Towns and Villages

West Berkshire is made up of a mix of rural and urban towns and villages

West Berkshire has a unique blend of towns and villages that contribute to different aspects of the local economy. Newbury is the biggest town in the area and attracts businesses and visitors from around the district. Discover more around our vision for the town centres and high streets here.

Newbury

An Idyllic historical Market town that is home to recognisable brands such as Vodafone and Newbury Race Course. There are well established transport links and the town has great digital connectivity. It is the biggest town in West Berkshire and is a place for retail, leisure and business.

Newbury Business Improvement District

Newbury Town Council

canal side with boat and people cycling

flower stall at market with shopper

Thatcham

Thatcham is a thriving and busy, old market town in the heart of West Berkshire with a recorded population of 25, 257 in 2011 (2019, estimates 28,000). Local employment is chiefly in light industrial premises, sales and distribution, retail and public sectors. It has a cluster of shops and businesses around its centre, The Broadway and High Street, with a registered village green at its heart. Thatcham is an area steeped in local history, as an ancient Saxon settlement and evidence of human activity going back 10,000 years, or more.

Thatcham Town Council

Theale

Theale is to the East of West Berkshire, just outside of Reading. Arlington Business Park is one of the largest business parks located within our district and can be found in Theale. A large amount of businesses sit in the Park including Nokia and KPMG. Theale Logistics Park consists of large industrial units for supply chain and logistical companies.

Theale Parish Council

Industrial business park

Hungerford

In the far west of West Berkshire, alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal and surrounded by beautiful countryside, the charming market town of Hungerford boasts impressive transport links for a town of its size. It is conveniently located for access to the M4 motorway and on the main train line from London Paddington to the West Country. Today, Hungerford is best known as a centre for antique shops and fairs and other unique shops and boutiques. There’s also a range of warm and friendly pubs, cheery tea shops and restaurants for the town's visitors.

Hungerford Town Council

Hungerford high street with traffic

Landscape photo of Lambourn

Lambourn

Lambourn is a village famous for the training of racehorses. Located to the north west of the district, they have the perfect rural setting for training racehorses that go on to compete in Cheltenham, Aintree, Ascot and many more.

Lambourn Parish Council

Pangbourne

Pangbourne is nestled along the river Thames and attracts visitors to its picturesque village throughout the year. The village has many independent shops as well as leisure and sports activities. Being situated on the Great Western Railways to London has meant that it’s a popular destination for residents and businesses alike.

Pangbourne Parish Council

The Elephant pub in Pangbourne