NEWBURY: 5 autism friendly family activities for a great weekend break in Berkshire

If you're looking for a family friendly weekend away that's fun for both adults and autistic / adhd children then Newbury in Berkshire is a great choice!

Morning walk along the East Ilsey Gallops

Playtime in the garden - so much space to run around!

Stunning views across the Berkshire countryside

Barefoot and free, playing in the holiday house garden. Such stunning views across the landscape.

Walking toward the Greenham Control Tower

Climbing to the top of the hill to explore Donnington Castle

Where is Newbury?

Newbury is in Berkshire, which is an easy hour's drive from Heathrow Airport. Although close to London the Newbury area offers a family friendly blend of outdoor attractions and easy access to supermarkets, cafes and other creature comforts. In 2024 we stayed twice; our first visit was over a sunny May bank holiday while our second stay was a much cooler weekender in mid-October.

Where did we stay?

On both visits we stayed in one of the cottages owned by Dyson Farming Leisure, an offshoot of Dyson that concentrates on holiday accommodation on farms across England. Our accommodation was located in East Ilsey  around 15mins outside of Newbury. There are 6 different holiday properties spread across this large working farm. It really was a beautiful location, with greats views of rolling hills and plenty of scenic outdoor spaces to sit and be with friends and family. The kids loved watching the horses on the Gallops each morning, and haring around barefoot on the springy grass. I enjoyed relaxing with a cup of coffee, listening to the wind in the trees and marvelling at the graceful beauty of the birds of prey that floated on the thermals.

As tempting as it was to relax at the cottage our two autistic boys have lots of energy and keeping them occupied meant we really made the most of the local attractions while still giving them plenty of down time as well.

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Five Great Family Friendly Activities for Autistic Kids around Newbury, Berkshire

The places listed below were all great fun, welcoming, neurodivergent friendly and suitable for ages 4+ - we hope you feel inspired to visit one soon!

The Living Rainforest

This fun, friendly family attraction offers children a glimpse into a rainforest world, with hundreds of different plants, flowers and small animals to discover. The boys loved the snakes, iguanas and hunting for the sloth!

It is run by a global educational charity called Trust for Sustainable Living.

For more information and photos from our visit you can read my Living Rainforest autism guide.

Sandham Memorial Chapel

This choice is a bit left field, but if you can find the time to visit this small unassuming chapel in Burghclere just 10 minutes outside of Newbury you wont be disappointed! It has a fascinating history dating back to WW1 and features incredible murals from the famous local artist Stanley Spencer. Our eldest son Fred really loved his visit, and didnt want to leave.

The Chapel is now owned by the National Trust and is open most weekends. For more information and photos from our visit you can read my Sandham Chapel autism guide.

Donnington Castle

This now ruined castle lies a 10minute drive north from Newbury town centre. When we visited it was busy with families picnicking in the sun and playing happily among its atmospheric foundations.

It is currently owned and maintained by English Heritage, with limited parking on site. For more information and photos from our visit read my autism guide to visiting Donnington Castle.

Greenham Control Tower

This attraction was the surprise hit of the weekend, Fred absolutely loved spending time in a real control tower and Charlie could run around to his heart's content! Boasting incredible views across what was once of the longest runways in Western Europe, the Control Tower now sits on the edge of Greenham Common, Berkshire's largest continuous tracts of open heath. The common itself is steeped in history, occupying an important position in the story of modern British protest and activism.

The control tower is now managed and run by a local charity. For more information and photos from our visit please read my autism guide to visiting Greenham Control Tower.

The Vyne

Owned by the National Trust, who were gifted it in 1956, The Vyne house and gardens have a history stretching back through time to Henry VIII. It offers formal gardens, woodland play space, café and a large ornamental house. We loved exploring the different outdoor spaces and the house was fascinating inside. For more information read my autism guide to visiting The Vyne.

Extra Information

We travelled to East Ilsey in Newbury by car, however Newbury does have a train station that is well served by trains from Paddington.

Our accommodation was booked as a last minute deal - we visited in May and October stayed in 2 different cottages on the Dyson East Ilsey Farming Estate. The cottages were all single level, impeccably presented and extremely comfortable. There are 6 altogether, and some even come with a hot-tub! We would love to go back.