Re-Visit Newbury, the quintessentially English market town where history meets imagination.
Unsurprisingly, Newbury has been put on the map in recent years for its prestigious racecourse and for starring on the small (and big) screen in Downtown Abbey. The hit ITV series starring Maggie Smith and Lily James was filmed in Newbury’s famous 15th century country house, Highclere Castle. While a trip to the opulent castle grounds should be on your radar, the quaint market town of Newbury just a stone’s throw away is well worth a day trip or weekend visit this summer. You’ll quickly learn what’s so special about the place Highclere Castle calls home…
Based in the heart of rural West Berkshire, Newbury is surrounded by areas of outstanding natural beauty. Walk in almost any direction from the town centre and you’ll quickly be met by rolling countryside and canal-side splendour. With the Kennet & Avon Canal passing through Newbury town, and glorious award-winning parks bringing calming and invigorating green space to the town, you can truly take time to breathe when you visit Newbury.
And yet, it will take little more than half an hour to travel to this starring destination from most areas across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Newbury is ideally situated at the crossroads of Southern England, making it easily accessible by car, rail, and even bike, foot, or barge.
Newbury’s fabulous location goes hand-in-hand with its historic market town feel and independent culture. 63% of hospitality businesses are independent, making Newbury an easy choice for your next boozy brunch (because bottomless is better), or date night. Try different cuisines such as award-winning Japanese at The Sushi Maki, or street food at The Spare Wheel for an al fresco dining experience under the summer sun in the Market Place.
Visit on selected Sundays throughout the summer to hear live music fill the air, as talented local bands and DJs perform live as part of the Summer Sundays music series. Alternatively, Weavers Walk tucked away off the main high street is something of a hidden treasure. Greenery hugs the walls and colourful flower baskets hang above the restaurants that occupy this beautiful sun-spot. Try Lebanese House or Lusso Pizzeria and Pasta for an authentic taste of the Mediterranean in Newbury town centre.
Head for some retail therapy as 100+ national brands in upmarket Parkway Shopping and Grade II listed high street buildings join over 50 independent retailers to boost Newbury’s special offer. Check out ladies’ fashion boutique, B the Lifestyle Shop, on historic Bartholomew Street to understand why it is listed as one of the Best Local Shops in the UK.
Parkway Shopping will soon be launching the return of their annual Summer Series and Big Summer Screen of Sport. Dressing the open shopping space with planters and providing ample deckchairs across the freshly laid grass; live music, themed weekends, and family-friendly activities will be free for all to enjoy over the coming weeks and months (ice cream in hand optional!).
Additionally, on the last Sunday of each month, visitors can enjoy the sizzling smells of Newbury Artisan Market, which regularly delivers fresh and exciting artisanal offerings and seasonally produced local dishes, to complement the well-established variety of businesses already lining Newbury’s historic streets. Specialist markets such as the quarterly Vegan Market are also held regularly throughout the year and are well worth a visit.
If that’s not enough, book tickets for your favourite comedian or watch live performances at one of Newbury’s world-class venues such as the Corn Exchange or the Watermill Theatre – one of Britain’s Best Regional Theatres.
Given all this, it’s no surprise Newbury is part of the Great West Way tourist route. Click here for the latest news on events and activities in the town.
