there's a bar and a cafe with a terrace. on the grounds of the iconic newbury racecourse estate, this stylish lodge is 4 miles from donnington castle and a mile from victoria park. chic rooms with cosy furnishings offer free wi-fi, flat-screen tvs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. some have sitting areas. the grandstand bus station is a 5-minute walk away. cooked breakfast is served in the airy glass-enclosed dining room, which also offers a pizza menu. check-in time: 3:00 pmcheck-out time: 11:00 am Heathrow Airport 1 hr 7
Bombay Sapphire Distillery (26 min) Gin distillery in a historic red-brick mill with guided tours, tastings, small cafe & a shop. National Trust - The Vyne (35 min) Country house with a stained glass chapel, an ornamental lake and a walled kitchen garden. Beale Park (33 min) 350-acre park with nature trails, river cruises and red deer, plus a number of rare birds. No dogs. 4 Kingdoms Adventure Park & Family Farm (14 min) This sprawling amusement center features over 20 play zones, including a zoo & pedal boats. The Living Rainforest (23 min) Rainforest fauna like birds, lizards and monkeys move freely in tropical plant-filled glasshouses. Sandham Memorial Chapel (14 min) 1920s church, now National Trust, with elaborate murals by British war artist, Sir Stanley Spencer. Milestones Museum (33 min) Interactive, undercover family attraction recreating street scenes with vehicles, shops and homes. Bucklebury Farm & Deer Safari Park (18 min) Run, jump, swing, go-kart, ride on tractors and feed the animals, plus a cafe and farm shop. Basildon Park (33 min) Restored stately home with a garden and extensive parkland, plus a tearoom and gift shop. The Nature Discovery Centre (9 min) In addition to interactive family programs, this nature centre features trails & a birding hut. North Wessex Downs AONB (20 min) This tranquil, hilly countryside is a popular walking destination offering sweeping, scenic views. West Berkshire Museum (17 min) Regional history is showcased through permanent & changing exhibits & events at this culture center. Donnington Castle (15 min) Site of a ruined medieval castle, founded in 1386, with the twin-towered gatehouse still standing. Welford Park (20 min) Park surrounding an historic mansion, selling pork, ham and sausages from pigs reared on the estate. Highclere Castle (16 min) Victorian country house and setting for Downton Abbey with sumptuous rooms, grounds and exhibitions. |