Out & About July 2017

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Donnington Castle,
Newbury
Just a mile north of Newbury, the castle is
enchanting for children and, as one reviewer
noted, should come with a Game of Thrones
theme tune.
The twin-towered gatehouse of the 14th-
century castle was built by Sir Richard
Abberbury, whose private quarters lay within it.
Both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are thought to
have stayed here.
The defences built during the civil war still
survive and though there are steep slopes, it’s
a lovely picnic spot.
Entry is free, there’s a car park attached and
dogs on leads are welcome.
Northcroft & Goldwell
Parks, and
Victoria Park,
Newbury
Northcroft &
Goldwell Parks
are two adjoining
parks in Newbury
with trees, play
area and zip slide,
BMX facilities,
outdoor sports
pitches for football
and cricket,
woodland walk,
River Kennet and Kennet Canal links and cycle
paths.
Access to both parks is via Northcroft Lane,
accessible by car, bike or on foot and it’s just
a five-minute walk from Newbury town centre,
and 15 minutes from the train station.
Both parks are Green Flag award-winners and
if your sandwiches get squashed, Northcroft
Leisure Centre has Café Vita for alternative
refreshments.
Victoria Park has plenty to entertain the family
with the newly-refurbished tennis courts, the
children’s splash area and skateboard park.
Greenham Common
So many of us just think of it as a protest site
– in fact it should be known for its vast size.
Greenham Common is one thousand acres of
land in total.
While it used to house Cruise missiles, it
is now a wildlife haven and a great spot for
walking and a picnic. Mostly heathland with
gorse and heather, there are stunning views to
Watership Down and the North Wessex Downs.
People have lived around Greenham Common
for more than 10,000 years, so the area is
packed with history.
And you will not be the first to picnic – the
Edwardians in the area loved to take granny in
her bathchair and a tablecloth for a real family
day out.
The main control tower car park (RG19
8DB, SU 499 651) opens at 8am, subject
to seasonal closing times – please check
noticeboards on your arrival.
Picture courtesy of:
Perfect picnics
June is the month to get out and about and to pack a picnic.
HILARY SCOTT susses out some favourite picnic locations,
what to make and some handy accessories to take
Victoria Park
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