Jun
Our highly desirable, premium aparthotel at Central Gate, Newbury (rated 4.3/5 on Google Reviews) features studio, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed serviced apartments. It is located just off the high street and a stone’s throw away from Newbury’s prominent clock tower. There is a bookable parking option and you are just a 13 minute walk away from the main train station. When staying at House of Fisher in Newbury here are the seven things we recommend you must do:
1. Explore Highclere Castle
If you have watched the highly acclaimed and popular TV series Downton Abbey, you will recognise the magnificent country house immediately. Highclere Castle has been the country seat of the Earls of Carnarvon since 1679. During the summer and on other selected dates, you can step into the lives of the fictional Crawley family, experiencing the inspiring grounds and taking a tour inside the great house. As an added bonus you can see a collection of Egyptology brought to Highclere Castle following the 5th Earl’s participation in renowned digs like the Tomb of Tutankhamen in 1922!
2. See the Donnington Castle ruins in the day & night
Near the River Lambourn on the north side of Newbury are the haunting ruins of what used to be a royal stronghold. Captured brilliantly above by Tim Burgess as the International Space Station passed on a wonderfully clear evening, Donnington Castle dates back to 1386.
In Tudor times, the property belonged to the crown and was popular amongst the Tudor Royals with Henry VIII and Elizabeth I spending time here.
In 1646, after an 18-month siege, the defences were hauled down, and all that survives are the powerful gatehouse and extensive star-shaped earthworks from the Civil War. The ruins are worth experiencing in the day time and at night, enhanced by a beautiful backdrop on a clear day.
3. Place a wager at Newbury Racecourse
Newbury Racecourse is one of the best known in England. Race meets in Newbury date back to the beginning of the 19th century, while the current racecourse arrived in the Greenham area in 1905.
Newbury Racecourse frequently hosts both jump and flat racing with over 30 meets throughout the year.
Over the summer months race days are complimented with music events featuring big names and other great entertainment. Platinum selling artists such as Tom Jones and Jessie J have played the ‘Party in the Paddock’ series before. If you love music and horse racing (or just one of these), Newbury Racecourse is likely the place for you, be sure to check their schedule.
4. Walk some of the North Wessex Downs
Newbury is on the periphery of a 670-square mile region of rolling chalk hills. You may not know that the North Wessex Downs are the third largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK. This is understandable given the flourishing green hills, clear chalk streams, jaw dropping views and abundance of wildlife.
One trail, the Lambourn Valley Way, starts in Newbury and follows the course of the River Lambourn for 20 miles back to the Uffington White Horse. This 110-metre-long prehistoric image of a horse was carved out on Whitehorse Hill some 5,000 years ago.
Start the trail and be sure to bring your binoculars and camera as you will see an abundance of beautiful animals roaming freely from deer to birds of prey like red kites and buzzards.
5. Hire a barge at Kennet and Avon Canal
Developed in the 18th century, this waterway cuts a swathe across the West of England between Bristol and Reading.
In its prime the Kennet and Avon Canal shipped Somerset limestone to London. This changed when the railways came and became the transport method of choice.
Newbury benefits from a beautiful section of canal, running past the Newbury Wharf, the remnant of a once busy inland port. There is also a cafe and information centre at the wharf, where you can book trips on a narrowboat on weekends at 12:00 and 14:00. For the more adventurous of you, you can even self-navigate a voyage, hiring your own barge for a day!
6. Watch a performance at The Corn Exchange
In 1993, the solemn Neoclassical Corn Exchange on Newbury’s Market Place was converted into a 400-seater performing arts centre. Building upon its rich history and reputation of live entertainment, there is a selection of classic pop, rock and classical music at the Corn Exchange, with live broadcasts from the Royal Opera House during their season.
Perfect for aspiring children are the “make and do” days, always a huge hit.
The Corn Exchange attracts many highly recognisable comedians throughout the year, who love the environment and setting created in this centre. Wonderfully located, you can experience top entertainment and take in a delicious meal before/after the show before enjoying drinks amongst Newbury’s eateries and bars.
7. Experience The Living Rainforest
The Living Rainforest Centre is run by the Trust for Sustainable Living. It is highly popular, attracting around 100,000 visitors each year. Amongst the visitors are over 25,000 children and it is easy to see why!
Visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of a lush tropical rainforest environment, whilst being educated on how plants, animals, human needs, economies and cultures are all linked.
The Living Rainforest Centre is a personal favourite of the #HOFfamily being home to over 850 species of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species of global conservation value. We would recommend taking a visit when in the area.
Where to stay in Newbury?
We recommend our highly desirable, premium aparthotel at Central Gate, Newbury featuring studio, 1-bed, 2-bed and 3-bed serviced apartments as the perfect place to stay during a staycation in Newbury. It is located just off the high street and a stone’s throw away from Newbury’s prominent clock tower. There is a bookable parking option and you are just a 13 minute walk away from the main train station. It is fantastically located to explore Newbury and beyond!
When booking your Staycation with House of Fisher, we always encourage you to book directly through our website and advanced booking engine or by calling our Reservations team on 01189 514151. Click here to read the wealth of benefits from doing this and remember booking directly with House of Fisher is the only way to guarantee you will pay the lowest price.