Newbury Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Newbury which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Experience the charm of an English market town that’s small in size but offers big attractions, including a famous castle and racecourse, and stunning countryside.

Although it is a relatively small town, Newbury is one of the most prominent urban centers in Berkshire. It offers rich culture and history alongside contemporary conveniences. Discover the delights of this pretty town and use it as a base to explore the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, located on Newbury’s doorstep.

The River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal wind their way through the town, creating a scenic backdrop. Enjoy a canal boat cruise through the English landscape or take a leisurely walk or cycle. Find more natural beauty at the indoor Living Rainforest, a unique and vast conservation project housed under glass. It is home to many rare and endangered plants.

Visit Newbury’s historic attractions too. Shaw House, which played important roles in the Civil War and World War II, is a fabulous example of an Elizabethan manor and is open to the public. The crumbling remains and towering gate house of the mighty 14th-century Donnington Castle offer the romance of bygone years.

It is Highclere Castle, however, that is the most well-known historic attraction in the area. It’s the seat of the Earl of Carnarvon and the set for the television drama Downton Abbey. Take the opportunity to visit this wonderful estate when it is open to the public.

Enjoy a shopping trip to Newbury’s modern malls and independent local stores. The Kennet Shopping Centre offers high street brands and plenty of eating options. Parkway is an open-air shopping development in the heart of town.

When it comes to sport and the arts, Newbury doesn’t disappoint. The Corn Exchange is the town’s main arts center and provides a varied program. Newbury also hosts an impressive line-up of music and arts festivals throughout the year. Head to the Newbury Racecourse, famed across the world for its horse racing events, for a memorable day out.

Newbury is about a 1.5-hour drive from London. The journey by train takes from 1.5 to 2 hours. The town itself is small enough to walk around. There is also public transportation and plenty of parking available.

The Chequers Hotel
The Chequers Hotel
4 out of 5
6-8 Oxford Street, Newbury, England
The price is ฿2,331 per night from 17 Nov to 18 Nov
฿2,331
฿2,798 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Nov - 18 Nov
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newbury. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (754 reviews)
Good value.
"Good value for the price. Exceptionally clean.Large spacious room, very comfotable bed. I requested a ground floor room; I was told it would open onto the car park which is in a secure off-street courtyard, but that was actually very convenient for me. Good breakfast. Centrally located in ..."

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2024

The Chequers Hotel
Donnington Grove Country Club
Donnington Grove Country Club
3 out of 5
Grove Road, Donnington, Newbury, England
The price is ฿2,930 per night from 21 Nov to 22 Nov
฿2,930
฿3,517 total
includes taxes & fees
21 Nov - 22 Nov
Stay at this 3-star golf country house in Newbury. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a golf course. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (627 reviews)
"Really nice quiet place to stay."

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Donnington Grove Country Club
DoubleTree by Hilton Newbury North
DoubleTree by Hilton Newbury North
4 out of 5
M4 Junction 13 Oxford Road, Newbury, England
The price is ฿2,057 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
฿2,057
฿2,469 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Newbury. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (914 reviews)
"Very good breakfast"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2024

DoubleTree by Hilton Newbury North
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Central Gate Apartments by House of Fisher
Central Gate Apartments by House of Fisher
3.5 out of 5
41 West Street, Newbury, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Newbury. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Highclere Castle and West Berkshire ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (65 reviews)
Stay here
"Really great"

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2024

Central Gate Apartments by House of Fisher
Oxford Studios
Oxford Studios
3.5 out of 5
82 Blenheim Rd, Kidlington, England
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly holiday home in Kidlington. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Blenheim Palace ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (67 reviews)
"The Oxford studios was very cute and modern. It felt clean. There were some dishes that weren’t washed and instant coffee sachets that we open and not removed. Other than that very nice. Straight forward to enter the property. Communication with hosts was timely and efficient ."

Reviewed on 11 Nov 2024

Oxford Studios
PREMIER SUITES Reading
PREMIER SUITES Reading
4 out of 5
Minster Court, Minster Street, Reading, England
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Reading. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free bicycles on-site and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Nirvana Spa and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (113 reviews)
Excellent
"Second time staying. Lovely place would recommend"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

PREMIER SUITES Reading
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Newbury

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
16
" "5 - Excellent 21.333333333333332%
4 - Good
43
" "4 - Good 57.333333333333336%
3 - Okay
14
" "3 - Okay 18.666666666666668%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.3333333333333333%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 1.3333333333333333%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely market town with plenty of eating places and only a short drive

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Newbury and Thatcham are my hometown so they will always hold a special place in my heart as my friends and family still live nearby

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice town, generally like it,

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Good shops good clean green spaces nice place to stay

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Newbury is a great place to visit, plus surrounding areas.

4/5 - Good

Patricia

Good shops, bars and restaurants. Felt safe but many people sleeping in shop doorways.

Cities near Newbury