Things to do in Newbury, Berkshire
- Newbury was the site of two major battles during the English Civil War in 1643 and 1644, which remain central to local historical identity.
- The town was once a major stop on the coach route between London and Bath, leading to the development of numerous historic inns.
- Greenham Common, located just outside the town, was the site of a controversial cruise missile base during the Cold War and is now an expansive nature reserve.
- The Newbury Racecourse is one of the most prominent horse racing venues in the UK, established in its current form in 1905.
- The Kennet and Avon Canal, which runs through the town, was fully restored in the 20th century to provide a continuous navigation route from the Thames to the Bristol Channel.
About Newbury, Berkshire
Newbury is a significant market town in West Berkshire, historically centered on the wool trade and positioned along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Its strategic location at the confluence of the River Kennet and the Lambourn provides a landscape rich in heritage, featuring local landmarks such as St Mary's Church [241861]. The surrounding region is dotted with historic sites, including the 13th-century National Trust - Great Coxwell Barn [42772] and the neoclassical Buscot Park [36037]. The area serves as a gateway to the North Wessex Downs, blending industrial canal history with traditional English village architecture.
Highlights of Newbury, Berkshire
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Explore an extensive collection of fine art housed within a neoclassical 18th-century country mansion.
Historical places
Admire the preserved 13th-century oak timber framing of one of the largest medieval monastic barns in England.
Temples
Visit this historic parish church to observe its traditional English ecclesiastical architecture.
Museums
View rotating contemporary exhibitions and creative works at this dedicated regional arts space.
Top things to do in Newbury, Berkshire
The 50 highest-rated places in Newbury, Berkshire, ranked by travellers.
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Zoos
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is set within 160 acres of parkland surrounding a listed Victorian Gothic manor house....
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Zoos
Crocodiles of the World is the United Kingdom's only specialist crocodile zoo, housing a collection representing 15 of t...
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Newbury, Berkshire on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Newbury, Berkshire
May to September, when the canal towpaths and surrounding countryside are most accessible for walking and outdoor recreation.
2 days, allowing time to explore the town center, the canal, and nearby historic village sites.
The town center is highly walkable, while surrounding rural attractions are best accessed via local bus services or private vehicle.
Stay in the town center near the Kennet and Avon Canal for easy access to shops and transport, or choose guesthouses in the surrounding Berkshire villages for a quieter experience.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining prices are typical for a prosperous English market town.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 50 curated attractions in and around Newbury, Berkshire, ranked by traveller ratings.
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is the highest-rated place to visit in Newbury, Berkshire right now.
The largest category is temples, with 21 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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