Get More From Your Newbury Hot Tub Cottage Break
Booking cottages with hot tubs in Newbury gives you the perfect blend of market town charm and countryside luxury. This historic Berkshire town sits on the River Kennet and offers everything from medieval castles to world-class racecourses. You get proper space to unwind after exploring and the kind of privacy hotels simply can't match.
We love how Newbury combines easy access to major attractions with genuine rural peace. Whether you're after romantic breaks for 2 or large family getaways, the area delivers. You can book everything from boutique cottages with private hot tubs to big cottages sleeping groups of ten or more.
What to do on a family or couple's hot tub break in Newbury
Newbury has been a market town since 1189 and its heritage shows in every corner. The town centre features independent shops alongside high street names and the twice-weekly market still draws crowds. The surrounding West Berkshire countryside offers miles of walking routes through ancient woodland and along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
This area works brilliantly for hot tub stays because you get variety without long drives. Families find plenty to do with children whilst couples discover secluded spots perfect for romantic breaks. The mix of indoor attractions and outdoor spaces means weather never ruins your plans.
Sightseeing in Newbury
The town transformed from a medieval wool trading centre into a Georgian market hub. Today you'll spot buildings spanning five centuries along Northbrook Street. The Victorian Corn Exchange dominates the marketplace whilst Tudor timber frames peek between later additions. West Mills features converted warehouses beside the canal where narrowboats still moor.
Top 5 attractions you have to see in Newbury
We've picked attractions that showcase different sides of Newbury. From historic battlefields to contemporary shopping, these spots give you the full picture of what makes this corner of Berkshire special.
Newbury Racecourse
This Grade 1 racecourse hosts 31 race days annually including the prestigious Hennessy Gold Cup. The grandstand offers views across the Berkshire Downs and you can book hospitality packages or just turn up for general admission. Racing happens year-round with jump racing through winter and flat racing in summer.
Highclere Castle
You'll recognise this Victorian castle as Downton Abbey's filming location. The real house contains Egyptian antiquities collected by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who funded the Tutankhamun excavation. Gardens designed by Capability Brown surround the estate. Book tickets well ahead as opening days are limited and sell out fast.
Donnington Castle
These free-to-visit ruins date from 1386 and sit on a hilltop with panoramic views. The twin-towered gatehouse survived Civil War sieges that destroyed the rest. English Heritage maintains the site which opens daily. It's perfect for a quick visit and the short walk up rewards you with views stretching to the North Wessex Downs.
The Living Rainforest
This indoor tropical attraction houses over 700 species of plants and animals across two climate zones. You'll walk through rainforest environments spotting free-roaming monkeys and tropical birds. The glasshouses stay warm year-round making this ideal for cheap cottages breaks in winter. It takes about two hours to see everything properly.
Kennet and Avon Canal
This 87-mile waterway connects Reading to Bristol and passes right through Newbury. The towpath offers flat walking and cycling routes past locks and historic wharves. You can hire narrowboats for day trips or longer cruises. We recommend the stretch west towards Hungerford for the best countryside views and quietest sections.
Don't Miss These...
| Attraction | What you'll experience | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Newbury Racecourse | Championship horse racing with excellent facilities and countryside views | Everyone |
| Highclere Castle | Downton Abbey filming location with Egyptian collections and historic gardens | Couples |
| Donnington Castle | Medieval ruins with panoramic hilltop views and Civil War history | Families |
| The Living Rainforest | Indoor tropical environments with exotic wildlife and year-round warmth | Families |
| Kennet and Avon Canal | Scenic towpath walks and narrowboat trips through peaceful countryside | Everyone |
Visitor FAQs
How do I get to Newbury?
Newbury station has direct trains to London Paddington in under an hour and connects to Oxford, Bristol and the South Coast. The M4 motorway runs just north of town with Junction 13 providing easy access. Local buses serve surrounding villages if you're staying in remote self catering properties.
What family activities work best in Newbury?
The Living Rainforest tops our list for all ages. Donnington Castle lets kids explore ruins safely whilst Greenham Common offers huge open spaces for running around. The Watermill Theatre in nearby Bagnor stages family shows and many holiday cottages near the area include gardens perfect for children.
Where should couples go for romantic spots?
Walk the canal towpath at sunset or book dinner at The Woodspeen, a Michelin-recommended restaurant two miles north. Highclere Castle gardens provide beautiful backdrops and the North Wessex Downs offer isolated walking routes. Your cottage with hot tub becomes the romantic centrepiece after dark.
What shopping options does Newbury offer?
Parkway Shopping Centre houses major chains whilst independent boutiques line Northbrook Street. The twice-weekly market sells local produce and crafts. Nearby Hungerford antiques shops attract collectors and you'll find farm shops throughout West Berkshire selling regional specialities.
Are hot tub cottages suitable for last minute booking?
Yes, though availability varies by season. We find midweek breaks and 1 night stays easier to book at short notice than weekends. Many luxury cottages with jacuzzi facilities offer deals for last minute bookings. Dog friendly and pet friendly cottages with hot tubs book fastest so check those early.
Cottages with hot tubs in Newbury give you the perfect base for exploring this historic corner of Berkshire. Whether you're after fishing lodges by quiet waters, a log cabin in forest settings or large holiday villas for groups, the area delivers. Book your hot tub breaks here and you get countryside peace with easy access to attractions that suit everyone from couples seeking romantic getaways to large family groups wanting space and luxury.