If you’ve popped into the bakery over the last few days, you may already have spotted the beautiful new orange tree mural inside the bakery. The artwork was commissioned to celebrate Newbury’s connection to Michael Bond, creator of Paddington Bear, and GAIL’s worked with two local artists, Samantha Clarke and Anna Lawrence, to bring the idea to life.

Samantha is a seasoned upcycler who runs Restyled By SLC in The Arcade, just over the road from GAIL’s. Anna hosts step-by-step painting workshops to help people embrace their inner creativity, alongside a busy job running the The Swan Inn in Newtown!

It’s all part of a lovely new initiative from GAIL’s to embrace the culture and heritage of the communities surrounding each of their bakeries, and we absolutely love this thoughtful addition to Newbury town centre.

To mark the launch of the mural, GAIL’s will also be hosting a handful of family-friendly activities and giveaways throughout the May half term week.

On Wednesday 27th May, the bakery is holding a free storytelling session where Rosemary Flower, a volunteer Newbury Library, will be sharing some Paddington stories between 10am and 10:30am. Sounds perfect if you’re looking for something relaxed to do with little ones during the school break!

There’s a special treat for grown-ups on Thursday 28th May, as customers purchasing GAIL’s Marmalade will receive a free loaf of GAIL’s Sourdough (available while stocks last, so we’d suggest getting in early!).

Younger visitors are also invited to get stuck in with themed colouring sheets throughout the week, and if you’re out and about in the town centre during half term, keep an eye out for the GAIL’s team handing out marmalade sandwich tasters.

We’d love to see any photos you take in front of the mural so please do tag @visitnewbury and @gailsbakery in any images you share!

What a lovely example of a national brand celebrating local heritage and bringing something a little different to the town centre this half term.

The post GAIL’s Bakery partners with local artists for new mural first appeared on Visit Newbury.

The statue celebrates Newbury’s connection to Paddington’s creator, Michael Bond, who was born in West Mills, just a short stroll from Newbury town centre. You can find Paddington sitting proudly on his bench outside Camp Hopson on Northbrook Street.

We had planned to give Paddington a quick touch up earlier in the year, but some unpredictable spring weather put those plans on hold. Thankfully, a beautiful sunny morning gave us the chance to head out and give Paddington a little TLC, just in time for the Bank Holiday weekend and school break.

Thank you so much to Teresa from No 96 Home & Gifts, a lovely independent store on Northbrook Street, for helping us with the painting – it’s always best to trust someone who knows their way around a paintbrush!

There’s plenty to do in Newbury town centre over the coming week, especially if you have little ones to entertain over the school break. Don’t forget, you can find details for many half term events, clubs and activities here on our local events calendar.

While you are out enjoying the town centre events, we’d love to see any photos you take with Paddington! You can tag us in any photos you share on social media by using the tag @visitnewbury on Facebook or Instagram.

The post Paddington is looking his best as Newbury heads into half term! first appeared on Visit Newbury.

From 9:30am, Northbrook Street will be lined with iconic Italian vehicles, ranging from vintage classics to modern-day supercars. Last year’s event brought beautiful Italian vehicles spanning 101 years of automotive history to the heart of Newbury, and we can’t wait to see returning exhibitors and brand new vehicles this summer.

The event is organised in partnership by Italian AutoMoto Club, Newbury BID and local charity Newbury Lions Club, offering an exciting free day out for locals and visitors of all ages. The event also coincides with the monthly Farmers Market in Market Place.

While you visit, why not plan ahead and book in to one of the town centre’s charming restaurants, take a quick pit stop for a coffee and cake, or browse from Newbury’s wonderful selection of independent retailers and national brands.

Any vehicle owners interested in exhibiting their Italian vehicles can click here to sign up (£10 per car, £5 per bike). Funds raised will support Newbury Lions’ important work in the local area.

Stay up to date with the latest event details by following @visitnewbury on social media.

The post Italian Auto Moto Festival returning for a second year first appeared on Visit Newbury.

