📷 Photo by Simon Burchell · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
This striking ruin stands just outside Newbury in the Berkshire Downs, built in the 1380s by Richard Abberbury as a private fortress.
It gained far greater historical significance during the English Civil War, when it became a key defensive position. Between 1643 and 1646, the castle withstood multiple heavy sieges, and you can still see cannon fire scars peppering the remaining walls. Rather than being completely destroyed after the conflict, it was only partially slighted, which is why these atmospheric ruins have managed to survive to the present day.
The most striking feature is the twin-towered gatehouse, which remains remarkably well-preserved despite centuries of warfare and neglect. Walking the grounds gives you a genuine sense of how strategically positioned this fortress was, dominating the valley below. The ruins are accessible year-round and make for peaceful walks with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside.
Newbury town lies just three miles south and makes an excellent practical base, with plenty of shops and restaurants along its High Street. From here you're also well-placed to visit Lambourn's renowned racehorse training yards to the north or Highclere Castle to the south. If you're drawn to rural landscapes and enjoy exploring English history, Donnington is genuinely worth a visit during your time in this corner of Berkshire.
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