Feb
Harwell may be best known for its thriving science and innovation campus – home to the new UK Space Agency headquarters and over 240 organisations working across energy, health tech, space, quantum computing and advanced engineering – but there’s far more to this growing hub than business alone.
Whether you’re working at Harwell Campus, Milton Park, or Abingdon Business Park, or visiting for a short-term project, choosing accommodation nearby gives you the best of both worlds: proximity to key business centres and access to beautiful countryside, historic market towns and cultural attractions.
At House of Fisher, our Central Gate serviced apartments in Newbury provide the ideal base to combine business with pleasure.
A Convenient Base for Business Travellers
Newbury is approximately an 18-minute drive (13.6 miles) from Harwell Campus, with straightforward access via the A34. The town also benefits from strong rail connections to Reading and London Paddington, making onward travel simple for corporate guests.
There is also a direct bus route between Newbury and Harwell. Under the current national bus fare cap, single tickets are typically £3 or less, offering a cost-effective and more sustainable commuting option for those travelling without a car.
With studio to three-bedroom apartments available, House of Fisher’s Central Gate aparthotel is ideal for individuals, teams, contractors or those travelling with family. Every apartment is fully equipped for longer stays, offering hotel-style service combined with the flexibility of self-catering accommodation.
On-site parking and 24/7 guest support ensure comfort and convenience throughout your stay. For longer assignments, the additional space and home-style layout provide a far more practical alternative to traditional hotel rooms.
Things to Do in and Around Harwell
When the working day ends or the weekend arrives, there’s plenty to discover nearby. Whether you prefer countryside walks, cultural outings, or a lively pub atmosphere, this area of Oxfordshire and West Berkshire offers something for everyone.
1. Get Inspired at the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
Even if you’re working on campus, it’s worth taking time to appreciate Harwell’s global importance. As one of Europe’s leading science clusters, it hosts organisations including the European Space Agency, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and pioneering clean energy and life sciences businesses.
Throughout the year, the campus hosts public engagement events, guest lectures, and community initiatives that showcase cutting-edge research. Keep an eye on campus event listings for open days, talks and family-friendly science events.
It’s not just a place to work – it’s a centre of discovery.
2. Visit the Historic Town of Abingdon
Just a short drive from Harwell Campus, Abingdon-on-Thames is one of England’s oldest continuously inhabited towns. Its riverside setting makes it ideal for a relaxed afternoon or weekend visit.
Highlights include:
- Abingdon County Hall Museum – Located in the striking market square building, offering local history exhibitions and panoramic rooftop views.
- Abbey Meadows – Peaceful green space along the Thames, perfect for a lunchtime stroll or riverside picnic.
- The Thames Path – Scenic walking routes connecting Abingdon to Oxford and beyond.
- Abingdon Weir – A picturesque riverside landmark.
The town also boasts a strong independent food scene. Popular spots include Throwing Buns café, The Brewery Tap with its lively beer garden, and a variety of traditional English pubs serving local ales and seasonal menus.
If your stay coincides with local events such as the Dragon Boat Races or the town’s unique bun-throwing ceremony, you’ll experience a truly distinctive slice of English tradition.
3. Explore the North Wessex Downs and The Ridgeway
Harwell sits close to the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offering rolling chalk hills, open landscapes and miles of walking and cycling routes.
The Ridgeway National Trail – often described as Britain’s oldest road – runs nearby and provides spectacular countryside views. Whether you’re after a gentle countryside walk or a more challenging hike, the surrounding Downs deliver.
For guests staying at Central Gate, Newbury itself also offers access to canal-side walks along the Kennet & Avon Canal, as well as Snelsmore Common and other open green spaces.
Bringing walking shoes is highly recommended.
4. Explore Newbury’s Attractions
By staying in Newbury, you gain access to a vibrant market town with a rich history and a lively events calendar.
Newbury Racecourse – Located just minutes from the town centre, Newbury Racecourse is one of the UK’s premier racing venues, offering a rich calendar of events that go far beyond the sport itself. With a history dating back to 1905, the racecourse combines heritage with modern facilities, regularly attracting top jockeys, horses, and racing fans from across the country.
The venue hosts a full programme of Flat and Jump racing throughout the year. For visitors looking for a day out with more than just racing, Newbury Racecourse also puts on family-friendly racedays, Ladies Day, and the ever-popular Party in the Paddock series, an innovative format that blends a full afternoon of racing with an evening concert from major music acts.
In 2025, the Party in the Paddock line-up includes crowd-pleasers such as Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ella Henderson, Clean Bandit, James Bay, and tribute favourites Björn Again, making it one of the most anticipated entertainment events in the region. With cafés, fine dining restaurants, hospitality suites, and ample outdoor space, it’s the perfect venue for both casual visitors and corporate entertainment.
Whether you’re here for the horses, the music, or the lively atmosphere, Newbury Racecourse offers an unforgettable experience.
The Watermill Theatre – Nestled in the village of Bagnor just outside Newbury, The Watermill Theatre is a charming, award-winning venue renowned for its high-quality professional productions. Set in a converted 19th-century watermill, the intimate 220-seat theatre is surrounded by beautiful gardens and even features a working waterwheel.
It punches well above its weight artistically, frequently debuting shows that transfer to the West End or tour nationally. The theatre has a strong reputation for musicals, Shakespeare, and bold new writing. Recent productions have included The Hound of the Baskervilles and Amélie the Musical.
Visitors can enjoy pre-theatre dining in the riverside restaurant or bring a picnic in the summer to enjoy in the grounds. It’s a unique and atmospheric venue, ideal for an evening out while staying nearby in Newbury.
Highclere Castle – Less than a 20-minute drive from Central Gate, Highclere Castle is world-famous as the filming location of Downton Abbey. This magnificent country house is set in 1,000 acres of rolling park land designed by Capability Brown. It remains the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and is open to the public on selected dates throughout the year, particularly spring and summer.
Visitors can explore the grand State Rooms, the sweeping staircase, bedrooms seen in Downton Abbey, and the Egypt Exhibition, detailing the 5th Earl’s role in discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun with Howard Carter.
Outside, the gardens, woodland walks, and tearooms make for a peaceful and memorable day out. Open seasonally, Highclere Castle is a must-visit for history buffs, period drama fans, and garden lovers alike.
5. Dine and Unwind
Whether you’re in Newbury or nearby, you’ll find a wide choice of pubs, restaurants, and cafes. From riverside dining in Abingdon to traditional English pubs in Newbury, there’s something to suit every taste.
For guests unfamiliar with the UK, visiting a local pub is a must – especially for a traditional roast with all the trimmings. There are a plethora of options available close to our Central Gate aparthotel and we have compiled a list of our favourite places to eat in Newbury.
Why Business Guests Choose Central Gate, Newbury
At House of Fisher, we understand the needs of modern business travellers. That’s why our Central Gate serviced apartments offer:
- Typically 30% more space than a hotel room
- Full kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, and weekly housekeeping
- On-site parking and central location in Newbury
- Access to shops, restaurants and leisure facilities just a short walk away
Whether you’re working at Harwell Campus, Milton Park or Abingdon Business Park, Central Gate offers you the comfort of home with the flexibility and freedom that traditional hotels can’t match.
Book Direct for the Best Rates
If you’re planning a stay near Harwell, choose House of Fisher’s Central Gate aparthotel in Newbury for the perfect balance of convenience, comfort, and lifestyle.
Call our Reservations Team on 0118 951 4151 or book online now. Always book direct for our lowest available rates, exclusive offers, and the peace of mind of booking with a trusted, award-winning aparthotel provider.