What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How long does this tour take?

Please check the tour page for the exact duration.

Cloth and Kings: Audio Tour of Newbury's History and Architecture

Q: Where does this tour start?

This tour starts at: This tour begins on the pavement beside a large car park and the side of Newbury Library. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading..

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Overview

Newbury is a historic Berkshire market town with layers of English history that span nearly a thousand years. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear a perfect balance of historical and architectural details, giving you an appreciation for how each era left its mark on Newbury’s streetscape. The tour starts at Newbury Library’s remarkable community mosaic and ends at the Tudor Cloth Hall. As you walk, you’ll find out how a Saxon settlement grew into a prosperous medieval trading hub, witnessed pivotal Civil War battles, and evolved into the charming town you see today. I’ll point out Newbury’s most significant locations along the way. You’ll discover how the town’s strategic location along ancient trade routes shaped its destiny, from the wool merchants who funded magnificent churches to the canal builders who connected Newbury to the wider world.

Gallery

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What's Included

✓ Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
App for Android and iOS
Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

✗ Not Included

Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink
Personal expenses for admission fees not included during the tour

Itinerary

Stop 1

Admire this remarkable community artwork depicting 1,000 years of Newbury's history, created by over 4,000 local residents. Marvel at the intricate details that tell the story of how this Saxon settlement evolved into today's thriving market town.

Stop 2

Discover this impressive medieval church funded by the legendary cloth merchant Jack of Newbury and rebuilt in the early 1500s. Explore the magnificent architecture that showcases the wealth and influence of Newbury's prosperous wool trade era.

Stop 3

Step inside this Tudor building that once served as the center of Newbury's cloth trade, topped by the famous dragon weathervane "Blaze." Experience centuries of local history through exhibits that bring the town's fascinating past to life.

Stop 4

Stand before this striking Gothic Revival building with its iconic clock tower that dominates the town center. Admire the Victorian architecture that represents Newbury's prosperity during the industrial age.

Stop 5

Walk through the heart of England's oldest chartered markets, granted by King John in 1214. Experience the bustling atmosphere where traders have gathered for over 800 years.

Stop 6

Stroll along the restored waterway where narrowboats once carried cargo between London and Bristol. Enjoy the peaceful towpath and watch boats navigate the historic locks that connected Newbury to the wider world.

Stop 7

Pass by this charming statue celebrating author Michael Bond, who was born in Newbury and created the beloved bear. Enjoy this whimsical tribute to one of children's literature's most famous characters.

Stop 8

Explore this beautiful green space that was transformed from medieval common land into a Victorian showcase. Stroll through the landscaped gardens and discover how the park reflects the town's evolution through the ages.

Stop 9

Marvel at this distinctive Victorian landmark that has become one of the town's most recognizable features. Pass beneath the elegant structure that has marked the passage of time for generations of Newbury residents.

Stop 10

Admire this regal monument honouring Britain's longest-reigning monarch at the time. See how the Victorians celebrated their queen in this prominent public space.

Stop 11

Walk across or pass by this historic canal bridge that once swung open to allow boats through. Experience a piece of Newbury's industrial heritage where innovation met everyday practicality.

Stop 12

Discover where canal boats once loaded and unloaded goods that fuelled the town's prosperity. Enjoy the restored waterside area that connects Newbury's commercial past with its leisure present.

Meeting & End Point

📍

Meeting Point

This tour begins on the pavement beside a large car park and the side of Newbury Library. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

🏁

End Point

The Cloth Hall

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Good to Know

Wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Known For:

Historical Tours in Southampton, Walking Tours in Southampton, Audio Guides in Southampton, Private Sightseeing Tours in Southampton, Cultural Tours in Southampton

Special Instructions

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me