To celebrate English Tourism Week 2026, we’re proud to be shining a spotlight on some of the very best reasons to visit Newbury.
Steeped in history and surrounded by some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside, the idyllic market town of Newbury is the perfect base for exploring some of southern England’s best attractions.
Shaw House
The Shaw House team at West Berkshire Council have been busy behind the scenes creating a brand-new visitor experience! Step inside beautifully dressed rooms that bring the House’s remarkable past to life, each reflecting a different era – from Tudor and Stuart through to Georgian and Edwardian influences.
The new offering will be available from 1st April 2026 – visit the Shaw House website for more information, opening times and admission prices: www.westberkshireheritage.org/shaw-house
Donnington Castle
Just 1.5 miles north of Newbury, the iconic Donnington Castle offers fantastic panoramic views across Newbury and the surrounding countryside.
The castle dates to the 14th century and its prominent location served a strategic purpose during the English Civil War, overlooking the major crossroads running north to south and east to west.
After two bloody battles, Parliamentarian forces laid siege to the castle for 20 months, leading to the Royalists’ eventual surrender and orders for the castle to be demolished. Thankfully, the iconic twin-towered gatehouse and large defensive walls still survive today, and the site is free to explore.
Legend has it that both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I stayed at the castle in its heyday!
Learn more on the English Heritage website: www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/donnington-castle
Newbury’s Paddington connection
With his signature red hat, blue duffle coat, and marmalade sandwich, Newbury’s Paddington statue celebrates the town’s connection to Michael Bond, creator of the beloved bear.
Bond was born in 1926 in West Mills, just a short stroll from Newbury town centre. Bond spent much of his childhood in Berkshire, and after serving during the Second World War he published his first book ‘A Bear Called Paddington’ in 1958.
Over 65 years on, you can now find Paddington sitting proudly on a bench outside Newbury’s historic Camp Hopson department store which, interestingly, is where Michael Bond’s mother worked!
Kennet & Avon Canal
Flowing right through the heart of Newbury, the historic Kennet & Avon Canal is the the perfect place to set off for a walk through the beautiful West Berkshire countryside.
For something a little different, why not enjoy a tour on one of the traditional narrowboats operated by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust and take the opportunity to explore historic Newbury from the unique viewpoint of waterways!
Learn more on the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust website: www.katrust.org.uk/our-boats
Highclere Castle
Highclere Castle, the real-life Downton Abbey, is only six miles from Newbury town centre and is high up on the list of must-see attractions when you visit the area.
The castle hosts tours at different points throughout the year, typically during the Easter and Summer holiday seasons, alongside themed seasonal tours and activities. The beautiful grounds also form the backdrop of the spectacular open-air Battle Proms each summer.
Tickets for tours are available to purchase in advance on the Highclere Castle website: www.highclerecastle.co.uk/visit-us
A bustling local arts scene
Newbury has a thriving arts and culture scene, with some truly world-class venues right on our doorstep bringing theatre, music, film and exhibitions to the local area all year round.
You can catch everything from comedy and cinema to live theatre at the historic Corn Exchange in the heart of Newbury town centre, enjoy drama in the round at the picturesque Watermill Theatre, recently named Theatre of the Year at the Stage Awards 2026, or experience a packed programme of live music and performances at Arlington Arts.
Art lovers can also explore inspiring exhibitions and creative workshops at The Base, Greenham, a vibrant creative hub supporting artists from across the region.
Learn more about Newbury’s arts and culture scene here: visitnewbury.org.uk/enjoy/arts-culture
Newbury Racecourse
Newbury Racecourse is a world-class venue with over 100 years of heritage, drawing thousands of visitors to the area each year.
The racecourse offers a packed annual calendar of events and it’s not just about the racing – this year’s calendar includes concerts by Gipsy Kings, Ronan Keating, Tinie Tempah and Jessie J!
The venue is also one of the area’s largest conference and event spaces. Learn more about everything coming up on the Newbury Racecourse website: www.newburyracecourse.co.uk/whats-on
A packed calendar of free outdoor events
Newbury’s events calendar is packed with free outdoor events that bring Newbury town centre to life throughout the year. From the spectaular Newbury Spring Festival Parade, which marks the start of the internationally renowned two-week Newbury Spring Festival, through to the spellbinding Festival of Light in the winter, there’s rarely a quiet weekend in the town!
Some upcoming highlights include the return of the Italian AutoMoto Festival in June, where classic Italian vehicles will line the historic Northbrook Street, and July sees daring teams take to the tarmic in front of thousands of spectators at the Newbury BID Krazy Races.
The town boasts regular themed markets too, with a weekly Charter Market, monthly Farmers and Artisans markets, and a quarterly Antiques & Vintage Street Market.
You can find the full list of upcoming events at visitnewbury.org.uk/events
Greenham Common & Greenham Control Tower
Local residents will already be familiar with the beautiful Greenham Common, but people from across the globe may know the site better as the Rebel Base from Star Wars!
The former airbase is no stranger to international attention either, most notably when the Women’s Peace Camp was established in the 1980s to protest American cruise missiles being stored at the base throughout the Cold War.
Last year marked 25 years since the common land was handed over from the military and back into public ownership, with the space finding a new lease of life as one of West Berkshire’s most-loved and most fascinating green spaces, offering a haven for wildlife, walkers and runners!
You can learn more about the fascinating history of Greenham Common by visiting one of the few remaining airfield buildings, the Control Tower, which has been lovingly refurbished as a visitor centre, museum, community hub, and café, all run by volunteers from the local community: www.greenhamtower.org.uk
Newbury town centre
We couldn’t end the list without celebrating Newbury itself, the beating heart of our community and a town that really delivers far beyond its size.
With a brilliant mix of independent retailers and eateries alongside the high street names you know and love, make sure you plan some time to explore – especially if you are looking to visit to any of the attractions listed above!
Learn more about everything Newbury has to offer on our website: visitnewbury.org.uk