Shaw House has stood on the north edge of Newbury since 1581. It has welcomed both Tudor and Stuart royalty, been the site of an English Civil War battle, survived both World Wars and schooled generations of local children. With the changes of ownership and use of the House over the centuries, the original contents were sold off in 1905 and 1945, leaving the rooms empty for more practical uses as a school and, more recently, as a conference and meetings venue.

From 1 April 2026, visitors can explore the newly dressed rooms and find out about the historical significance of the House. Each room will represent a different era of history with influences from the Tudor, Stuart, Georgian and Edwardian periods, along with interpretations of family life at Shaw House on display, helping visitors to step back in time and connect with our local heritage in fresh and engaging ways.

Councillor Nigel Foot, West Berkshire’s Executive Member for Leisure, Sport and Countryside, said:

“Shaw House is one of West Berkshire’s most treasured heritage sites, and this new visitor experience will bring its remarkable history to life in an exciting and accessible way.

“We’re incredibly proud to showcase four centuries of stories, craftsmanship and character, and to enhance the gardens and facilities for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a regular visitor or discovering Shaw House for the first time, there has never been a better time to explore this wonderful place.”

Visitors can also access the special exhibitions ‘Dressed for Battle’ displaying English Civil War arms and armour on loan from the Royal Armouries, and our ‘Dressed for Shaw’ display with replica costumes highlighting the changing fashions through time.

The garden will see further improvements to complement the Tudor Garden, which opened in March 2025. The next phase of the work will include a rose garden to replicate the gardens which were originally depicted in Country Life magazine in 1910, and further development of the Community Garden area. The house and garden improvements will be delivered with thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

A new accessible playground funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is also planned to be in place by summer 2026.

New entry fees will be introduced from Wednesday, 1 April, allowing visitors to take a self-guided tour of the exhibition rooms (£9 for adults and £6 for children) and concessions, with a special rate of £6 for West Berkshire residents. Entry to the gardens and playground area will remain free of charge for everyone, ensuring Shaw House continues to be a welcoming space for the whole community to enjoy. The café and gift shop are open to all visitors, including anyone using the gardens or playground.

Guided tours will also be available to book from £12 per person. For more information, please email shawhouse@westberks.gov.uk.

To learn more, visit the West Berkshire Heritage website: www.westberkshireheritage.org/shaw-house

The post Bringing history to life at Shaw House first appeared on Visit Newbury.

The clean-up helps keep Newbury town centre looking its best for residents, visitors and local businesses alike, and was timed to coincide with VisitEngland’s English Tourism Week and Keep Britain Tidy’s Great British Spring Clean campaign.

Focusing on areas around the town centre that are typically privately owned and outside of the local authority’s remit, volunteers collected more than 45 bin bags of rubbish (that’s over 2,000 litres!), removed overgrown weeds, cleaned public waste bins and cleared old cable ties from lampposts and street signs.

Newbury BID and Visit Newbury would like to extend a huge thank you to all the organisations and individuals who took part, including:

• Newbury Building Society
• West Berkshire Council
• Elis Cleanroom
• Rectory Clinic
• PALS
• Volunteer Centre West Berkshire
• Lions Club
• Restyled By SLC
• and members of the public who generously gave their time!

We’d also like to thank Côte Newbury for providing refreshments, and GAIL’s Bakery for surprising us with some delicious sweet treats for volunteers to enjoy.

A further thank you goes to West Berkshire Council for providing cleaning and safety equipment and for the staff who supported the clean-up on the day.

The next Community Clean-Up is scheduled for Wednesday 19th August. If you’d like to get involved, please email info@newburybid.com to register your interest, and we’ll be in touch with further details nearer the date.

The post Volunteers spring into action for Newbury BID’s first Community Clean-Up of the year first appeared on 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 14^th 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

The post 10 Reasons to Visit Newbury and Explore the Surrounding Area first appeared on Visit Newbury.

Following a successful launch last year in partnership with ACVR Events, the much-loved Antique & Vintage Street Market will take place quarterly throughout the year.

