EXPLORE...

Enjoy a breathtaking cross-country drive to this stunning 17th century country house,  home to the acclaimed TV series Downton Abbey, just 15 minutes from The Retreat. Advance booking advised.

One of the best preserved Elizabethan mansions in England, historically fascinating and set in tranquil gardens.

A beautiful country house and estate in the village of Welford, 5 miles from The Retreat, Welford Park is open for special events and limited times round the year. Please visit the website for details.

This extraordinary English baroque-period stately home is the birthplace of Winston Churchill and a world heritage site with 300 years of history.

Just two minutes drive from The Retreat, Barton Court Estate serves up the crystal-clear water, that is home to some of the finest trout and grayling to be found in the country.

Whether you choose the horse-drawn barge, a leisurely cruise on the famous Rose of Hungerford or a trip on the Jubilee from Newbury Wharf, there's no better way to relax and take in the magnificent Kennet & Avon Canal scenery.

There are a number of options available from different local organisations. Please click on the button below to download an information sheet.

Purdey At The Royal Berkshire Shooting School

Located amongst 70 acres of scenic English countryside, the team brings you shooting at its very best every time. The grounds offer eight towers, three grouse butts, pattern plates and nearly 100 traps that simulate an abundance of birds. 

Open Monday to Saturday, 8:00am to 5:30pm, come and experience the ultimate shooting experience at Purdey at the Royal Berkshire.

We have teamed up with local shooting school Pennsport to offer guests a range of shooting experiences, with something for everyone.  Please contact us for more information prior to your stay.

Little Hidden Farm in Hungerford is a relaxed, family-owned riding school, sharing their passion for riding, regardless of age or experience.

Starting and finishing right here at The Retreat, our 5km and 9km walks are a perfect way to discover the local countryside and wildlife. Please ask our reception team for a map.

Please visit newburyracecourse.co.uk for the most up-to-date information and to purchase tickets.

The famous airbase is now a large nature reserve with wild ponies, cattle and more, perfect for rambling and exploring. The runway and bunkers are still visible, and you can look around the original 1950s control tower, which often hosts art or photography exhibitions and has a charming café.

Crofton Pumping Station is one of the most significant industrial heritage sites in the United Kingdom and a fascinating visitor attraction that invites you to step into our industrial and social history and turn back the clock to a time when steam was king. 

Avebury henge and stone circles are one of the greatest marvels of prehistoric Britain. Built and much altered during the Neolithic period, roughly between 2850 BC and 2200 BC, the henge survives as a huge circular bank and ditch, encircling an area that includes part of Avebury village. Within the henge is the largest stone circle in Britain - originally of about 100 stones - which in turn encloses two smaller stone circles.

Avebury is part of an extraordinary set of Neolithic and Bronze Age ceremonial sites that seemingly formed a vast sacred landscape. They include West Kennet Avenue, West Kennet Long Barrow, The Sanctuary, Windmill Hill, and the mysterious Silbury Hill. Many can be reached on foot from the village. The Alexander Keiller Museum also displays many notable finds from the Avebury monuments. Together with Stonehenge, Avebury and its surroundings are a World Heritage Site.

There’s a whole host of stunning walks on the Highclere estate, including one that leads to Heaven’s gate, so called because it frames a perfect view of Highclere Castle. It’s also the burial site of Lord Carnarvon, who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb. Full details and a map can be found on the website.

Enjoy a walk across the ancient chalk downs of Oxfordshire and absorb the history found along this enigmatic stretch of the ancient Ridgeway, passing by the White Horse, Dragon Hill and Ashdown.

Slow the pace and return to a simpler age as you take in this stunning rural canal and its adjacent river, easily accessible from Kintbury, a stones throw from The Retreat.

Walk or cycle along the towpath, or take a boat trip...

One of the best known iron age hill forts in England, and part of the Highclere Estate. After an exhilarating walk to the peak, you will be rewarded with spectacular views across the North Wessex Downs.

A wander through nearby Snelsmore Common will take in a range of habitats including heathland, wet mires and woodland. Look out for varied wildlife, from ponies to reptiles to nationally rare birds. Snelsmore Common is about 7 miles from us and there's a café & toilets onsite.

A few bunny-hops from The Retreat is the real Watership Down, popular with walkers and cyclists, and the inspiration for Richard Adams' beloved novel.

If you go out for the evening, don;t forget to book your early evening meal with us - the 1772 Brasserie is open from 5:30pm.

If you go out for the evening, don;t forget to book your early evening meal with us - the 1772 Brasserie is open from 5:30pm.

If you go out for the evening, don;t forget to book your early evening meal with us - the 1772 Brasserie is open from 5:30pm.

