Donnington Castle Newbury
Explore the striking ruins of a 14th-century castle, featuring a well-preserved twin-towered gatehouse and offering breathtaking views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Donnington Castle Newbury
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the striking ruins of a 14th-century castle, featuring a well-preserved twin-towered gatehouse and offering breathtaking views.
"Captivating historical site with stunning views, free entry, and great for family picnics."
🚗 Parking Fee App
Pay for parking via an app; the area is small and fills up fast.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The uphill walk to the castle requires sturdy footwear.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Twin-Towered Gatehouse
Main structure
The striking 14th-century gatehouse, the most intact part of the castle, offers a glimpse into its past grandeur.
Panoramic Countryside Views
Top of the hill
Ascend to the castle ruins for breathtaking, sweeping views of Newbury and the surrounding Berkshire countryside.
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Picnic Spot
Castle grounds
The peaceful grounds and nearby recreation area are perfect for a family picnic with historical ambiance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Paid Parking
Steep but Rewarding Climb
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fee App
Pay for parking via an app; the area is small and fills up fast. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The uphill walk to the castle requires sturdy footwear.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots from the castle ruins.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view in the castle grounds or nearby recreation area.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fee App
Pay for parking via an app; the area is small and fills up fast. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The uphill walk to the castle requires sturdy footwear.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramic shots from the castle ruins.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal with a view in the castle grounds or nearby recreation area.
⏳ Quick Visit Possible
You can explore the main ruins and enjoy the views in 15-30 minutes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Donnington Castle for its free entry, historical significance, and stunning panoramic views. The well-preserved gatehouse and the opportunity for picnics are highlights. Some note the small, paid parking area and the uphill climb as minor considerations.
"Well worth a visit to learn the history of this place. Nice trail around this also to spend half day and have a nice picnic around the area. It’s also free 😙, although parking area is rather small so won’t fit many cars."
Editor WMGP
"Donnington Castle is a captivating historical site that truly impressed me. The ruins are well-preserved and offer a fascinating glimpse into medieval England. The location on the hill provides stunning, panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, which the whole family enjoyed. Entry is free, and there’s convenient free parking right near the castle, making it a fantastic spot for a budget-friendly outing. The castle’s walls were rebuilt using flint stone, a fascinating detail that especially caught the kids’ attention. Peaceful, rich in history, and great for all ages — definitely worth a visit."
Семен Нанавов
"Just arrived back from a cruise and off the ship early, so visited Stonehenge, first time in about 40 years, boy is it different. Anyway it was still early in the day and saw this place on the map and thought we'd give it a visit. Although it's English Heritage, it's free to walk around, only really a tower left which is locked. Steep walk up to it, nice place for a picnic on a summer's day. There is a more gentle path down through the bushes to the right. Only a smallish parking area, but it is FREE. Donnington is a lovely quaint looking village where the pub seemed very popular."
Michael Carlile
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Donnington Castle is located near Newbury in Berkshire. If arriving by car, follow signs for the castle, but be aware the parking is limited and requires payment via an app. +1 For those attending events at nearby Donington Park (though this is a different location than Donnington Castle, Newbury), local bus companies like Skylink offer services.
While specific public transport routes directly to Donnington Castle in Newbury are not widely detailed, it's accessible via local bus services within Newbury. For events at Donington Park (a separate venue), Skylink buses are available.
Parking is available near the castle but is quite small and operates on a pay-by-app system, typically around £2. Arriving early is advised, especially on weekends. +2
The castle is situated on a hill overlooking Newbury, making it visible from a distance. Follow local signage once you are in the Newbury area.
Cycling is a great option, and you can explore the surrounding areas. Secure your bike appropriately once you arrive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Donnington Castle is free. You only need to pay for parking. +2
As it's a ruin with free access, there are no strict opening hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the views.
Yes, you can see the main ruins and enjoy the views in about 15-30 minutes, making it ideal for a short stop.
Yes, Donnington Castle is managed by English Heritage, though entry is free. +1
The main tower is often locked, but you can explore the grounds and the remaining walls freely. Be mindful of uneven terrain.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the hill offers the most spectacular panoramic views. The twin-towered gatehouse is also a prime subject. +2
Yes, drone footage can capture the castle's scale and its setting beautifully, offering unique aerial perspectives.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides beautiful light for capturing the castle and its surroundings.
Absolutely! The elevated position provides excellent opportunities to photograph the picturesque Berkshire landscape.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. For commercial or drone use, check with the managing authorities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the ruins of the medieval castle, with the impressive twin-towered gatehouse still standing. The site offers historical insights and great views. +1
A quick visit to see the main ruins and views can take around 15-30 minutes. You could spend longer if you enjoy a picnic or exploring the surrounding trails.
Yes, it's a great spot for families. Kids can enjoy exploring the ruins, and the nearby recreation ground offers play facilities. +1
Yes, there are nice trails around the castle and the adjacent recreation ground, perfect for a half-day outing.
Founded in 1386, it played a significant role in the English Civil War. The remaining gatehouse is a testament to its medieval past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the castle ruins themselves. However, the grounds are ideal for picnics.
Absolutely! The castle grounds and the nearby Donnington Recreation Ground are perfect spots for a picnic.
The village of Donnington has a popular pub, and Newbury town centre offers various dining options.
Newbury offers a range of cuisines, from traditional British pubs to international restaurants.
Bringing a picnic is a budget-friendly and scenic option. For more variety, explore the dining options in nearby Newbury.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Kids can explore the castle ruins, sparking their imagination about medieval times. Remember to bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, making it a full day of fun. The uphill walk is manageable, and the views from the top are a great reward. The historical context, combined with the playground, offers a balanced and engaging experience for children.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the castle grounds or in the nearby recreation area.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+3Aim for the golden hours for the best light, and consider using a drone for unique aerial shots.
+1 The textures of the ancient stone and the interplay of light and shadow add depth to your images. Don't forget to capture the picturesque village and the nearby recreation ground for a more complete portfolio. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval History
+1Visitors can learn about the castle's strategic importance and its architectural evolution. The reconstruction of the walls using flint stone is a fascinating detail, particularly for younger visitors. While much of the castle is in ruins, the remaining structures provide a powerful sense of its former scale and grandeur.
The site is managed by English Heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The free entry and accessible location make it an excellent opportunity to engage with local history.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography at Donnington Castle
+1The elevated position of the castle provides breathtaking panoramic views of Newbury and the Berkshire countryside. These vistas are particularly magical during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
+2 Drone photography can offer unique perspectives, showcasing the castle's layout and its integration with the environment. +1For those interested in capturing the essence of the ruins, focus on the textures of the stone, the play of light and shadow, and the sense of history that permeates the site. The nearby recreation ground also offers picturesque settings for landscape and lifestyle photography.
Family Fun and Exploration
Adjacent to the castle is the Donnington Recreation Ground, which features a brilliant wooden play castle, slides, a zip wire, and swings, making it a perfect complement to the historical visit.
This combination ensures that children of all ages can enjoy their time, whether they're delving into history or burning off energy on the playground. The free entry and affordable parking make it a budget-friendly outing. Packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the historical backdrop or on the recreation ground adds to the family-friendly appeal.
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