Tourist Information in Newbury

Ashdown House

Tel: 01488 72584

An unusual Dutch style building hidden in a valley of the Lambourn Downs. It has been likened to a doll's house. The home of the Earl of Craven who was an admirer and supporter of Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia. Elizabeth was the sister of Charles I. There are guided tours of the house which take you from the Hall, up a magnificent staircase to the roof. Views from the roof are over three counties. Our tourist information centre is open: Apr-Oct, Wed and Sat, 1400-1700. Guided tour only 1415,1515,1415. Admission Price: £2.70; free for NT members

Donnington Castle

Donnington Castle gatehouse is the only part of the castle still standing and it can be seen for miles around, as the castle is sited at the top of a hill overlooking the River Lambourn, a mile north of Newbury. A licence to crenellate his property was granted to Sir Richard Abberbury in 1386. The castle was a rectangular enclosure with a round tower at each corner and two square towers midway along the longest sides. During the Civil War the castle was seized by Royalist forces after the first Battle of Newbury. Colonel John Boys was put in charge of its defence and he constructed a series of earthworks in the shape of a star around the castle. They successfully withstood a Parliamentary siege in July 1644. In October, King Charles marched to the relief of the castle, and the second Battle of Newbury was fought around it. This time the King's men were forced to withdraw, but Colonel John Boys refused to surrender the castle. After an eighteen month siege, the garrison finally accepted terms for an honourable surrender and were allowed to march out of the castle and join Royalist forces in Wallingford. The Civil War earthworks still remain around the castle, there is no tourist information on site so this would need to be obtained from the West Berkshire Museum.

Highclere Castle & Gardens

Tel: 0871 716 2514

The Carnarvon family has lived at Highclere since 1679, although records show the Castle itself stands on the site of an earlier house, which in turn was built on the foundations of the medieval palace owned by the Bishops of Winchester. Major rebuilding works, carried out in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, by the Carnarvon family converted the old brick and freestone house to a classical Georgian mansion within a pastoral setting. In 1838, the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon brought in Sir Charles Barry to transform his home into a grand mansion which would impress the world. During the First World War, it was a hospital, and it was a home for evacuee children during the Second World War. The 6th Earl lived in the Castle until 1986. The current (8th) Earl and Countess remain closely involved in its day to day life and future. Highclere is one of England's most beautiful Victorian Castles set amidst 1,000 acres of spectacular Parkland and hosts various sporting and musical events during the year, it has also hosted some celebrity weddings, and has tourist information on site.

Kennet Horse Boat Co. Ltd

Tel: 01488 658 866

From their base in Kintbury the Kennet Horse Boat company is helping to keep our heritage alive by traditionally painted canal boats offering canal rides on a horsedrawn barges they also have a motorised barge . Both boats were purpose built to traditional style of canal boats during the 1800s and decorated in bright colours of 'Roses and Castles' canal style. The two horses, Hannah and daughter Boncella, are bedecked in traditional harness. Visitors can get tourist information and may enjoy a visit on a public trip or privately charter the boats for clubs, societies, schools or family anniversaries and celebrations. Travelling through at least one lock on every trip, may be enjoyed by all ages. Our crew welcome you on board both boats where you may partake of liquid refreshment from our bar including tea and coffee. Souvenirs are also on sale. Catering is offered for private charter groups. Opening times : Mid April - End September. Admission Price: Adult from £5.50 and children from £4.50.

Living Rainforest

Tel: 01635 202444

The Living Rainforest is open daily from 1000 to 1700 daily except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Prices: Adult £8.75; OAP/Student £7.75; Children (5 – 14) £6.75; Children (3 – 4) £5.75; Under 3s Free; Family tickets also available, it offers tourist information about the Living Rainforest and strives to make learning about life fun. Visitors are immersed in real rainforest experiences. Our interpretation links plants, animals, ecosystems, human needs, economies and cultures. We aim to delight and challenge, building on the incredible biological and cultural diversity of planet earth. The Living Rainforest offers a unique educational visit for people of all ages to learn how the future of tropical rainforests and other ecosystems is closely connected to human lives and lifestyles.

West Berkshire Museum

Tel: 01635 30511

The West Berkshire Museum is open from 1st April – 30th September between 10am – 17.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays and between 10am and 16.30pm on Saturdays and then from 1st October – 31st March between 10am – 16.00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays and between 10am- 16.00pm on Saturdays. The Museum is only open on a Wednesday during the school holidays, The Museum was built in 1904, and it houses various artworks and collections. The museum is housed in two of Newbury's most historic buildings; The Cloth Hall was built in 1626-1627 by Richard Emmes, a master carpenter of Speenhamland as a cloth factory. Originally part of a larger range of buildings with a courtyard in the centre, the building was subsequently used as a workhouse, hospital and school before being used for storing corn from 1829 until its conversion to a museum, it is now a popular tourist information point of call.

Thatcham Discovery Centre

Tel: 01635 874381

The Nature Discovery Centre has a wonderful lakeside setting with great walks around the lakes with a network of footpaths it also has 2 adventure playgrounds for the children. There is a tourist information and visitor centre, with hands-on exhibits and a varied and ever changing calendar of activities provides an ideal base for a day out. The Lakeside Cafe offers a range of delicious sandwiches, Panini’s, soups and salads as well as homemade cakes and cream teas. Visit Rosemary and her team and enjoy fantastic food in beautiful surroundings. Opening Times: February & March 11am - 4pm, April - August 10am - 5pm. Closed on Mondays except school and Bank Holidays.

Newbury Lock

Tel: 01635 522588

The Lock is a lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal, the canal runs through the town centre.The Lock was built between 1718 and 1723 under the supervision of the engineer John Hore from the local area. The canal is administered by British Waterways. The lock has a rise/fall of 3 ft 6 in (1.07 m). It is a grade II listed building, full details about all of the locks can be obtained from the Tourist information centre