Cheap Car Hire Newbury UK
Welcome to Newbury: A Beautiful Market Town in Berkshire
Newbury is a charming market town that blends rich history with contemporary attractions, nestled in the heart of Berkshire. Located along the River Kennet, it offers a fantastic gateway to both rural England and the bustling city life of nearby towns. Known for its horse racing heritage, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, Newbury is an ideal destination for those seeking a quintessential English experience. Visitors arriving at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) will find Newbury just 65 km (40 miles) away, an easy drive via the M4 motorway. Alternatively, you can also reach the town from London Gatwick Airport (LGW), about 90 km (56 miles) south of Newbury, providing access from a different direction. A hire car from the airport gives you the freedom to explore Newbury's beautiful landscapes, historic landmarks, and picturesque countryside at your own pace. With a hire car, you can not only enjoy the best of Newbury but also venture out to explore surrounding areas like Oxford, Bath, and Reading. Start your journey by exploring the heart of Newbury, which boasts an array of independent shops, restaurants, and cafes set against a backdrop of historic buildings, including the iconic Corn Exchange and the grand Shaw House. The town is also home to the beautiful Victoria Park, perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic along the River Kennet.
Newbury is a town rich in history, and a hire car allows visitors to uncover the town’s landmarks at their own leisure. One of the must-visit attractions is Highclere Castle, which sits just 8 km (5 miles) from the town centre. Famously known as the setting for the popular television series Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle offers a fascinating glimpse into British aristocratic life, with beautiful gardens, historical exhibits, and elegant interiors. Parking is available, making it an easy stop during your exploration of Newbury. For those seeking outdoor adventures, Newbury is well positioned to explore the surrounding countryside. The nearby North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a haven for nature lovers, offering miles of scenic walking and cycling routes, perfect for an active day out. A short drive away, around 10 km (6 miles) north of Newbury, you’ll find the charming village of Bagnor, home to the spectacular Bucklebury Farm Park, an ideal family-friendly destination for animal lovers. Another popular option is to head east towards the buzzing town of Reading, located just 40 km (25 miles) from Newbury. This vibrant city has much to offer, including historic sites like the Reading Abbey and contemporary attractions such as the Oracle Shopping Centre. Continuing along the M4, a road trip to Oxford is a wonderful opportunity to explore the world-famous university city, around 40 km (25 miles) away. Known for its stunning architecture, historic colleges, and rich literary heritage, Oxford makes for a fascinating day trip. For those interested in exploring further, the elegant historic city of Bath offers a mix of ancient Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and relaxing spa experiences, within a 90-minute drive (80 km / 50 miles) of Newbury. Whether you’re heading to explore charming English villages, scenic countryside, or the heart of historic cities, Newbury’s central location makes it a perfect base for a road trip.
Driving in Newbury
When driving around Newbury, be sure to visit the historic town centre, where cobbled streets and elegant Georgian architecture tell the story of this former market town. For a peaceful retreat, make your way to the nearby Kennet and Avon Canal, a popular spot for walking, cycling, and boating, with car parking available at various points along the canal. Newbury is also close to the beautiful River Kennet, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside, particularly along the scenic canal paths. Whether you’re exploring the town’s history, or heading out to nearby natural spots, driving in Newbury is a relaxed and rewarding experience. One of the main benefits of using Newbury as a base is its proximity to several fantastic destinations within an easy drive. Oxford, with its impressive university buildings and world-class museums, is a must-see for anyone visiting the region. To the south, the city of Bath, famed for its Georgian architecture and Roman baths, is a gem just a short drive away. For those interested in medieval history, the stunning town of Salisbury, with its famous cathedral housing one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, is just 70 km (43 miles) to the southwest. For a taste of quintessential English countryside, head west towards the Cotswolds, an area renowned for its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and ancient stone cottages. A scenic drive through this area, approximately 100 km (62 miles) from Newbury, offers an opportunity to explore the beauty of rural England.
Head to the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ Cirencester - so named for its historical, cultural, and economic significance within the region. Newbury offers a combination of charming countryside lanes and modern roads that make it easy to explore both the town and the surrounding region by car. The M4 motorway, which runs directly to the south of the town, provides fast connections to London, Reading, and Bath. Local roads offer scenic routes through picturesque villages and lush landscapes, perfect for leisurely drives. Keep your eyes peeled for the area’s rich diversity of wildlife and birdlife, shaped by the landscape’s mix of farmland, woodlands, rivers, and wetlands. The countryside offers ideal habitats for many species, and as you drive, you’ll likely spot a variety of birds. Buzzards are commonly seen soaring high above the fields and woodlands, their large wings outstretched as they scan for prey.
The area is also home to red kites, a species that has made a strong comeback in recent years. Their distinctive forked tails make them easy to identify as they glide gracefully over the countryside. Kestrels, another bird of prey, are often seen hovering over open fields, scanning the ground for small mammals and insects. Waterfowl are abundant around the Kennet and Avon Canal, as well as the nearby rivers. Swans, particularly the elegant mute swan, can often be seen gliding across the water, while mallards and coots are common too. If you happen to be near a river or stream, there’s a chance you might spot a kingfisher, its bright blue feathers a striking flash as it darts along the water’s edge. The woodlands around Newbury are home to woodpeckers, with the sound of their drumming echoing through the trees, signalling their presence. In the hedgerows and forests, songbirds such as robins, sparrows, and warblers add to the symphony of sounds, particularly during the spring and summer months. The area is also home to a variety of mammals.
Hares are often seen in the open fields, especially in spring when their courtship displays can be quite dramatic, with males engaging in "boxing" matches. Rabbits are common throughout the countryside and can frequently be spotted grazing in the fields at dawn or dusk. Deer, particularly fallow deer and muntjac, are occasionally seen in the woodlands or open spaces, often at dawn or in the evening when they are most active. While badgers are more elusive, they do inhabit the area, and you might catch a glimpse of one in the early hours of the morning or as dusk falls. Foxes are also a regular sight, particularly at twilight, as they emerge from their dens in search of food. Along the rivers and canals, otters are a possibility, although they can be difficult to spot due to their secretive nature. As evening draws in, bats such as the pipistrelle may be seen darting through the air in search of insects, and the quiet countryside often comes alive with the sound of moths fluttering around hedgerows and flowers. The natural beauty and wildlife of the region make it an ideal place for nature lovers, and a drive through the area offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy its diverse species.
Tips and FAQs
With so much to explore in Newbury and the surrounding area, choosing the right hire car is essential. If you plan to stay within the town and explore its attractions, a compact car or city car is ideal, as it will make parking in the town centre easier. For those who plan to venture further afield, a mid-sized sedan or estate car is perfect for long drives to places like Oxford or Bath. A 4x4 or SUV would be a great option for exploring the countryside, providing comfort and space for a day of outdoor adventures.
Newbury, Berkshire
Population: Approximately 35,000
Annual Visitors: Over 3 million
Average Summer Temperatures: 18°C (64°F)
Average Winter Temperatures: 3°C (37°F)
Time Zone: GMT (UTC +0), BST (UTC +1 in Summer)
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