Near Newbury, Donnington Castle withstood a 20-month siege during the English Civil War; the Kennet-&-Avon Canal runs through the town centre. These historic landmarks sit alongside a museum in historic buildings, a varied cultural programme and heathland in the surrounding area. When planning a trip, this brings together local history, events and landscape.
Town history and historic houses
Donnington Castle’s surviving two-towered gatehouse dates from the 14th century and stands within impressive earthworks. The castle thus brings together the history of the siege and surviving medieval architecture as distinct historical points of interest.
Shaw House offers a different perspective: this Grade I listed building was the home of local cloth merchant Thomas Dolman in the 16th century and is located near Newbury town centre. Exhibitions and performances take place in the house and on its grounds. Its former role as a residence and its cultural programme each offer a distinct perspective on the historic house.
The West Berkshire Museum is housed in the 17th-century Cloth Hall and the old Granary/Corn Stores in Newbury. Admission is free. If you’re planning a visit, check the latest opening information in advance.
The Kennet-&-Avon Canal runs through the centre of Newbury. Buildings associated with the history of the canal stand at Newbury Wharf. The canal can therefore be understood both through its route through the centre and through the historic buildings at the wharf.
Culture, markets and events
Newbury Market has a long history. Its traditional stalls sell crafts and clothing. Both the market’s historic character and the goods on offer provide concrete reasons to explore the town.
Corn Exchange Newbury has an auditorium with 400 seats. Its varied programme includes theatre, dance, comedy, music, family events, film and outdoor events. The range spans everything from stage productions to film and open-air events. If you want a particular event to determine your travel dates, check the specific programme dates.
A historic bandstand in Victoria Park hosts events in spring and during the summer months. If you’d like to include these dates in your plans, bear in mind that they are seasonal.
Newbury Racecourse combines more than 100 years of history with modern sports and event facilities. In addition to race meetings, it hosts other events. The racecourse is about a 20-minute walk from the town centre; this is an approximate guide.
Heathland and paths
Near Newbury, Greenham and Crookham Commons form the largest lowland heath in West Berkshire. Their main flat paths are accessible to people with limited mobility, cyclists and horse riders. The information about path conditions and permitted uses applies to these main paths.
Location for planning your days
The location details help distinguish destinations in Newbury from those in the surrounding area: West Berkshire Museum is in Newbury, Shaw House is near the town centre, and Donnington Castle and the commons are nearby. For the racecourse, the approximate 20-minute walk from the town centre is a specific point of reference.
Discover more destinations: Thatcham, Frilsham, Winnersh, Wokingham, Inkpen, Chieveley, Theale, Easton
For the broader travel overview: Berkshire.
