Discover the fascinating story of West Berkshire’s history at West Berkshire Museum in Newbury’s Wharf. Housed in two of the town’s historic buildings, the 17th century Cloth Hall and the old Granary/Corn Stores, the museum is home to a permanent exhibition which takes you on a journey back in time, starting at the very beginning with the rocks under our feet.

Learn about our early ancestors, the well know characters that have shaped local history such as Jack of Newbury, and the locals who created our towns and villages, roads and canals, farms, industries, and buildings.

Be enthralled by some of the internationally significant events which take taken place throughout our local history, including the Greenham Common protests, and delve into the past to learn about the battles of Newbury, the town’s heritage in the cloth and corn trades, and the rise of horse racing and theatre as leisure pursuits.

Entry to this community museum is free, but donations help to maintain, conserve and add to their collections. The second floor galleries are home to a series of special exhibitions and the museum runs a year-round programme of talks and family activities. Books and souvenirs are available to purchase from the museum shop, and the museum café serves hot and cold drinks and cakes and slices made by a local baker.