Visitors can look forward to exploring Northbrook Street on Sunday 12th April, Sunday 14th June, Sunday 6th September and Sunday 15th November, as the popular market brings vintage charm back to the heart of town.

The Antique & Vintage Street Market sees collectors and traders bring a huge array of interesting and affordable items for sale, including furniture, vintage textiles and accessories, glassware, prints and posters, medals and postcards, kitchenalia, gardenalia, decorative items for your home, quirky industrial finds and a whole lot more.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or are simply looking for a unique day out, the market offers a true treasure trove of finds. It also complements Newbury’s already impressive market calendar, which includes the monthly Farmers Market and Artisan Market, alongside the regular Charter Market.

All upcoming market dates can be found on the Visit Newbury events calendar.

The market also welcomes new traders and enthusiasts to get involved, including those specialising in upcycled and repurposed items – helping to give pre-loved pieces a new lease of life and keep them out of landfill.

For further information about joining the market (you will need a gazebo to trade from) get in touch with Jackie at ACVR Events on jackieedwardsmarketing@gmail.com or call 07514 680872.

Further information can be found at www.acvrevents.co.uk.

The post Antique & Vintage Street Market returns, 2026 dates announced first appeared on Visit Newbury.

Team applications are open, and we’ve got some fantastic news to share, especially if your entry form has been sitting on the backburner over the winter months (with the weather we’ve been having, we really can’t blame you).

All teams that sign up between now and Thursday 12th March 2026 will receive a complimentary screen logo advert worth £200, giving you the chance to showcase your logo on the big screen at the event.

More than 26,000 people joined us in Newbury town centre last summer for an unforgettable day of racing, creativity and family fun at the very first Newbury BID Krazy Races. That makes this a brilliant opportunity to get your business or organisation in front of thousands of spectators throughout the day.

Visit www.krazyraces.co.uk to register your team before midnight on Thursday, 12th March 2026 to secure this special offer.

You can click here to learn more about the Newbury BID Krazy Races, and don’t forget to follow @visitnewbury on social media for the latest event updates!

The post Newbury BID Krazy Races: team sign-up offer! first appeared on Visit Newbury.

As part of the Greenham Trust Charity Awards programme, the People’s Choice Award demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to supporting local good causes and gives the public the unique opportunity to vote for one of five shortlisted local charities to receive a £5,000 grant. The other award winners, including the prestigious Greenham Trust Charity of the Year Award, are decided by a judging panel.

The People’s Choice Award is a brand new category for 2025, and is proudly sponsored by Visit Newbury.

The five shortlisted charities are:

Berkshire Youth

Berkshire Youth supports children and young people on their journey from childhood to young adulthood through youth programmes and activities. Their services are open to all, however most of their beneficiaries are vulnerable young people who need extra support.

Bridge for Young People

Bridge for Young People supports vulnerable 16–25-year-olds who have come from foster care, a children’s home or have been homeless. They provide them with a home and support so they can move on to become happy and independent young people.

Citizens Advice West Berkshire

Citizens Advice West Berkshire helps people when life gets tough. They give free, confidential, and independent advice. Their advisers support people with problems such as debt, housing, benefits, employment, consumer issues and family difficulties.

Swings & Smiles

Swings & Smiles offers specialist support to children and young people with disabilities as well as their families. Their centre in Thatcham, A Place to Play, gives 0–19 year-olds with disabilities the chance to enjoy play in a safe, supportive environment.

West Berkshire Therapy Centre

West Berkshire Therapy Centre supports people with a wide range of health conditions, including Parkinson’s, MS and stroke. The Centre offers individually tailored exercise routines using specialist power-assisted equipment which help to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Voting is now open, and everyone is encouraged to take part. Only one vote per person is permitted, and voting will close at midnight on Sunday, 2 November 2025.  The winner will be announced at the Greenham Trust Charity Awards at the Corn Exchange, Newbury on Thursday 6 November.

