Country Pub Near Newbury - The Dundas Arms

Country Pub Dining & Stays Near Newbury – The Dundas Arms, Berkshire

Nestled in the heart of the Berkshire countryside, The Dundas Arms offers the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the timeless charm of Newbury. Whether you’re exploring the historic market town, wandering along the scenic Kennet & Avon Canal, or simply looking for a cosy spot to unwind, our traditional pub provides a warm welcome and hearty fare.

Our seasonal menu is crafted using locally sourced ingredients, featuring comforting British classics such as fish and chips, rich meat pies, and fresh, flavoursome dishes to suit every palate. Pair your meal with a hand-pulled pint from Butcombe Brewery and savour the tranquil surroundings of our riverside garden or the cosy ambience of our inn. Our warm hospitality and hearty meals make us the perfect stop for those looking to combine culture with cuisine.

Whether you’re visiting for a day out in the countryside or enjoying a weekend escape, The Dundas Arms is the ideal spot to relax, refuel, and experience the best of Newbury’s hospitality.

A Brief History of Newbury

Newbury’s origins stretch back to Saxon times, but it flourished as a medieval market town along the Kennet and Avon Canal. It played a pivotal role in the English Civil War, witnessing two key battles in 1643 and 1644.

The medieval Cloth Hall, the grand Town Hall, and the imposing Clock Tower still grace the Market Place. Nearby St Nicolas’ Church, with its Perpendicular Gothic architecture built between 1509–1533, houses local memorials including that of cloth merchant John “Jack of Newbury”.

For history enthusiasts, the West Berkshire Museum—set within 17th-century Cloth Hall buildings—offers free exhibitions showcasing local heritage, from geology to wartime stories.

What to Do in Newbury

  • St Nicolas’ Church: A stunning example of Gothic architecture with rich local memorials.
  • West Berkshire Museum: A free, immersive journey through Newbury’s past.
  • Victoria Park: Beautiful green space with boating lake, skatepark and river walks.
  • Shopping & cafés: Explore the vibrant Market Place lined with independent boutiques and eateries.
  • Canal walks: Stroll or cycle along the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal.
  • Donnington Castle & Highclere Castle: Visit medieval ruins and the famed “Downton Abbey” setting nearby.

Newbury Racecourse – A Day at the Races

A highlight of Newbury’s cultural life is its esteemed racecourse, located just east of the town centre. Hosting around 30 days of racing each year, including the prestigious Lockinge Stakes and the historic Coral Gold Cup (formerly the Hennessy Gold Cup), it also features music events and family-friendly days.

Off the track, visitors can enjoy relaxing walks, riverside views and refreshments at The Lodge Hotel. Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or a casual spectator, it offers a memorable day out just minutes from the town centre.

Watermill Theatre – Just Outside Newbury

A true gem on the outskirts of Newbury is the Watermill Theatre, located in the village of Bagnor, a few minutes’ drive north-west of the town. Housed in a converted 19th-century watermill beside the River Lambourn, this intimate venue offers just over 200 seats and a magical atmosphere for live performance.

 

The Watermill has earned a national reputation for imaginative productions, particularly those featuring actor-musicians. West End and international transfers have included Sweeney Todd, Amélie, and The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale. In 2024, it was jointly named Theatre of the Year alongside the National Theatre – a testament to its bold creative vision and commitment to accessibility.

 

Visitors can enjoy a pre-theatre drink or meal in the gardens or bar, making it a perfect cultural stop during your time in West Berkshire.

The Kennet and Avon Canal

The Kennet and Avon Canal is one of Newbury’s most picturesque and peaceful features. Completed in the early 1800s, it once served as a vital trade route linking the Thames and Avon rivers. Today, it’s a haven for walkers, cyclists, and boaters, offering a tranquil route through the heart of the town and out into the surrounding countryside.

 

To the west, the canal leads towards Kintbury, where The Dundas Arms sits just beside the water. This stretch is especially scenic, offering a beautiful countryside walk or cycle route straight from the pub to Newbury and back. Whether you’re after a peaceful amble or a waterside pint, the Kennet and Avon Canal brings a timeless quality to the Newbury experience.

Shopping in Newbury

Newbury offers a vibrant and varied shopping scene, perfect for afternoon wanderings:

Charter Market: A historic market held on Thursdays and Sundays in the Market Place, offering fresh produce, flowers and artisanal goods—tracing its roots to Saxon times.

Parkway Shopping Centre: A modern open‑air complex home to over 50 shops and cafés, including major high‑street brands like M&S, H&M, and Next.

Kennet Shopping Centre: Indoor mall with a mix of big-name stores, independent boutiques, and a Vue cinema—ideal for family shopping.

Independent Boutiques: Northbrook Street, Cheap Street, The Arcade, and Weavers Walk offer unique finds from vintage fashion to bespoke craftwork.

Newbury Emporium: A treasure trove of antiques, collectibles, vintage fashion, and records located on Cheap Street.

Farmers’ & Artisan Markets:

Farmers’ Market: Held on the first Sunday of each month, showcasing local pies, meat, fish, fruit, veg, and baked goods.

Artisan Market: Takes place on the last Sunday of each month on Northbrook Street, offering arts, crafts, clothing and street food.

Getting from Newbury to The Dundas Arms

Travelling from Newbury to The Dundas Arms in Kintbury is quick and picturesque, offering a pleasant journey into the countryside.

 

By Car: The easiest and fastest route is by car via the A4 westbound.

Start your journey in Newbury by heading east from Wharf Road and making a few quick turns to reach Bear Lane. After a short distance, turn right onto Wharf Road and continue for a brief stretch.

From there, follow the A339 and use the left lane to take the exit onto the A4/B4009, signposted for Hungerford, Thatcham, and Hermitage. Continue on Western Avenue (A4), going straight through several roundabouts. Stay on the A4 as it becomes Bath Road, following it for approximately four miles. Please note that parts of this road may be closed at certain times.

As you approach Kintbury, turn left onto Station Road. After about a mile, you will find The Dundas Arms on your left. The entire journey should take around 15 minutes and covers approximately eight miles.

 

By Train: The train from Newbury to Kintbury Station takes just 10–12 minutes. Conveniently, the Dundas Arms is located right next to Kintbury Station, making it an excellent option for those arriving by public transport.

By Bike or on Foot: For the adventurous, it’s possible to cycle or walk along parts of the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath, enjoying peaceful waterside views and a closer look at the Berkshire countryside.