Hungerford is just a 5 minute drive from The Retreat and is a fascinating treasure trove for antique, vintage and retro fans, with around 15 antique shops on or near the High Street. A visit to the never-ending Hungerford Arcade is a must for any visitor.

Housed in the Grade II listed buildings of the Great Western Railway Works, McArthurGlen's Swindon Designer Outlet outpost is one of the largest covered designer outlets in Europe. There's also an amazing children's play area, and a real steam train!

Uncover the secrets of the world-famous gin on the site of an historic paper mill in the Hampshire countryside. Learn about the processes that go into the craft of making Bombay Sapphire gin, how to make perfect cocktails and more. Advance booking advised.

Visit Renegade Brewery, in the heart of the Berkshire countryside and their passionate team members will guide you through this state-of-the-art brewery.

Learn how beer is made from start to finish and get up close to some of the most advanced brewing and packaging equipment in the country.

Your ticket includes an in-depth guided tour, 2 free pints, 20% off your shop purchases on the day and 10% off food in the Taproom.

Podium Place, Newbury, offers you a one-of-a-kind experience. Marvel at the theatre of coffee roasting, indulge in the sublime flavours of the finest coffee beans and admire the breathtaking beauty of the world’s most desired luxury sports cars.

Chill out while you watch Per’La Specialty Roasters in action. Breathe in the gorgeous aroma. Savour the exquisite taste. Be blown away by our stunning display of modern classic sports cars for sale, from rare Ferraris to limited edition Aston Martins.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try a simulator challenge. Discover what it’s like to race through the streets of Monaco in a Formula 1 car or take on a circuit of your choice on the full-motion simulator.

Newbury & Crookham Golf Club provides the perfect venue for your golf. A superb golf course presented in first class condition and a welcome to match the standard of the course.

The club is one of the oldest in England, established in 1873. The 18 hole, par 69 golf course measures just under 6000 yards and is set amongst beautiful mature woodland.

The course provides an interesting and rewarding challenge for golfers of all standards and is kept in immaculate condition all year round.

Choose your adventure:

Lost Island Escape: After you luckily survived a shipwreck you wake up deep inside the jungle of Caribbean Islands. However, this paradise is less than idyllic. After regaining consciousness, you discover that the island is inhabited by cannibals and you are captured by a native tribe. You have 60 minutes to fight for survival and escape the island before it gets dark and avoid being eaten alive by the residents.

Wild Wild West: Butch Cassidy is a well known train and bank robber as well as the leader of a gang of outlaws known as the "Wild Bunch" in the Wild West. This time they robbed a train escaping with a large amount of gold... but Cassidy didn’t go far, he got trapped by the local sheriff. Now he is waiting for his execution. The Wild Bunch reunited to rescue Cassidy and recover the gold which had been deposited in the local bank. Will the operation be successful or will the gang fall into the trap of the sheriff?

This wonderful Adventure & Farm Park, just outside Newbury, is a place to create memories for old and young alike. With 21 play zones, a petting zoo, laser tag, giant slides, the beach, pedal boats and events held all year round it’s the perfect family-friendly environment.

This picturesque animal park to the west of Newbury has lots of animals to meet, pet and feed, including deer, pigs, alpacas, lambs and ponies. There’s also amazing play areas and a lovely café.

At the Living Rainforest you will experience the sights, sounds and smells of a lush tropical rainforest. Three glasshouses are home to over 850 types of rainforest plants and animals – including rare and endangered species of global conservation value.

Set next to Thatcham Lakes, The Nature Discovery Centre is packed full of interactive wildlife and natural history displays. There is a network of footpaths ranging from small family-friendly walks to longer paths for the more adventurous. Surrounded by a mosaic of different habitats, there is fantastic wildlife to see all year around.

Facilities include a lakeside cafe, adventure playgrounds and gift shop. 

Set within 22-acres of stunning countryside, the Hawk Conservancy Trust is an award-winning visitor attraction which is open every day* and offers a full day out for all ages. Arrive early and be sure to see our world-class flying displays throughout the day, and many other activities in between.

Trindledown Farm is set in 10 acres of farmland on the edge of the beautiful Lambourn Downs and is a rescue and rehoming centre, specialising in the care of elderly animals. They have a wide variety of animals on site, including dogs and cats, birds, guinea pigs, alpacas, pigs and sheep.

There are also shops selling pet products and food, as well as a great range of pre-loved items. A fabulous cafe and children's play room completes the experience.

A stunning purpose-built visual arts and craft building in West Berkshire which houses a gallery, artist studios and a space for classes and workshops as well as an amazing cafe.