Top Things to do in Newbury
10 Things to Do in Newbury That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Newbury, United Kingdom (UK) including Welford Park, Nature Discovery Centre, Kennet Horse Boat Company, Highclere Castle, Newbury Racecourse, Sandham Memorial Chapel, Kennet & Avon Canal, Donnington Castle, Snelsmore Common Country Park, Shaw House.
Restaurants in Newbury
1. Welford Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By Sheilambutcher - Berkshire, United Kingdom
The snowdrops here are very impressive. It's worth getting here early as if it's a nice day it gets very crowded later. The walk along the river and round the snowdrops is lovely and the café offers home made cakes and other goodies. The profits go to local charities which is good. It's all very well organised and there are lollipop men for crossing the road.
2. Nature Discovery Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
The Nature Discovery Centre is a visitor centre on a nature reserve on the outskirts of Thatcham, Berkshire. This fantastic visitor centre is packed full of interactive wildlife and natural history displays. There is a network of footpaths ranging from small family-friendly walks to longer paths for the more adventurous, and the bird hide offers a perfect opportunity to watch the world go by. We also have a Lakeside Cafe where you can enjoy hot and cold homemade food and drinks looking out over the lake.
Reviewed By JStephens0n - Thatcham, United Kingdom
A great place to walk, watch the birds, have a picnic or simply relax. Ideal for families and anybody who appreciates the wonders of nature. Well signposted, easily accessible.There is a good trail from there to Newbury along the canal or go towards Midgham if you enjoy walking or cycling.
3. Kennet Horse Boat Company
Overall Ratings
5 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By Hazel W - Solihull, United Kingdom
We had booked a coach trip from our local pub, which first stopped in Newbury for lunch and then on to Kintbury for the Horse Drawn Canal Boat Trip. The day was very warm and sunny we began the trip at 2pm when our horse named Drummer was 'introduced ' to us by Steve and the Crewe. We all- 50 senior citizens had a wonderful time watching the beautiful countryside glide past, the boat had a bar on board serving a variety of drinks and halfway through the trip we had a choice of tea or coffee and a large slice of homemade sponge cake. The locks were skill fully negotiated by the crew and Drummer made good use of the time to munch the grass beneath the trees, we were allowed to get off for a short time while the boat was turned around for our return trip.
About 3 hours later -too quickly it seemed we were back, the lads were brilliant ensuring everyone was cared for, laughing and helping wherever needed. We will be booking for our trip again next year it was really different and can't come soon enough.
4. Highclere Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Designed by Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Houses of Parliament, this is considered to be one of the finest Victorian homes still in existence, which houses fine furniture and works of art.
Reviewed By Melissa H - Piedmont, South Carolina
My daughter and I came all the way from the U.S. mainly to attend the special Mother's Day Tour and Tea. It was wonderful. We toured several rooms of the castle and were shown historical heirlooms as well as details about the filming of Downton Abbey. We then were served afternoon tea in the main dining room. Lady Carnarvon came in and spoke to our group. She was friendly and gracious to stop at each table to speak to her guests. With a limited number of tickets being sold for the event, we enjoyed a non-crowded atmosphere. A truly lovely place and memorable day.
5. Newbury Racecourse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 452 reviews
Newbury Racecourse is one of the UK's most prestigious racing venues, with 31 quality racedays each year. Opened in 1905 the course is home to the famous Hennessy Gold Cup and the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes, but also hosts world famous music acts during the summer months. The racecourse boasts three large grandstands making it a versatile venue for any event.
Reviewed By Albermarle - Surrey
Went for the pre Xmas meeting . Reasonably busy for a midweek meeting and quite good quality of racing. Grandstand is obviously quite new, looks a bit like a small airport terminal . Inside on the ground floor , it is just one big space...MoreDear racegoer Thank you for your feedback. We are always trying to improve the experience that we offer and it is nice to hear that things are going in the right direction. Kind regards The Newbury Racecourse team
6. Sandham Memorial Chapel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By ChrisC46 - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
I brought my wife here to see how the place has changed in the past fifty years. However, I was, embarassingly, mistaken as the former visit was made to the Stanley Spencer gallery in Cookham so we need to visit there again . However this was new to us and very moving. Prior to visiting the Chapel there is an exhibition, a cinema room and a small room where you may try on First world war clothing if you so wish. The chapel itself which relies on natural light is rightly renowned for Spencer's depiction of mundane war scenes contrasted with scenes from the Salonika front and most moving of all the grand mural behind the altar showing the dead of the Great War rising and handing their grave crosses to Jesus. Immense detail and binoculars are available and necessary to try and take that detail in.
7. Kennet & Avon Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 253 reviews
Reviewed By sheepygold - london
There are more than a hundred listed buildings in Reading but unfortunately the vast majority along the section of the canal and river that runs through central and East Reading are really dreadful. I walked along the Abbey Backwater to the River Kennet and then along and across Bridges on other bits. There was not much that stood out - some nice cottages maybe. The buildings that are / were the Riverside Museum are interesting as is the information board there by the weir but this is now part of a pub / restaurant. If I had more time I would have continued East along the River Kennet as it does start to become more rural quickly.
8. Donnington Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 286 reviews
Reviewed By JSM_Travel - Canberra, Australia
Easily located along a narrow road signposted off the high street. A short history is available on the plaque nearby - fill in the gaps with Google or a brochure from the tourist centres. Used by several generations of monarchs and yet another well preserved reminder of England's past.
9. Snelsmore Common Country Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By penny277 - Swindon, United Kingdom
Went here with 2 of my daughters, granddaughter and daughters niece with daughters dog.
Lots of parking and toilets clean.
Not suitable for double buggy or single buggy in places. For this reason our visit was cut short. However, if it was without buggies it would have been a nice walk. Ponies roaming freely.
10. Shaw House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
Built in 1581 by Newbury clothier Thomas Dolman this fine Elizabethan building was recently restored through a £6million project. The stories and characters from Shaw House’s varied past are bought to life in the new exhibition. An ideal day out for families; Wheelie Do activities are located throughout the house, with activities from designing the Gardens to playing our Civil War board game. Exciting and varied events program. Open most weekends.
Reviewed By rubyme - west coast of Scotland
Well,what a find, especially on a beautiful ,sunny day.Shaw House is in one word, magnificent, especially to an architecture buff like me.The House is open to the public only at weekends and holidays and we will certainly return . Apparently the rooms are not furnished because over the centuries ,the refurbishements and varying family have parted with it ,I believe there are some excellent painted panels to see.
The Gardens and land are quite extensive and there is a sculpture garden too.
They hold a variety of events throughout the year so check out there programme,something for all the family.Disabled friendly too.
Cafe and outside Seating
Around £9 entrance
TAGS
