Visit Newbury
The idyllic market town with a big heart and a lot going on.
Old meets new in the historic market town of Newbury, which is rapidly becoming one of the most vibrant and must-visit areas in the South East. With specialty markets, impressive events programmes, and over 100 independent shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants, Newbury is undoubtedly one of the best market towns in the country.
The bustling but quintessentially British market town marries the west, east and south, making it easily accessible by train, car, bike, foot, and even boat! Steeped in nature, you are always only a short walk away from the very heart of the Kennet and Avon Canal, nestled in the town centre. With this in mind, visitors are spoiled for choice for things to do only a stone’s throw away from the waterside.
Newbury is bursting in history; surrounded by some of West Berkshire’s most historic buildings and outstandingly beautiful countryside. There’s a museum, housed in a 17th century Cloth Hall and Corn Store which explores its eponymous heritage, a Gothic 9th century church, and a famous Beynon building, which has stood out for all the right reasons with its quirky architectural features since 1827.
And it’s not just its history Newbury has to boast about; with its world-class theatre, independent shopping, and indulgent dining experiences for all to enjoy, this market town is a true showstopper.
Over half of Newbury’s eateries, bars and cafés are independently owned, and while the town isn’t short on places to indulge, scoff and sip, there is always room for more. Head to one of Newbury’s monthly Artisan Market which takes place on the last Sunday of each month and showcases the best of homemade with unique gifts, and artisan food produce to sink your teeth into. Newbury’s Vegan Fair is not to be missed and takes place once a quarter, for all your eco-friendly and cruelty-free goodies- certainly not just for vegans!
Retail therapy in Newbury offers something unique with its very own 100-year-old, three-storey department store Camp Hopson, ‘Best Local Shops, Boutiques and Independent Business in the UK’ award winner B the Lifestyle Store, and award-winning ‘Best Retailer of British Beer in the South’ and 'Best Craft Alcoholic Beverage Retail Enterprise 2022' Inn at Home- who stock over 500 local, national, and internationally brewed beers, and over 500 different wines, gins, and whiskies. You can also explore one of the South East’s most successful open-air retail ventures, Parkway Shopping, where if you time it right you’ll be able to catch a film or live sport on their outdoor big screen.
By the canal you will find the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust, operating public trips on a traditional narrow boat with a fully licensed bar onboard. These trips provide the perfect break for tired legs, and for those wishing to sit back with a refreshment while taking in the wildlife along the scenic route of the waterway. The K&A Trust is nestled in The Wharf, by the Newbury bus station, and is open on weekends only from 12 noon. In this same spot, you will find the award-winning Teashop by the Canal, an Insta-worthy café offering beautifully decorated homemade treats and hosting the canal information centre upstairs.
If the ambience of the town centre isn’t enough to keep you there all weekend, take the short walk to Newbury Racecourse for an action-packed day before returning to the town centre to unwind. Or, take a 10-minute drive to visit the grand country home of Downton Abbey- Highclere Castle. Arguably Newbury’s most famous landmarks, both venues are well worth a visit in their own right. You can stay up to date with any upcoming events and exhibitions by browsing VisitNewbury.org.uk.
Visit Newbury, part of the not-for-profit organisation behind Newbury Business Improvement District, is confident tourists will not be disappointed when they choose to visit Newbury.
Stay up to date via Visit Newbury’s social media pages, @VisitNewbury, for any upcoming events in the and visit visitnewbury.org.uk/newburys-calling for more information on things to do in Newbury this summer and beyond, and to sign-up to their Visit Newbury Loves Local newsletter.
