West Berkshire Museum

About the museum

West Berkshire Museum is housed in two of the best-loved historic buildings in Newbury: the 17th-century Cloth Hall and the old Granary or Corn Stores at the Wharf, close to the Kennet and Avon Canal. It is run by a team of staff and volunteers and presents itself as a modern community museum.

The permanent exhibition, Lives and Landscapes, tells the story of West Berkshire from the rocks under our feet to the people who have lived here, and it covers local events of international resonance such as the Greenham Common protests as well as national events like the battles of Newbury. Quieter pastimes such as horse racing and theatre-going are also featured.

The galleries on the first floor host a changing programme of special exhibitions, and Gallery 5 can be hired to display original art and crafts. The museum offers family activities, talks and school visits, a café and a shop, and a family augmented-reality guide starring the museum’s dragon mascot Blaze.

Highlights

• Lives and Landscapes permanent exhibition on West Berkshire
• Greenham Common protests and the battles of Newbury
• Housed in the 17th-century Cloth Hall and the old Granary
• Family augmented-reality guide with the mascot Blaze the dragon
• Café, shop and virtual tour

Permanent exhibition

• Lives and Landscapes – The permanent exhibition on West Berkshire, from its geology to its people, including the Greenham Common protests and the battles of Newbury.

Founded

1904

Operated by

West Berkshire Heritage

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Entry is free; donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users and people with limited mobility, with lifts at each end of the building. The welcome area has a ramp and the shop a step (level access is possible through the ramp). Large print versions of labels are available for most exhibitions, evacuation chairs and assistance are available, and there are seats in most galleries and a quiet place on request. A sensory map can be downloaded and a sensory bag with ear defenders, sunglasses and fidget toys can be borrowed free at reception. Assistance dogs are welcome. Blue Badge spaces: three at Newbury Corn Exchange car park (Bear Lane) and two at Newbury Library car park.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide

Family-friendly activities run throughout the galleries and the year. “Blaze’s West Berkshire Museum Adventure” is an augmented-reality guide that works on the museum iPad, which can be borrowed from reception.

Getting there & parking

Just off the A339 through Newbury; follow the brown signs to the Corn Exchange, Library and Museum. By boat, there are moorings in Victoria Park and the marina is about a 10-minute towpath walk away. what3words: pull.shadow.beam.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Museum café with hot and cold drinks and cakes, including gluten-free options, and a museum shop with books and souvenirs.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Cloth Hall on the second floor can be hired for meetings and events, and Gallery 5 can be hired to show art and crafts.

Plan your visit