The most picturesque towns and villages around Newbury to live in

News at Jones Robinson | 07/02/2022


When it comes to finding a new home, it can be overwhelming choosing an area to live.

If you are branching out from Newbury, there are many picturesque towns and villages surrounding this region, all providing a slice of the more rural lifestyle many would like, without compromising on local amenities and community spirit.

We’ve put together a collection of towns and villages we think are great spots to explore – you might even find the perfect location is closer than you think!

Highclere

Located 13 minutes south-west from Newbury town centre is Highclere, a village notably famous for being the location of Highclere Castle.

With great commuter links to London, combined with quiet lanes and countryside walks amongst the North Hampshire Downs, Highclere is an ideal location if you’re looking for the best of the best of both worlds.

As well as good travel connections and views of outstanding natural beauty, Highclere has a variety of activities for villagers to enjoy at the village hall and The Highclere Red House pub to relax in on an evening.

The area is great for families alike with several schools both in the village and its surrounding towns and villages.

Woolton Hill

Set in the parish of East Woodhay lies Woolton Hill, a 5-minute drive from Highclere. The village provides a good variety of amenities for its local population, and plenty of community activities for you to get involved in.

Woolton Hill may be called a village, but its large growth in the late 20th century has seen it develop into a larger more suburban setting; it even overtook the population size of Highclere.

The whole parish is rich in history, with evidence of residency in the area going back to the Stone Age. There is plenty of history still able to be seen today, all while taking in the countryside that’s still on your doorstep.

Supporting the village community is a store and post office, doctors’ surgery, garden centre and two pubs, the Furze Bush Inn, and The Rampant Cat. There are three schools to cater for the younger village population and plenty of activities such as sports clubs and a Brownie group for children to enjoy.

Hungerford

Just 8 miles from Newbury is the historic market town of Hungerford, the westernmost town in Berkshire. World-renowned for its antiques centre, the high street also boasts an eclectic range of stores and a weekly Wednesday market.

Sitting along the banks of the Kennet and Avon Canal, Hungerford is a town that really gives you a mixture of town and country living. The scenic Hungerford Wharf is a perfect place to add to the list of weekly walks you may venture on living in this area.

Amenities are plentiful in Hungerford, including a supermarket, restaurants, bars and cafés, accommodation, as well as a range of activities for you and the family to experience in the local area.

Hungerford is great for families with children of all ages, catering for the community with nursery, primary and secondary education options.

Donnington

North of Newbury is the village of Donnington. The village is most notably known for its medieval castle and the great history of events that accompany the building and other sites around the village.

Donnington sits near the River Lambourn, encompassed by the A339 and A34. Being just 6 minutes away from Newbury and connected to these roads, its central location is perfect for adventures to Oxford and the Cotswolds, as well as exploring more of Berkshire and Hampshire down to the coast.

Amenities in the village include a veterinary centre, school, public house, and a golf course to pass your time on a sunny weekend. Being a short distance from Newbury allows for great access to other amenities such as larger supermarkets and shops.

Cold Ash

Less than 2 miles from Thatcham and 12 minutes from Newbury is Cold Ash. Much of the village stands on a ridge of the Berkshire Downs, overlooking the stunning sights of the Kennet and Pang valleys.

As well as great views, Cold Ash offers a wonderful range of amenities and activities for its villagers. There is a pub, recreation ground, sports clubs, scout and guide groups, WI, and a whole host of other groups to join. The village even has a wildlife allotment and community garden to explore.

This area has excellent connections via the A4, M4 and A34, as well as rail links via Thatcham train station. It is a perfect spot for any residents who commute for work.

Bucklebury

North-east of Newbury lies the village and civil parish of Bucklebury. The village is connected to Upper Bucklebury via Bucklebury Common, one of the largest commons in the south of England. The village has had a spotlight on it in recent years, having been home to the Duchess of Cambridge.

Bucklebury is very community orientated, with events and organisations to be part of. There are a whole host of clubs and local groups to join, from sport to history and a toddler group, as well as being close to Bucklebury Farm and deer safari park - a lovely place for families!

Local shops and amenities include a convenience store, interiors shop, café, pubs, local GP surgery, mobile library and village halls available for hire.

About Jones Robinson Estate Agents

As leading, local estate agents in NewburyDidcotLambourn & HungerfordMarlborough and Devizes and the surrounding areas, we are best placed to help you sell your property. We can even help you in finding your next home.

By offering a personalised service we can tailor the sale and timeline to your requirements as we don’t believe the “one size fits all” approach, works in this industry.

We are also very transparent with a clear sales process, so you know what to expect. This is especially useful if this is your first time selling a house.

Contact us today to find out how we can help you sell your home in autumn.