Newbury’s Festival of the Moon awaits you.

It’s official! Booking.com has awarded Newbury the title of 12th friendliest town in the UK. Booking.com is one of the largest global online travel agencies. And now, thanks to Visit Newbury, you can experience the warmth and hospitality of this enchanting market town through their summer extravaganza – the Festival of the Moon.

Perfectly positioned with easy and affordable travel links from London, Bristol, Bath, and Birmingham, Newbury is shaping up to be the ultimate summer destination (where you don’t have to worry about airport queues and flight delays!). And, with a magical, moon-inspired range of events happening all summer, the stage is set for a day that promises memories to last a lifetime.

Your perfect day in the friendliest town

9:00 am: Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast at one of the cosy cafés lining Newbury’s picturesque streets. From freshly baked pastries and the infamous Skull Crusher coffee at Rufus Cafe, to the full English at Bill’s, you’ll be set up for a morning of exploring.

10:00 am: Visit Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon, a spectacular lunar installation inside the Corn Exchange, celebrating celestial beauty. Take a moment to bask in its ethereal glow, while taking in music by BAFTA winning composer, Dan Jones.

11:00 am: Embrace tranquillity with one of our Moon-themed Yoga sessions. Align your body and spirit under the gentle guidance of seasoned instructors.

1:00 pm: Refuel with a sumptuous lunch. Grab sushi at awarding winning, local independent Japanese restaurant The Sushi Maki, or pick up a panini at Honesty Cafe and wander along the canal to The Wharf

2:30 pm: Find your inner space geek and delve deep into the mysteries of the universe with a captivating talk by astrophysicist Dr Chris Pearce. Let him transport you across galaxies and black holes, enriching your understanding of the world beyond.

5.00 pm: Grab an early dinner, and talk about everything you’ve seen and heard at one of the town’s top restaurants. Choose tapas from Goat on the Roof, Mussels at Cote, or Italian at Mio Fiore – and indulge in the gastronomic delights on offer.

7.30 pm: Now you’re fuelled, dive into an adventure and try your hand at paddleboarding, with Wild Paddle or Blue Lemon. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned expert, you can experience sunset from the calm waters.

9:00 pm: Close your day with a stellar performance by the sensational local Zoe Badman. After launching her spellbinding new album at the world-famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club, she graces Newbury with her soulful tunes. Let her melodies be the perfect ending to your day.

11:00 pm: Walk (weary, but happy) back to one of Newbury’s welcoming inns or boutique hotels, ensuring you drift into dreamland with memories of a day well spent.

Whilst you are visiting Newbury, why not make it a full weekend? With the real Downton Abbey just a stone’s throw away, take a tour around the world famous Highclere Castle. 

With the Festival of the Moon, Newbury isn’t just inviting you for a visit, but a heartfelt embrace. Organised by Visit Newbury, this event is an ode to community spirit, the wonders of the universe, and the undeniable allure of Newbury. Join in the festivities and discover why Newbury truly is one of the friendliest towns in the UK.

For more information about the Festival of the Moon, to book tickets, and to discover other exciting happenings in Newbury, please visit the Visit Newbury website at https://visitnewbury.org.uk/festival-of-the-moon.