Situated in the beautiful Berkshire countryside close to the pretty village of Bucklebury but within easy reach of Reading, Newbury and junctions 12 and 13 of the M4, the park is a hidden gem offering rare tranquility.
Set in a stunning 74-acre site we have a host of attractions including: fantastic indoor and outdoor play including daring drop slides and a giant jumping pillow, the first in Berkshire, an obstacle course, soft play, sandpit and magical play areas for younger children including a wooden fortress, train and combine harvester.
There are daily tractor safari rides to explore the deer park with its four breeds of deer - Red, Fallow, Japanese Sika and Axis and if getting close to nature is your thing, we have a nature trail and wild walk.
Our farm trail is a great way to learn about farming and farm animal care with cute and friendly calves, lambs, piglets and goat kids to meet at different times of year. As well as a great day out, we offer an unusual venue for Birthday Parties, and also provide educational School Visits.
As an additional extra, youngsters can go behind the scenes and learn to help look after our animals with one of our Bucklebury Young Farmer VIP passes while we have a great "Pat a Pet" area for our younger visitors.
For further details see the website
Prices: Adult £8.95 Child: £7.95 Family Ticket: £30.00 (2 Adults and 2 Children) Concession: £7.95 Disabled Visitor: £6.00 Carer with Disabled Visitor: £6.00
DIRECTIONS
See location on Google Maps Map Reference: SU 555704
Leave the M4 at Junction 12 (Reading and Theale) Take the A4 towards Newbury for approximately 6 miles and turn right - sign posted to Douai Abbey and Bucklebury. Follow road for approximately 1 mile turn right - signposted Bucklebury Follow road for approx 2.5 miles until reaching crossroads At Crossroads continue straight on (sign posted BFP brown tourist sign) for approximately 1 mile and at the bottom of the hill turn left into the entrance to the Park
From Swindon, Oxford and the West:- From junction 13 of M4 take the A34 towards Oxford, leave the dual carriageway immediately signposted to Hermitage and Chieveley. At slip road junction turn right towards Hermitage After approximately one-mile turn left at mini roundabout sign posted Streatley (B4009). After 200 yards turn right sign posted Bucklebury village Follow road 3 ½ miles passing Bucklebury Church on the left and then take the next turning on the right – sign posted BFP Follow road for 100 yards and Farm Park entrance is on the right-hand side
From Newbury:- Leave Newbury on the A4 towards Thatcham and Reading in Thatcham turn left just past the Old Chapel – sign posted BFP (brown tourist sign)* this has been removed temporarily but now that the roadworks are completed we are hoping it will reappear! Follow road to mini roundabout (sponsored by Bucklebury Farm Park!) and continue straight across signposted Upper Bucklebury and BFP (brown tourist sign) Continue through Upper Bucklebury and along the "Bucklebury Straight". At the second crossroads turn left – sign posted BFP (brown tourist sign) Follow road for approximately 1 mile and at the bottom of the hill turn left into the Farm Park .
Situated in a prestigious Grade II listed building in the historic market place and is one of the iconic Newbury landmarks. Corn Exchange Newbury started trading in 1861 but was soon being used as a community venue in the 20th Century as corn trading declined.
Corn Exchange is one of the South East's dynamic arts and entertainment organisations. We present and produce some of the best UK and international artists and companies, supporting the development of new work, commissioning and incorporating resident companies as well as housing a full time cinema. We also produce a hugely popular annual pantomime, manage a large scale outdoors events programme, and run a flourishing programme of participatory workshops and courses for people of all ages and abilities.
Corn Exchange is a multi-purpose theatre and entertainment venue, also including a 40 seat cinema which shows the best of arthouse, independent and British films every day, together with occasional blockbusters and family films.
The studio space of the Corn Exchange, New Greenham Arts on Greenham Business Park just outside Newbury, houses a 120 seat Auditorium, a gallery, 10 resident artists' studios and a studio space for workshops.
DIRECTIONS
See location on Google Maps Map Reference: SU 472670
Greenham and Crookham Commons are designated as a sight of special scientific interest and are home to many rare and endangered plants and animals. The commons make up the largest area of lowland heath in Berkshire and contain ancient woodlands, alder-lined gullies, remnants of valley mire, ponds wetland and grassed rich in wildflowers. Exmoor ponies and cattle graze here. It is important to stay on paths and keep dogs under close control in order to avoid damage to rare plant communities and disturbance of wildlife and livestock.
