Newbury Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Donnington Castle showing a ruin, heritage architecture and a sunset
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 £58 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
£58
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Highclere Castle and Newbury Town Hall are ...
7.6/10 Good! (670 reviews)
Would stay again
"Old but comfortable hotel. The bed way way too soft but I had a good nights sleep."

Reviewed on 18 Mar 2024

The Chequers Hotel
Donnington Grove Country Club
Donnington Grove Country Club
3 out of 5
Grove Road, Donnington, Newbury, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £87 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
£87
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 3-star golf country house in Newbury. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a golf course. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (586 reviews)
"A lovely escape. wonderfully quirky with beautiful grounds. The facilities in room are great for the price. Can’t fault it!"

Reviewed on 20 Mar 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 £64 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
£64
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Newbury. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
7.4/10 Good! (849 reviews)
"The Hotel is moving towards being more business orientated and neglecting the standard required for visiting people for the area or visiting friends, as we was/"

Reviewed on 21 Feb 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.
SACO Reading - Castle Crescent
SACO Reading - Castle Crescent
4 out of 5
2-12 Castle Crescent, Reading, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Reading. Enjoy free WiFi, on-site parking and a flat-screen TV. Popular attractions Nirvana Spa and Hexagon are located nearby. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (97 reviews)
"This is a brilliant location and the apartment is large and comfortable"

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2024

SACO Reading - Castle Crescent
Oxford Studios
Oxford Studios
3.5 out of 5
82 Blenheim Rd, Kidlington, England
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Kidlington. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions River Cherwell and Oxfordshire Museum ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (43 reviews)
Lovely stay!
"Absolutely loved my stay here, was only there for one night but wish I was there for longer. Lovely interior, so clean and tidy. Would definitely stay there again. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 20 Mar 2024

Oxford Studios
The Lakes By YOO
The Lakes By YOO
2.5 out of 5
Coln Park, Claydon Pike, Lechlade, England
Stay at this spa aparthotel in Lechlade. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and a full-service spa. Popular attractions St. Mary's Church and Kelmscott Manor are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (10 reviews)
"Amazing place! Worth every penny! Truly unique!"

Reviewed on 28 Dec 2023

The Lakes By YOO
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.

Popular places to visit

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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
16 Feb 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
16 Dec 2019

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
29 Sep 2019

Nice town, generally like it,

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
3 Sep 2019

Good shops good clean green spaces nice place to stay

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
17 Aug 2019

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

4/5 - Good

Patricia
29 Jul 2019

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

Cities near Newbury