The attractive market town of Newbury has much to offer beyond castles and stately homes. It’s now recognised as having the highest digital density in the UK* – in addition to Vodafone’s global HQ, a significant number of start-ups are now basing themselves there.
The influx of lucrative industry has brought new residents, attracted by house prices a fraction of those in London, with the ‘country’ lifestyle to go with it. The resulting evolution of the town’s entertainment and services has ensured Newbury can hold its own as a one-stop shop for residents from miles around, without the crowds of bigger towns and cities.
Newbury town centre is delightfully compact, with most of the chain and independent shops, cinema, theatre, bars and restaurants within a 5 minute walk of each other. Markets are held several times a week in the town square, along with feature and seasonal markets.
Culture & entertainment
The Corn Exchange Theatre has a full schedule of plays, cinema nights and family events. The town square plays host to several events each year such as a Christmas parade, fire festival and art shows which are incredibly well attended by local residents, the atmosphere is wonderful.
Highclere Castle, thanks to Downton Abbey, is now firmly on the global tourist map. For locals, the Battle Proms picnic concert is a spectacular day out with air displays and music.
Shaw House opens its doors to regular exhibitions, workshops and concerts while Arlington Arts Centre offers a full program of theatre, dance, comedy, music.
The Watermill theatre, in a picture postcard village setting, hosts regular plays and events. The nearby Michelin starred Woodspeen restaurant offer the perfect opportunity for dinner and theatre.
Newbury Racecourse, along with regular horse racing, features big name concerts and seasonal events, and is now surrounded by a well laid out housing development.
Parks & recreation
The Kennet & Avon canal runs through the centre of Newbury with regular canal boat trips for visitors. Hire a boat or take a walk to explore the miles of canal and footpaths connecting nearby villages.
Crossed with tree lined walkways, Victoria park is a valued asset to Newbury with play areas, a bowling green, tennis courts and skate park. On a sunny day it’s alive with visitors.
Donnington Castle has lovely views and borders Snelsmore Common, a beautiful slice of nature popular with families and walkers.
Transport links
Newbury is on the crossing point of the North/South A34 and East/West M4, convenient for commuting to Oxford, Reading, Didcot, Swindon and Basingstoke, with London accessible in under an hour by direct train.
* The Independent