Prices Free entry DIRECTIONS See location on Google Maps Map Reference: SU 483653 By Road: Car parks off Bury's Bank Road, Greenham.
Greenham and Crookham Commons Burys Bank Road Thatcham Berkshire RG19 8BZ
We are so lucky to be in situated in The North Wessex Downs, the third largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country spanning 700 square miles of remote chalk downland. The area offers refreshing walks, big skies and breathtaking views. The area is also famous for bridle ways which make for fantastic cycling and, of course, wonderful horse riding. Enjoy The North Wessex Downs in winter and you may spot birds of prey like kites, buzzard or short ear owls hunting for their dinner, or animal tracks in the snow if we are lucky this year! Those distinctive heart shaped prints are deer tracks, and you’re also likely to see a rabbit or fox. Bare trees form dramatic silhouettes against a winter sky. Ice covered puddles provide hours of fun for small people on winter walks, wrapped up well with baked potatoes in coat pockets to keep fingers warm or tummies full.
One of the most spectacular sights is heavy morning mists or hoar frost, when a silver sheet covers the grass along chalk escarpments. Head for the White Horses of Alton Barnes, Broad Hinton and Uffington on a sunny morning for the best views or check out the red holly berries and white mistletoe in the North Wessex Downs woodlands like Savernake and West Woods. Wherever you are in The North Wessex Downs you won’t be too far from a friendly local pub to warm up in after your walk!
The world famous Uffington White Horse and Avebury Stone circle are located on the Ridgeway path running across the north of the region along with many other ancient barrows and hill forts. Close to major conurbations, the Downs is the ideal place to get away from it all and enjoy the freedom of the countryside while respecting the environment. There are many footpaths, horse riding trails and cycle paths criss-crossing the landscape and taking in many of the best views and ancient monuments. If you prefer to travel by water you can hire a canal boat or go canoeing along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
The North Wessex Downs has a great industrial heritage. At the Crofton Pumping Station on the Kennet and Avon Canal, you can see the world’s oldest steam engines or visit the only working windmill in Wessex at Wilton. There are also fine country houses. Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) has impressive staterooms, an Egyptian exhibition and wonderful grounds to walk. How to reach the North Wessex Downs By Car: Junctions 12 – 15 of the M4 bring you right into the North Wessex Downs.
By Train: the area is well serviced by trains out of London: Great Western main line (Paddington to Bristol/Swansea, Oxford, Birmingham and Hereford), Berks and Hants (GW) main line (Paddington to Penzance) and LSW main line (Waterloo to Salisbury/Exeter).
The main stations in the North Wessex Downs are: Hungerford (W Berks), Great Bedwyn (Wilts), Pewsey (Wilts), Whitchurch (Hants), Overton (Wilts), Goring & Streatley (Berks/Oxon). Nearby are: Swindon, Newbury and Didcot.
Highclere Castle is a country house in the Jacobethan style by the architect Sir Charles Barry, with a park designed by Capability Brown. The 5,000-acre estate is in Hampshire, England, about 5 miles south of Newbury, Berkshire and setting for Downton Abbey with sumptuous rooms, grounds and exhibitions.
Brought to you by Newbury BID working in partnership with Rural Events, the Artisan Market takes over the streets of Newbury on the last Sunday of every month. Selling quality produce, orginal art, designer crafts and sizzling street food all mixed with family activities, music and much more!
Newbury Racecourse is one of the most famous and prestigious racing venues in the UK, providing world class racing, hospitality and excellent facilities for conferences and events. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere and remarkable views, Newbury offers enthralling action throughout the year at over 30 racedays including both Jump and Flat codes of the sport. The highlight of Newbury’s Jump racing programme is the Hennessy Gold Cup, one of the most prestigious and sought after prizes in the sport and is the focal point of the three day bet365 Festival, which attracts many high profile celebrities to the racecourse. On the Flat, Newbury’s high quality programme includes the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes in May, a highly valuable race, which has been won by some of the greats of the sport, including the unbeaten Frankel in 2012. For an all-round summer day’s entertainment, Newbury regularly hosts world-famous artists including the likes of Jessie J, Tom Jones and the Beach Boys on their famous Party in the Paddock racedays. Tickets start from £17 with early booking deals and group discounts available. For a full fixture list or to book tickets online, visit www.newburyracecourse.co.uk or call 01635 40015.
