Newbury between canal history and culture

Newbury combines historic buildings with a varied cultural programme and destinations in the surrounding countryside. The Kennet-&-Avon Canal runs through the town centre; nearby are Donnington Castle and Greenham and Crookham Commons. When planning your trip, you can therefore decide whether town history, an event or the countryside should shape your stay.

Town history and historic houses

Near Newbury, Donnington Castle withstood a 20-month siege during the English Civil War. Its surviving twin-towered gatehouse, dating from the 14th century, stands within impressive earthworks. The combination of the gatehouse and earthworks gives the historic site a striking architectural dimension; the siege also connects it to a specific chapter of English history.

Shaw House is close to the town centre and is a Grade I listed building. In the 16th century, it was the home of local cloth merchant Thomas Dolman. Today, the house hosts exhibitions and performances both indoors and on its grounds. Here, the building’s former use and its present-day cultural offerings come together in a single historic house.

The West Berkshire Museum is housed in Newbury’s 17th-century Cloth Hall and the old Granary/Corn Stores. Admission is free. If you plan to visit the museum, it is worth checking the latest visitor information. Alongside Shaw House, this gives you two different historic buildings in the town: one with exhibitions and performances, the other a museum with free admission.

Culture, the market and events

The Corn Exchange Newbury has a 400-seat auditorium. Its programme includes theatre, dance, comedy, music, family activities and film, as well as outdoor events. This variety offers several possible cultural themes for a stay; which ones suit your travel dates depends on the programme at the time.

Newbury Market has a long history. Its offerings include traditional stalls, crafts and clothing. The market complements the town’s permanent cultural venues with an experience shaped by the goods and stalls on site. If you would like to discover different sides of Newbury, you can treat the market and the events programme as separate focuses for your trip.

Victoria Park is home to a historic bandstand. Events take place there in spring and during the summer months. This seasonal setting distinguishes the offering from the cultural venues described as being open year-round: if you are planning to attend an event at the bandstand, your travel dates and the specific event schedule are therefore especially relevant.

Canal, countryside and racecourse

The Kennet-&-Avon Canal runs through the centre of Newbury. At Newbury Wharf, you’ll find buildings associated with the history of the canal. The canal within the townscape and the historic buildings at the wharf offer two related but distinct points of interest if you are interested in the waterway and its history.

Near Newbury, Greenham and Crookham Commons form the largest lowland heath in West Berkshire. Their main paths are flat and accessible to people with limited mobility, cyclists and horse riders. This description of accessibility applies to the main paths; it distinguishes the commons from the historic and cultural attractions in town and may be important when choosing what kind of excursion interests you.

Newbury Racecourse combines more than 100 years of history with modern sports and event facilities. It hosts race meetings and other events. The racecourse is about a 20-minute walk from the town centre. The approximate walking time gives you a guide for planning, while the events can provide a separate, date-dependent reason to visit.

For a stay with a stronger focus on history, consider the museum, Shaw House, nearby Donnington Castle and the buildings at Newbury Wharf as distinct themes. You can choose the focus of your trip according to the specific places and attractions that interest you.

Discover more destinations: Wokingham, Lambourn, Hungerford, Crockham Heath, Wickham, Reading, Streatley, Winnersh.

For the main travel overview: Berkshire.