by the M4).
The Kennet and Avon Canal now offers attractive walks to visitors and locals along the towpath either towards Hungerford or Reading.
Boat trips are also available and information on these can be obtained from the visitor centre at Aldermaston Wharf.
Beside the West Berkshire Museum is the Newbury Tourist Information Centre, housed in the Old Granaries, a 17th century building, with its galleried upper storey, dates from the time of Charles II.
Newbury is a thriving cultural centre with the Corn Exchange venue, The Watermill Theatre at Bagnor, beside the River Lambourn, and the New Greenham Arts Centre, a small vibrant arts centre on the old air base at Greenham Common.
Newbury is famous for horse racing, especially the Newbury Racecourse.
This area is infamous as the site of the Greenham Common Air Force Base. Established in World War II, the base was later home to US Air Force bombers and tankers and was one of only two bases in the UK equipped with Ground Launched Cruise Missiles. From 1981 - 2000 a large number of women occupied a peace camp at Greenham Common to protest against the presence of nuclear weapons on UK soil. With the ending of the Cold War the base was closed and much of the site was restored to heathland. In 2002 a peace garden was created just outside the Main Street entrance to New Greenham Common to commemorate the Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp.
To the west of the town on Combe down are the remains of the Iron Age Walbury Hill Fort. At 974ft (279m), this is the highest point in South East England and from here there are panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Nearby stands Combe Gibbet, the wooden gibbet, replaced several times over the centuries, marks the site of a double hanging in 1676.
Newbury Racecourse The Racecourse, Newbury RG14 7NZ
Off to the races ? The course offers some of the finest horse racing on both the flat and over jumps. Newbury Racecourse information
Living Rainforest Hampstead Norreys near, Newbury RG18 0TN
One of the first centres of its kind in Europe, the Living Rainforest gives visitors the chance to wander through a growing rainforest under glass. Living Rainforest information
Donnington Castle Donnington near, Newbury
Ruined Gatehouse. Donnington Castle information
Welford Park Welford, Newbury RG20 8HU
A delightful Queen Anne house north of Newbury, with beautiful gardens. Welford Park information
Desmoulin Gallery 3 The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AS
Set beside the Kennet and Avon Canal, the gallery is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Newbury. Desmoulin Gallery information
West Berkshire Museum The Wharf, Newbury RG14 5AS
Currently CLOSED for redevelopment. Expected to re-open 2014. West Berkshire Museum information
Corn Exchange Market Place, Newbury RG14 5BD
A multi-art venue with theatre and dance, housed in an historic building in the market place. Corn Exchange information
New Greenham Arts 113 Lindenmuth Way, New Greenham Park, Newbury RG19 6HN
Events in a 120-seat studio space, put on by the Corn Exchange. Gallery. New Greenham Arts information
The Watermill Theatre Bagnor, Newbury RG20 8AE
Beside the River Lambourn at Bagnor in a converted mill, this friendly venue, seating 200, presents a number of new productions a year. The Watermill Theatre information
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Stockcross Newbury RG20 8JU MAP The private, luxurious Vineyard at Stockcross is an award-winning 5-star Hotel and Spa near Newbury in Berkshire. It offers beautiful bedrooms and gourmet cuisine amongst an exquisite art collection. Daniel Galmiche, the award-winning Executive Chef, off... More Information and Book ... |
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London Road Newbury RG14 2BY MAP Surrounded by 9 acres of woodland and rivers, the Grade II listed Newbury Manor Hotel is just 15 minutes’ walk from Newbury town centre. It offers an award-winning restaurant and free Wi-Fi. Many bedrooms have balconies overlooking the Kennett and Lamb... More Information and Book ... |
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Winchester Road Newbury RG20 9LE MAP The Carnarvon Arms is a modern country inn run by a friendly and welcoming team offering sensational food, stylish bedrooms and sensible prices. The cosy inn is a few miles from Newbury town centre and close to Newbury Race Course. The Grade II listed bu... More Information and Book ... |
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Hamstead Marshall, Newbury RG20 0HW MAP A 16th-century coaching inn located in the historic village of Hamstead Marshall, The White Hart Inn is a 10-minute drive from Newbury. You can enjoy home-cooked food and a wide range of wines, beers, spirits and champagne. With simple décor and a moder... More Information and Book ... |
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Bowling Green Rd, Thatcham Newbury RG18 3RP MAP The Regency Park Hotel matches stylish, chic and contemporary interiors with quality, comfort and exceptional service. This 4-star luxury hotel has spacious bedrooms together with a luxury indoor leisure club, an award-winning restaurant and extensive co... More Information and Book ... |
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Moto Service Area A34 Oxford Road Chieveley Newbury RG18 9XX MAP ... More Information and Book ... |
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Jago Court Newbury RG14 7EZ MAP Close to the heart of Newbury's town centre, this luxury 2-bedroom apartment offers stylish and contemporary accommodation, free parking and free wired broadband internet access. With modern furnishings and décor, the Jago Apartment has 2 double bedroo... More Information and Book ... |
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St Johns Road Newbury RG19 7LX MAP Less than 500 metres from Newbury's town centre and railway station, this spacious 2-bedroom executive apartment is stylish and contemporary with free parking and free wired broadband internet access. Built to a very high specification, the Discovery Cou... More Information and Book ... |
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5 Pelican Lane Newbury RG14 1NP MAP In the town centre, close to all that Newbury has to offer, this modern one-bedroom executive apartment has free wired broadband internet access and free gated secure parking. Built to a very high specification, the Pelican Apartment has one double bedro... More Information and Book ... |
In nearby counties, but close to Newbury, are some historic buildings to visit. Four miles south of Newbury is Highclere Castle, in Hampshire, and on the Berkshire Downs at Lanbourn in Oxfordshire is Ashdown House
Towns Near Newbury To Visit - straight line distance:
Thatcham Tourist Information (2.76 miles) Hungerford Tourist Information (8.45 miles) Pangbourne Tourist Information (11.59 miles) Lambourn Tourist Information (11.74 miles)