West Berkshire Museum: A Journey Through Local Heritage in Historic Newbury
Explore West Berkshire’s rich history and heritage in Newbury’s iconic 17th-century Cloth Hall and Granary buildings with free entry and engaging exhibits.
Nestled in Newbury’s historic Wharf area, West Berkshire Museum offers a captivating exploration of the region’s history from prehistoric times to modern day. Housed in two iconic 17th- and 18th-century buildings, the Cloth Hall and Granary, the museum features permanent and rotating exhibitions, family activities, and a welcoming café. Entry is free, making it an accessible cultural gem that brings West Berkshire’s stories and characters vividly to life.
A brief summary to West Berkshire Museum
- The Wharf, Newbury, RG14 5AS, GB
- +441635519562
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit Wednesday to Sunday between 10am and 4pm; last entry is at 3:30pm.
- Entry is free, but donations are appreciated to help maintain the museum and its collections.
- Check out family-friendly activities featuring Blaze the dragon, including an augmented reality adventure for children.
- Explore the nearby Kennet and Avon Canal and Newbury Market Place for a full day of local culture.
- The museum café offers locally made cakes and refreshments, perfect for a relaxing break.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By Train
From Newbury Railway Station, the museum is a 10-15 minute walk through the town center. The station is well connected to London and regional rail services. No additional cost beyond train fare; walking terrain is flat and accessible.
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By Bus
Local bus services stop near Newbury Market Place, a short 5-minute walk to the museum. Buses run frequently during the day with fares typically between £2-£5 depending on route. The walk is on paved streets suitable for wheelchairs.
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By Car
There are several pay-and-display car parks nearby, including Newbury Corn Exchange and Newbury Library car parks, both with limited Blue Badge spaces. Parking fees range from £1.50 to £3.50 per hour. The museum is a short walk from parking areas.
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On Foot
If staying in Newbury town center, the museum is easily reached on foot within 10 minutes via flat, paved pathways. The route passes close to the Kennet and Avon Canal, offering scenic views along the way.
West Berkshire Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about West Berkshire Museum
Historic Foundations and Architectural Heritage
The West Berkshire Museum is uniquely situated within two of Newbury’s most treasured historic buildings: the 17th-century Cloth Hall, built in 1627, and the adjoining Granary/Corn Stores from the 18th century. These structures have served multiple community roles over the centuries, including cloth manufacturing, workhouse, hospital, and school functions, before their transformation into a museum. Their preserved architecture provides a tangible connection to the region’s past and enriches the visitor experience by embedding history within the very walls of the museum.Comprehensive Storytelling of West Berkshire’s Past
The museum’s permanent exhibition offers a sweeping narrative of West Berkshire’s development, starting from the geological origins beneath visitors’ feet to the lives of early inhabitants. It highlights significant local figures such as Jack of Newbury and chronicles defining moments including the battles of Newbury and the Greenham Common protests. The displays cover diverse themes like the cloth and corn trades, the evolution of local industries, and the rise of leisure activities such as horse racing and theatre, providing a layered understanding of the area’s social and economic history.Engaging Exhibitions and Family-Friendly Programs
Beyond the permanent collection, the museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions in its second-floor galleries, showcasing original artworks, sculptures, and crafts. The museum is particularly welcoming to families, featuring interactive elements and the mascot Blaze the dragon, who guides children through augmented reality adventures. Regular talks, workshops, and activities are organized year-round, fostering community engagement and making history accessible and enjoyable for all ages.Facilities and Visitor Amenities
Visitors can enjoy a cozy café serving locally baked cakes and a shop offering books and souvenirs related to West Berkshire’s heritage. The Long Room, a versatile learning space within the museum, is available for hire by community groups and can accommodate up to 40 people. The museum’s central location near Newbury Market Place and the Kennet and Avon Canal makes it easily accessible, with nearby parking and public transport options.Community and Conservation Efforts
Entry to the museum is free, with donations welcomed to support the maintenance of the historic buildings and conservation of collections. The museum also emphasizes sustainability and local management, ensuring that it remains a protected cultural resource. While currently undergoing some collection storage transitions, the museum continues to serve as a vital repository of West Berkshire’s cultural heritage and a hub for education and community connection.Immersive Local History Experience
Visitors to West Berkshire Museum are invited to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of local history through thoughtfully curated exhibits and engaging storytelling. The museum’s blend of historic architecture, comprehensive exhibitions, and interactive programs creates a dynamic environment where the past is vividly brought to life, offering insights into the people, events, and industries that have shaped West Berkshire over centuries.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Hilton Reading
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Edward VII Statue
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Holy Well of St Anne
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Iffley Lock
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Avebury
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Silbury Hill
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Historic England Archive
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National Trust - Avebury Manor
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Castle Ave
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King Alfred the Great Statue
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The Kidneys
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North Hinksey Conduit House
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Bincknoll Castle
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Folly Bridge
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Unmissable attractions to see
Victoria Park
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Newbury’s vibrant green heart with diverse activities, historic charm, and scenic riverside walks for all ages and interests.
Northcroft & Goldwell Parks
0.8 km
Award-winning green spaces in Newbury offering playgrounds, sports pitches, woodland walks, BMX thrills, and stunning panoramic views.
