The Best Hotels to Book Near Newbury Racecourse

You’re in for an experience: the motto of this five-star hotel is Eat. Sleep. And Drink Wine. Relax in the award-winning spa before dining in the firepit-lit pavilion – pair small plates, such as grilled tiger prawns, with fine wine from the extensive global list. Experts will help you choose, or you can take a class to become a wine connoisseur. Rooms and country-view suites come with REN skincare products and every-morning continental breakfast hampers. Expect impressive marble bathrooms and wine-inspired colours.

There’s plenty to do at this grand country house hotel. The large grounds bordering Donnington Castle feature an 18-hole golf course, fishing lake and Japanese Temple and garden. Take afternoon tea on the patio or dine in the hireable banqueting room for business or special occasions. Stay in a riverside lodge, ecofriendly summerhouse or manor house room or suite with chandeliers and high, sash-curtained windows. Don’t leave without checking out the hotel’s gothic architecture, hand-painted wallpaper and centuries-old artwork.

It’s facilities galore at DoubleTree, where your stay starts with a warm chocolate-chip cookie. Work up a sweat at the fitness centre before relaxing at the heated indoor pool, sauna and steam rooms. There’s an open-plan restaurant, bar and lounge – atmospheric whether you’re coffee-drinking on the fireside sofas or dining out on the weekly-changing Market Menu. Choose from deluxe, family or rooms with views; order room service for extra privacy. Working? Choose from seven meeting rooms, big and small.

Country pubs don’t come any lovelier than this four-star, thatched-roof inn. Grab a rustic leather armchair by the open fire, your welcomed furry friend by your side as you nurse a local ale with a side of scotch egg. In summer, dine on the terrace with rolling Berkshire countryside views – their aged beef roasts will make your Sunday. Cosy up in your rustic room with wood-panelled walls and sumptuous tubs. For extra indulgence, book a private room with a hot tub.

The Carnarvon Arms grounds overlook sprawling countryside, Highclere Castle and the Kennet and Avon canal. Take a waterside stroll before settling into a cosy snug in the firelit pub. Try the house special burgers – beef- or plant-based patties with sizzling onions. Your courtyard-based room has a Hypnos bed, Nespresso machine and country chic accessories such as above-the-bed antlers and pictures of racehorses to remind you of your Newbury fun. Bring your dog along and they’ll provide a bed, blanket, bowl and treats.

The home comforts of your local meet historic rural charm at this 17th-century free house with thatched roof amid the Berkshire countryside. You’ll enjoy the super-fluffy throws and free-standing tubs, but best of all is the pub’s food. Sustainable local ingredients make up great British pub classics; try the beer-battered fish and chips with a pint of local Wickham Ale, best enjoyed on the tree-surrounded terrace. The delightful Saturday market – under the garden’s stretch tent – offers fresh bread, pastries and cakes.

You couldn’t be closer to the action here, as the Lodge sits in the Newbury Racecourse estate, just two minutes from the station. After a day at the races, head back and enjoy a glass of something cold or a barista-style coffee on the terrace or in the bar, which offers an extensive pizza menu. When you’re a hotel guest, the bar’s yours 24/7. Expect modern rooms with a trendy grey-and-wood palette, super king-size beds, rainfall showers and ecofriendly toiletries.