10 Best Parks in Newbury

Nestled in the countryside, Welford Park is a grand, Grade I-listed country estate with stunning grounds. It’s best known as the original home of the Great British Bake Off, but it’s also been a family home for the last 400 years. The beautiful grounds were designed by Charles Eyre and feature a spectacular collection of trees.

Just 8 miles from Newbury’s town centre, Welford Park is known for 2 main events a year. The first is the snowdrops which form a carpet on the forest floor, creating an incredible sight. The second is the Spectacle of Light, a magical after-dark experience for families. The estate isn’t open all year round, so check their opening times before you visit.

Beale Wildlife Park is an outdoor wildlife park with an exciting range of animals and attractions. The zoo is home to over 160 species of animals, including some rare breeds. There is also a farmyard and reptile house on-site. You’ll have an opportunity to learn more about these creatures with keeper talks running daily alongside other events.

A 30-minute drive from Newbury, Beale Wildlife Park is designed with families in mind. Alongside the animals, you’ll find a well-equipped play park, soft play for under 5s and a train which runs during winter. If you need to refuel, the Wild Kitchen is there for a range of food and drinks.

Northcroft and Goldwell Parks give you 2 beautiful, Green Flag Award-winning parks in 1 location. Goldwell Park has a fascinating history to explore and the views over the town are well worth the walk. For little ones, there’s a play park, including a zip slide and a BMX area.

A 10-minute drive from the town centre, Northcroft Park is home to outdoor football and cricket pitches. You’ll also find the outdoor lido near here if you fancy a dip in the summer months. If you’re visiting in September, you may catch the Newbury Real Ale Festival which is held annually.

At the Living Rainforest, you can discover the sights, sounds and smells of a tropical rainforest without leaving the country. Run by the Trust for Sustainable Living, visitors learn about how plants, humans, economies and cultures are all intrinsically linked together. This also means that the Living Rainforest is run as sustainably as possible, including utilising renewable energy sources.

Around a 20-minute drive from Newbury town centre, the Living Rainforest is home to over 850 species of animals and plants, including some rare and endangered species. Some of the animals include a 2-toed sloth (named Cinnamon), carpet pythons, blue poison dart frogs and 6-banded armadillos. To get closer to the action, consider the Keeper Experience.

Snelsmore Common Country Park offers a peaceful haven that’s ideal for long walks. As you explore, you’ll find various habitats such as heathland, wet mires and woodland. The result is that several rare birds, including nightjars, woodlarks and tree pipits call this place home. You may also spot adders, lizards and newts.

Approximately a 10-minute drive from Newbury, you’ll find something different in every season. If you visit in August or September, you’ll find 3 separate types of heather in full bloom. In contrast, spring is all about birdsong and bluebells. There’s also a nearby café if you want to grab a coffee after your walk.

Victoria Park offers a peaceful and invigorating green space despite its central location. There’s a wealth of things to enjoy, whether you want to hit up the tennis courts, sail away on the boating pond or just enjoy the beautiful flowers in bloom. Don’t miss taking a selfie with the grand statue of Queen Victoria.

Right in the heart of the town centre, the park often holds community events such as fun fairs and festivals. It’s also well designed for children with a splash park to cool off in, play areas and lots of space to run around. If you get peckish, head to the community run café for a cup of tea and a sandwich.

After being threatened with demolition, National Trust property Basildon Park house and gardens were carefully restored by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s. The wooded parkland will wow you with its seasonal colours, whether they consist of buttercups, bluebells or autumn leaves. With land stretching over 400 acres, there’s the opulent house and 4 waymarked walks to explore.

A 30-minute drive from Newbury, the landscape has been designed to showcase scenic views while also creating picnic areas and spaces for children to play in. Near the stable yard, you’ll find a wild play area and there’s also a den building area on the estate. There’s also a tearoom, second-hand bookshop and shop on-site.

At Thatcham Lakes, you’ll find a network of footpaths, suitable for all ability levels, which will lead you through a range of different habitats. There are 3 separate trails, ranging from ¾ of a mile and wheelchair and pram accessible, to a 2-mile walk. Please be aware that 1 of these trails crosses the train tracks.

Around a 10-minute drive from the town centre, Thatcham Lakes is a brilliant place to discover local wildlife including wildfowl, fieldfare, redwing, swallow and swifts. You’ll also see the Thatcham Reedbeds, an internationally important area of inland reedbeds and home to rare species such as Desmoulin’s snail.

Covering nearly 1000 acres and only a 10-minute drive from the centre, Greenham Common remained relatively undisturbed for centuries. However, from 1939 and the outbreak of war, the common transformed into an important airfield. This space has also been the centre of anti-nuclear protests and you can learn more about its history at the Control Tower Museum and Visitor Centre.

Greenham Common is now open to the public and hosts everything from wildlife walks to cultural activities. A Parkrun starts from here every weekend, and you’ll also find cyclists, dog walkers, wildlife fans and even free-roaming cows. If you think the park looks familiar, that’s because the redundant nuclear missile bunker appeared in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.

Hamstead Park dates back to the early 13th century and covers 220 hectares. As you explore, you’ll find several features from years gone by, including a medieval fishpond which was made up of 3 interlocking ponds full of royal bream. You’ll also see 2 gate piers which are remnants of a grand, 17th-century garden and other original features of the ancient mansion that once stood here.

Around a 15-minute drive from Newbury, you’ll find several miles of green fields and forests to explore. Make sure you download the self-guided walk guide from Hamstead Park’s website to see all the key features.