Shaw House
1.3 km
Explore Shaw House, a stunning Elizabethan manor blending Tudor grandeur, royal history, and vibrant community life on Newbury’s peaceful edge.
The Ladywell
2.0 km
Discover The Ladywell at Speen, a serene ancient holy well steeped in history, healing legends, and tranquil rural charm in Berkshire.
Donnington Castle
2.3 km
Explore the evocative ruins and rich history of Donnington Castle, a medieval fortress with royal ties and Civil War legacy near Newbury.
The Nature Discovery Centre
3.3 km
Explore wildlife, interactive exhibits, and scenic trails at Berkshire’s vibrant Nature Discovery Centre.
Snelsmore Common Country Park
4.1 km
A diverse country park of heathland, woodland and wet mires just north of Newbury, perfect for family walks, dog walking and wildlife watching all year round.
Bucklebury Farm & Deer Safari Park
8.5 km
Discover hands-on farm life and magical deer encounters at Bucklebury Farm & Deer Safari Park, a perfect family day out in the English countryside.
Highclere Castle
8.7 km
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Welford Park
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Douai Abbey
10.4 km
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The Living Rainforest
11.5 km
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Towney Lock
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Moor Copse Nature Reserve
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Littlecote Roman Villa
17.6 km
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Essential places to dine
GOAT ON THE ROOF
0.2 km
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The Woodspeen Restaurant
2.7 km
Michelin-starred modern British cuisine in a charming farmhouse with seasonal menus, award-winning wines, and an adjoining cookery school near Newbury.
Bella Luna
4.4 km
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Damson Restaurant
5.4 km
An intimate, sustainably driven dining experience in a beautifully transformed historic pub in Winterbourne, Newbury.
Bunk Inn Pub & Dining
5.4 km
A charming Berkshire country pub blending Mediterranean-inspired dining with classic British hospitality in the heart of Curridge.
The Pot Kiln
9.9 km
Historic country inn with Basque-inspired tapas, boutique rooms, and tranquil Berkshire countryside charm.
The Spring Inn
15.2 km
A charming gastropub in Sulhamstead offering locally sourced British cuisine, a vibrant drinks selection, and a welcoming countryside atmosphere.
The Herd Restaurant
18.6 km
Experience expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Pangbourne at The Herd Restaurant.
Harvester Mansion House Reading
22.2 km
Family-friendly British grill and bar in a historic setting with fresh salads and hearty meals in Reading’s Prospect Park.
Coconut Bar & Kitchen
24.8 km
A vibrant Pan-Asian hotspot in Reading blending bold flavors, crafted cocktails, and an industrial chic vibe for all-day dining and late-night fun.
Bill's Reading Restaurant
24.9 km
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Miller & Carter Caversham
24.9 km
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Buenasado Argentine Steakhouse - Reading
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Miller & Carter Oracle
25.1 km
Savor expertly aged Black Angus steaks and vibrant bar & grill fare in the heart of Reading’s Oracle Centre.
The Botanist Reading
25.1 km
Experience live music and delicious dining at The Botanist Reading - where every visit offers something new!
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
La La Vintage
0.2 km
Discover unique retro and vintage fashion treasures with a sustainable spirit in the heart of Newbury.
The Works
0.2 km
Affordable arts, crafts, books, and toys come together at The Works Newbury—a creative hub for all ages and interests.
Kennet Shopping
0.2 km
A central Newbury shopping hub blending 1980s retail charm with modern stores, cafes, and cinema in a unique historic town setting.
Artisans Handmade UK
0.3 km
Discover unique handcrafted jewellery, prints, and gifts at Newbury’s beloved independent artisan shop in Parkway Shopping Centre.
Parkway Shopping Centre
0.3 km
A vibrant shopping destination in Newbury blending major brands, boutique stores, and community culture under one roof.
No 96 Home and Gifts
0.3 km
Discover unique, upcycled furniture and quirky homeware at No 96 Home and Gifts, Newbury’s charming independent boutique.
Bonmarché
2.8 km
Affordable ladies’ fashion and accessories nestled within Thatcham’s welcoming Wyevale Garden Centre.
Peach's Stores
6.9 km
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Litten Tree Antiques
10.8 km
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Yattendon Village Stores & Post Office
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Englefield Stores & Tea Room
16.1 km
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Barbara's Antique and Bric a Brac Shop
18.5 km
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Inspiration
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The Rhubarb Tree
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B&M Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Fox at Peasemore
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The Bell Inn, Aldworth
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The Sesh Bars
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The Fox and Hounds
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The Bell
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The White Eagle
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The Nag's Head
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The Face Bar
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The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Reading
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The Purple Turtle
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Milk Bar Reading
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All Bar One Reading
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Wild Lime
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Oakford Social Club
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Gun Street Garden
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Reading Lola Lo
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Q Club
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3sixty
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The Binfield Club
37.0 km
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Kiss Bar
39.3 km
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ATIK Oxford
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The Bridge Nightclub
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Plush Oxford
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Fever Oxford
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Venue Five-0 Night Club
43.2 km
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The Venue, Bucks
46.8 km
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Trilogy Nightclub High Wycombe
46.9 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
