The Starting Gate

The pub's name pays homage to Newbury's long association with horse racing, with the famous racecourse being a major draw for visitors to the area. It's the sort of straightforward local where you can drop in for a drink after wandering round town or grab a casual meal without fuss. The atmosphere is particularly lively when sporting events are on, and it's easy to while away an afternoon absorbing the local feel.

Newbury itself has more going on than just racing. The historic town centre is worth exploring on foot, and the Kennet and Avon Canal offers a pleasant walk alongside the water. Highclere Castle, familiar to many as the Downton Abbey filming location, is only a short drive away and deserves a visit if you have the time. Though Newbury sits just outside the official Cotswolds boundary, it makes a useful and genuinely interesting stop if you're passing through the region or travelling between the Cotswolds and points beyond. The town gives you a different perspective on English countryside and history without taking you far from the main attractions.