DIRECTIONS See location on Google Maps Map Reference: SU 483666 FROM M4 - JUNCTION 13 Exit the M4 at Junction 13 and join the A34 for Newbury. Follow the signs for Newbury, joining the A339 and follow into Newbury to a set of traffic lights (keep in one of the two lanes on the right hand side). Continue straight over two sets of traffic lights on the large roundabout (Robin Hood roundabout). At the next roundabout (Sainsburys on left), continue straight over remaining on the A339. At the next roundabout (Halfords on left), take the first exit left into Queens Road. At the mini roundabout, fork right into Greenham Road and take the first left into Racecourse Road leading to the main racecourse entrance. FROM M3 - JUNCTION 6 Follow the A339 to Newbury and then follow the brown signs to Newbury Racecourse.
BY TRAIN Newbury racecourse has its own station, one stop from Newbury Station, with direct connections to London Paddington and the West. Parking: Free
The Trust is currently home to 10 wolves. Events are held throughout the year for adults these include Howl Nights, Wolf Keeper Days, Photography days and Wolf Walks.
During the school holidays we also host children's events for those over 6 years old: these include wolf walks, creative writing workshops and depending on the time of year pumpkin parties and Easter egg hunts.
All events require ADVANCED booking as numbers are strictly limited.
The Trust also is open every Wednesday from 11am - 4pm during which anyone can attend. Further information can be found on the Trust's website.
Opening details Open all year round but visit must be pre-booked unless attending on a Wednesday. Prices Walking membership £125.00 per year Junior membership (6-12years) £20.00
DIRECTIONS See location on Google Maps Map Reference: SU 588688 By Road: M4 J12. A4 towards Newbury opposite Comfort Inn, turn right to Beenham. Enter village, turn left at mini roundabout. Proceed past large wood barn on right hand side. Then turn right into Butler's Farm driveway. Follow the drive and the Wolves' enclosure and car park is on your left.
By Public Transport: Theale or Aldermaston are the closest railway stations but have no taxi ranks. Reading is the main line station. Limited bus service route. Parking: Free
The Watermill Theatre produces quality work that attracts high calibre artists and creative teams earning it a reputation as one of the very best producing regional theatres in the country. It entertains, moves and impresses audiences both in the UK and abroad. Every year, The Watermill performs new writing to rural communities, playing in village halls, small arts centres and theatres. Alongside this it organises an extensive range of youth, community and education activities and works closely with local businesses.
The theatre seats 220 people within a stunning converted mill situated in beautiful gardens on the bank of the river Lambourn just outside Newbury in West Berkshire. The compact building makes the theatre experience extraordinarily intimate for both the performers and audience. Restaurant facility, wheelchair access and access performances available.
DIRECTIONS See location on Google Maps Map Reference: SU 451693 From the M4 and the north: From the M4, junction 13 (or A34 from Oxford) follow signs for Southampton/Winchester (A34). On the A34 turn off at the junction signposted Newbury, Hungerford (Donnington/Speen) and take the first exit at the roundabout. Turn left at the Hare and Hounds public house (there is a brown sign here for the Watermill). Turn left at the end of the road and next right into the village of Bagnor and left at the sign for the Watermill.
From the A34 and the south: From the A34 (Winchester/Southampton), follow signs for Oxford (A34). Ignoring the first two junctions signposted Newbury, turn off at the third junction signposted A4 Newbury, Hungerford (Donnington,Speen) and take the first exit at the roundabout, then straight over the second roundabout. Follow the instructions from the Hare and Hounds public house above. Parking: Free
Set in 500 acres of Berkshire's finest countryside. It is the ideal retreat for relaxing, walking, shooting and fishing. There is a championship, 18 hole golf course designed by Dave Thomas.
Clay Shooting:
Great for stag/hen parties, corporate days or one-to-one tution. You must pre-book this event. It is open Monday - Saturday 10:00 - 18:00
Fishing:
An ideal wading beat that is ideal for one rod or two friends fishing together. Clear chalk stream rivers unique to the Berkshire county. Private tution and corporate days available.
Golf:
Golf range practice area and bucket of balls from £3.00. Championship, 18 hole golf course open to non members. Ideal for small groups, individuals or societies.
Donnington Grove Grove Road Newbury West Berkshire RG14 2LA