Newbury

Newbury is the largest market town in west Berkshire, and is situated in the beautiful, agricultural part of the county. The town dates back to 1079, and its position as a crossroads between north, south, east and west, made it an important centre throughout the ages.

At Newbury Wharf you can catch at motor barge and navigate the Kennet and Avon canal. For a more leisurely and historic journey travel to nearby Kintbury and get the Kennet Horse Boat. This horse-drawn barge passes through locks, and takes you back 200-years in time to a slower age.

Newbury Racecourse is one of the country's finest. The annual highlight being the Hennesy Gold Cup, when any racing fan must pay a visit. The Living Rain Forest in Hampstead Norreys is a unique recreation of a rainforest in glasshouses, complete with tropical heat and mist, you can explore the various tropical trails, and view rare orchids, as well as piranha fish and monkeys.

An alternative way to get back to nature is at Hotshots Paint Ball near Upper Bucklebury, set amongst 120-acres, and with 20 game zones including Jungle and Bunker hill, it will bring out the Rambo in anybody.