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Berkshire, United Kingdom
Photo: Gregory Deryckère, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
Newbury and Thatcham are adjoining towns in the county of Berkshire, in the South East of England.
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Housed in historic half-timbered buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, the museum houses exhibits on local history and archeology
This ruined castle was reduced (i.e. torn down) after the second battle of Newbury in 1644 during the English Civil War. Much of the striking, twin-towered gatehouse of this castle survives amid impressive earthworks, but access is only to the exterior.
5 miles south of Newbury on the A34; follow the brown sign for Highclere Castle; grid reference SU445587
Highclere Castle is more a stately home than a castle, and is the ancestral, and current, home of Lord and Lady Carnarvon. Tours of the castle are available. The castle also hosts exhibitions on Egyptian archeology (the fifth earl funded the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun) and horseracing (the seventh earl was the Queen's Racing Manager). 21st-century visitors are likely to recognised Highclere as Downton Abbey.
It was built in the 1920s to house wall paintings by the artist Stanley Spencer, inspired by his experiences in the First World War, and regarded by many as his finest achievement. As there is no lighting in the chapel, it is best to view the paintings on a bright day. The chapel is set amidst lawns and orchards with views across Watership Down.
The Lower Way, Thatcham. The centre provides an exciting base from which to explore the nearby lake and reed bed habitats. A variety of events including exhibitions, workshops, walks and talks are provided throughout the year. The surrounding area is of outstanding importance for nature conservation, with the reed beds representing one of the largest stands of inland reeds remaining in the country.
Trust for Sustainable Living
This has frequent flat races April-Oct and occasional jumps races Nov-March.
This venue in central Newbury presents drama, comedy, music, dance, exhibitions, films and the resident orchestra Southern Sinfonia. For performance information, times and prices see their website or telephone the number above.
Theatre
The Watermill is the home of a repertory company and has earned a reputation nationally and internationally for presenting quality work. Every year the company mounts eight or nine new productions each showing for an average of seven weeks, and is considered to be in "the premier league of British regional theatres" (Daily Telegraph). Normally open M-Sa with performances at 7:30PM, and matinee performances at 2:30PM on Th and Sa. For performance information and prices see their website or telephone the number above.
BAr, Food & Lodging
Pub & Restaurant
Pub & Game Restaurant
5* Restaurant
Nepalese Restaurant
Pub
Pub & Food
Pub & Food
Pub & Food
Pu & Food
Pub & Restaurant & Accommodation
Excellent country pub and restaurant with 11 rooms.
Hilton
Not advisable for light sleepers. Parking £3.00
B&B
B&B
Free Wi-Fi. Free off-road parking.
B&B
Hotel, Pub & Restaurant
Department Store
Superstore/Supermarket
Supermarket
Sales, Parts, Accessories & Workshop
Sales, Accessories, Parts & Workshop
By car
Newbury is 17 miles west of Reading on the A4, 18 miles north-west of Basingstoke on the A339, 26 miles south of Oxford on the A34, 27 miles east of Swindon on the M4 and 25 miles north of Winchester…
By plane
If arriving by plane, see the 'Get In By Plane' section of the Reading article, and then travel on from Reading as described above.
By bicycle
By boat
The towns are on the Kennet & Avon Canal (running 87 miles from Bristol & Bath to Reading).
By bus
There are several town routes within Newbury and Thatcham, with hourly (or better) services during the day, and infrequent service in the evenings and on Sundays.
By car
Newbury's roads can be congested at peak periods, but in general are less congested than London or even Reading.
By map
If you are planning to do any visiting or exploring beyond central Newbury, you will probably want to obtain a decent map of the area.
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