Shaw House
A beautifully preserved 16th-century Elizabethan mansion, Shaw House blends history with modern use as a venue for events and public visits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Experience living history
Shaw House
Best Time
Experience living history
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved 16th-century Elizabethan mansion, Shaw House blends history with modern use as a venue for events and public visits.
"A beautiful house with a wealth of history, it’s so lovely to see a place like this being used and having good practical use even today."
Check Event Schedule
Verify public opening days and special events before visiting to maximize your experience.
Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the Tudor gardens and the historical significance of the house's exterior.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Elizabethan Architecture
Exterior and interior
Explore one of England's best-preserved Elizabethan mansions, marveling at its historic fabric and grandeur.
English Civil War History
Exhibition space
Discover artifacts, weapons, and armor related to the English Civil War battles that took place nearby.
Tudor Gardens
Grounds
Wander through the newly added Tudor gardens, a lovely enhancement to the historic house and grounds.
Event Days & Reenactments
Grounds and interior
Experience living history with reenactments, music, dance, and demonstrations if you visit on an event day.
Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Historic Charm & Modern Use
Seasonal Access & Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Event Schedule
Verify public opening days and special events before visiting to maximize your experience.
Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the Tudor gardens and the historical significance of the house's exterior.
Visit on Event Days
Living history events offer a unique glimpse into the past with demonstrations and performances.
Combine with Town Visit
Newbury town is worth exploring; stroll the canal and visit the museum.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Event Schedule
Verify public opening days and special events before visiting to maximize your experience.
Explore the Grounds
Don't miss the Tudor gardens and the historical significance of the house's exterior.
Visit on Event Days
Living history events offer a unique glimpse into the past with demonstrations and performances.
Combine with Town Visit
Newbury town is worth exploring; stroll the canal and visit the museum.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Shaw House for its historical significance, well-preserved Elizabethan architecture, and the engaging living history events. The Tudor gardens are a lovely addition, and the on-site cafe is a welcome amenity. Some note the potential for more formal gardens and minor exterior improvements, but overall, it's seen as a valuable piece of heritage being well-utilized.
"The sculpture exhibition (on until the end of September 25) was very good, with a great variety of exhibits. They are in the grounds of this lovely house. The cafe is a welcome destination."
Stephanie Steevenson
"Shaw House really is a beautiful place. So much history there, and as you walk around it, ypu can easily imagine what it may have been like hundreds of years ago. I go there for work, meetings conferences etc, and recently warched The Tempest, which was a outdoor picnic event. (which was brilliant), but it is open to visitors too. It's a working property being part conference centre, part, historical landmark, and part wedding venue. We'll worth a visit with lots of events being held throughout the year, and in a lovely setting, close to town.
The new Tudor gardens are a lovely addition to the house"
Fiona Worby
"A very interesting survival which has been repurposed as a conference and wedding venue which seems to be working very well as a means to preserve the fabric of the building.
As is often the case which this type of building where local government has heroically stepped in to preserve a valuable piece of built heritage, the original contents are long gone and the interior reflects the history of varied uses but there it's lots to see here in terms of the interesting historical fabric and the exterior is spectacular. Thumbs up for the quite long opening season too - English Heritage could take note with some of their winter closing times.
There is reconstruction work going on outside to recreate some formal garden features and there are modern visitor facilities. Also good exhibition space on the first floor - one of the English Civil War era battles of Newbury took place here more or less in the front garden and you can read all about that aspect of the history along with seeing some artefacts, weapons, armour and other items.
I the day we visited, the Sealed Knot were having an event day and this featured social and civilian living History (including musical and dance) as well as drill and musketry demonstration ( and the Scottish armies of the Wars of the three Kingdoms were in attendance too, not just the English), so that adds to the experience if you attend on an event day. I think they are regularly in attendance.
Pop into town if you have the chance - Newbury is well worth strolling around the canal and seeing the museum - an easy trip from West London."
John Davison
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shaw House is located in Newbury, Berkshire. It's accessible by car, with parking available, including EV charging. It's also an easy trip from West London.
Yes, there is free parking available at Shaw House, including EV charging stations. Be aware of a low barrier at the entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Shaw House is open seasonally for public visits. It's recommended to check their official schedule for specific opening dates and times, as it also functions as a conference and wedding venue.
While specific entry fees can vary, some visitors mention it's a 'great place to visit for free' on certain occasions, especially if attending an event. It's best to confirm current admission prices on their official website.
Yes, Shaw House is open for public visits during its seasonal opening periods, even when not hosting a specific event. You can explore the historic house and grounds.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic Elizabethan mansion, discover English Civil War history in the exhibition space, and wander through the Tudor gardens. Special event days offer living history demonstrations.
Yes, Shaw House often hosts exhibitions, including those related to the English Civil War, featuring artifacts, weapons, and armor.
While the historical aspects might appeal more to adults, the grounds and potential for special event days with demonstrations could be engaging for older children.
Shaw House has modern visitor facilities, including a cafe for refreshments.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe at Shaw House that serves as a welcome destination for visitors.
Picnic events have been held at Shaw House, suggesting that picnicking on the grounds might be permissible, especially during specific events.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed at Shaw House, especially for personal visits to capture the historic architecture and grounds.
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A Glimpse into History
Beyond its Elizabethan roots, Shaw House also holds a connection to the English Civil War. A significant battle of this era took place in its vicinity, and the house features an exhibition space dedicated to this period. Here, you can view artifacts, weapons, and armor, providing a deeper understanding of the conflicts that shaped the region.
Gardens and Event Experiences
Shaw House is particularly vibrant when hosting special events. These can range from historical reenactments by groups like the Sealed Knot, featuring living history demonstrations, music, dance, and military drills, to more contemporary events like wedding fairs.
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