Newbury is the principal town in the west of Berkshire and is surrounded on three sides by the North Wessex Downs. Watership Down to the south east was made famous by the author Richard Adams who lived in the area.
The River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal run through the centre of the town. The River Enborne forms the southern boundary and also that of the neighboring county of Hampshire. The River Lambourn forms part of the northern boundary.
Greenham Common to the south east of Newbury was an RAF airfield during World War II. It was used by the USAAF and became the first site for cruise missiles in 1980. The common then became well known for the Women’s Peace Camps which were set up and not disbanded until September 2000 when the land was returned to the public. Today the runways and other structures have mostly been removed and the common is a pleasant heathland area to walk and also a Site of Special Scientific Interest.