To learn more about the charity awards and cast your vote in the People’s Choice Award, visit: greenhamtrust.com/awards-voting

Chris Boulton, Chief Executive of Greenham Trust, said: “The People’s Choice Award empowers the public to directly support an organisation that matters to them. Each of these finalists is doing outstanding work, and this is a chance for the community to get behind them in a meaningful way.”

Ben Beardmore-Gray, Marketing Manager at Newbury Business Improvement District adds: “When Greenham Trust mentioned they were looking to launch a new award category that the public could vote on, we knew straight away this was a category we would love to be involved in. The shortlist for the People’s Choice Award includes some brilliant local charities, all of whom work tirelessly to help make a real, meaningful impact on local people’s lives. By sponsoring the People’s Choice Award, we are delighted to be able to use our public-facing Visit Newbury brand to help shine a very bright spotlight on the fantastic and selfless work they do.” 

The post Your vote counts! It’s time to pick your favourite charity in the People’s Choice Award 2025. first appeared on Visit Newbury.

From whacky karts to adrenaline-filled downhill action, Newbury BID Krazy Races has already cemented itself as one of the town’s most exciting family days out, following its debut in August this year. Applications are now open for teams and sponsors to get involved in one of the most anticipated events on Newbury’s 2026 calendar.

Volunteer Centre West Berkshire has been picked as the Headline Charity Partner for 2026’s event, highlighting the vital work they do in supporting the area’s vibrant charitable sector while also delivering Newbury’s Shopmobility, Community Car and Newbury and Thatcham’s Handybus services.

We are looking for 20–40 teams from local businesses, schools, colleges, charities, and community groups to design, build, and race their very own soapbox creations at Newbury BID Krazy Races. From imaginative costumes to outrageous kart designs, the competition will be fierce – and the entertainment guaranteed.

The much-loved Newbury course will once again start at Strawberry Hill / Old Bath Road roundabout, racing down Oxford Street, and finishing at The Broadway by the Clock Tower. Expect twists, obstacles, ramps, and hair-raising moments along the way as teams battle it out for glory.

Northbrook Street will become home to a vibrant Event Village, packed with food stalls, family entertainment, and a giant screen broadcasting every high-speed twist and turn of Newbury BID Krazy Races.

“After such a successful event debut in August, we are delighted to announce that Newbury BID is bringing Krazy Races back to Newbury in 2026! The event delivered everything we hoped it would, offering a fantastic action-packed day out in the town centre which spectators of all ages could enjoy for free.

Over 26,000 people visited Newbury on the day, with teams and the public sharing overwhelmingly positive feedback on the event, and many businesses also reported a really positive day trading thanks to the increased footfall. We can’t wait for next year’s event!”

– Ben Beardmore-Gray, Marketing Manager at Newbury BID

“We had an absolute blast taking part in the very first Newbury BID Krazy Races – even if we didn’t quite take home the trophy! That’s why we’re back in 2026, ready to go bigger, faster, and crazier with our soapbox. Being named the headline charity is the cherry on top.

Not only do we get to race alongside amazing local businesses and charities in this brilliant community celebration, but we also get to raise vital funds to continue our work as a Council for Voluntary Service, supporting the West Berkshire VCSE sector. With the community cheering us on, we’re aiming to smash our fundraising target and make a real difference for local voluntary and community organisations – all while having an absolute blast doing it!”

– Rachel Peters, CEO of Volunteer Centre West Berkshire, Headline Charity Partner

“Newbury blew us away in 2025 – it was clear from the atmosphere on the day that Newbury BID Krazy Races HAD to return! The town centre was buzzing, and we’re determined to make 2026 even more spectacular. We’re thrilled to be working with Newbury BID once again to bring this unique event back for the amazing people of Newbury.”

– Danny Scoffin, Head of Brand & Strategic Development for Krazy Races

Team applications are open now! Visit www.krazyraces.co.uk to secure your place before it’s too late.

Follow @visitnewbury on social media to keep up to date with the latest event details.

The post Back by popular demand – Newbury BID Krazy Races returns in 2026! first appeared on Visit Newbury.