Explore the Cloth Hall
Meet members from the Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers (KVGWSD) who will show you some of the traditional skills such as spinning and weaving, which are associated with the original purpose of the seventeenth century Cloth Hall.
West Berkshire Museum is located in the centre of Newbury, opposite Newbury Library and the bus station, and a stone’s throw from the rail station, the Market Place and Northbrook Street (high street).
The Museum is surrounded by paid car parks.
Wheelchair access is available to the Cloth Hall (via a lift).
WEST BERKSHIRE MUSEUM
Their permanent exhibition tells the story of West Berkshire.
From the rocks under our feet to the stories of the people who have lived here; our early ancestors, to well known characters like Jack of Newbury to our most recent family: they have created the towns and villages, roads and canals, fields and farms, industries, pastimes and organisations that we know today.
They are a modern, community museum working with, listening to and welcoming everyone who lives, works in or visits West Berkshire.
Their friendly team is a mixture of staff and volunteers working together to give visitors a fun visit.
They encourage everyone to enjoy their visit in their own way.
They welcome photography and sharing on social media, they want to hear your comments and they provide family-friendly activities throughout the galleries.
Visitors can buy a range of books and souvenirs in the museum shop.
These range from pocket money gifts to specialist books on local topics.
Entry is free but donations are most welcome as it helps them to buy new items to display, maintain their historic buildings and conserve their collections.
Their second floor galleries host a series of special exhibitions, along with Gallery 5 which can be hired to display original artwork, sculpture and crafts.
They also run a year round programme of talks and family activities; for event listings please visit What’s On.
You can take a virtual tour of West Berkshire Museum and explore the galleries from the comfort of your home.
If you have an enquiry about your family history, local heritage, the museum collection or about identifying an object, please download and complete an enquiry form and email to museum@westberks.gov.uk
