Something we have always loved to do is pick a town on the train map and just go there. We chose Newbury, as I’d last been there 6 years ago and I remember it being very pretty.

We sat along the canal and lock, eating ice lollies in the sunshine.

There’s a stretch of shops and cafes on the high street, although sadly there are quite a few vacant units. The newer shopping centre Parkway has an outdoor screen area outside the former Debenhams, with deckchairs and popcorn.

There was also an amazing Lego display in one of the windows. Seriously my kids were studying it for ages. I’m told there’s going to be a new display for autumn/Christmas.

We walked to Victoria Park where there is a big playground, which also has a sandpit and splashpark. It was really busy but the kids enjoyed it.

There just happened to be a Visit Newbury Family Fun Day on the day we visited! The kids got to ride spinning teacups, join in with City Arts Newbury painting, and watch Belle and Ariel sing – it was like a proper Disney Princess show! (Big thumbs up to Jolly Pop Entertainment)

We went to the Kennet Shopping Centre to catch the Princess Storytime. That’s where we discovered Isabel’s Retro and Vintage Clothing – omg this is the shop of dreams, full of vintage style dresses and shoes!

If you’re looking for a nice, easy daytrip somewhere by train, I can totally recommend Newbury. Trains run from Reading and it’s about 20 minutes. We have a Family & Friends Railcard which really cut the price of the train tickets.

Have you been to Newbury before? If you’re tempted to visit, there is a superheroes themed family fun day on 24th August.

📍Newbury, Berkshire
🚂 GWR trains run from Reading to Newbury, roughly 20 minutes journey
☕️ Cafes and shops
🚣‍♀️ Canal and Lock
🌳 Playground and splashpark at Victoria Park