Hello again! Has anyone been to the market town of Newbury? We plan to stay in Newbury 2 nights before joining RS tour in Bath on Sunday 24 May next year. Will spend Saturday in the town and plan on seeing Highclere on that Sunday when they are open (I've been told not open that Saturday) The same Sunday we will head to Bath later in the afternoon after seeing Highclere. Can anyone recommend places to stay in Newbury? Plus, we will need taxi to Highclere, or maybe a bus- perhaps our hotel may help with arranging that? Training to Bath seems to take at least one train transfer, in Reading, and we may be pressed for time. We may hire private driver to take us to Bath in that case. I've read trains can be iffy on Sundays, especially with a bank holiday next day Monday 25 May. Any suggestions?
Posted by
West Virginia
183 posts
I stayed at the Canarvon Arms when I visited Highclere. It’s only about a mile to the castle. I walked both ways so I didn’t need a cab.
I took the train from Bath to Newbury after the RS southern England tour. I used Ave Cabs to get me to and from the train station.
I can highly recommend both. I had a wonderful Sunday roast at Canarvon Arms too.
Happy travels!!
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2729 posts
Is it a race day on th Saturday when you are in Newbury? If so, spend the day at the races!
Newbury is a pleasant small town but to be honest, there isn't a lot else to see and do there to fill a day. Have a look at the Newbury website for some ideas.
Posted by
Walnut Creek, CA
763 posts
Sunday 24 May next year. Will spend Saturday in the town and plan on seeing Highclere on that Sunday when they are open (I've been told not open that Saturday)
I'm also trying to plan a trip to Highclere in May 2026. Where on the website does it say that they are open on Sunday, May 24, 2026? I saw their January 2026 offerings, and their past Summer Public 2025 dates which ran from July 6 to August 28, 2025? Just curious.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Hello Derek
I emailed them a month or so ago and asked about some specific dates in May. I was trying to determine if they were open any of the weekend days before RS tour starts on 24 May. Their response was that they are not likely to be open weekend of 16/17 May. They would likely be offering the guided tours on Saturday 23 May (more expensive, but I'm sure awesome), and open to general admission (self-touring) on Sunday, 24 May. Online tickets go on sale this September. (I meant to say open Saturday for guided tours only) I'm guessing they may also be open on Monday 25 May as that is a bank holiday in UK, but not certain.
Thanks for all feedback so far everyone! I'm checking out several in town places- will update later.
Susan