The Newbury & District 4 Service - Newbury to Lambourn
This service, operated under contract to West Berkshire Council, runs Monday to Saturday approximately every two hours from early morning to early evening.
End to end journey time is a little under an hour.
The bus route takes you through the heart of the Lambourn Valley, known as the Valley of the Racehorse. Look out, and perhaps visit, Welford Park Estate which is known for its lovely woodland walks and displays of snowdrops. Some editions of the Great British Bake Off were filmed here. Within the grounds is a grand family country house which dates back to 1652. Visit the web site https://www.welfordpark.co.uk for more information on opening times.
Look out for the River Lambourn, a crystal clear chalk river. It runs through some villages, in places separating homes from the main road necessitating the need for each to have its own small bridge.
Look out too for the disused railway line that once ran from Lambourn to Newbury. Sections of this form part of the long-distance footpath, the Lambourn Valley Way.
There are plenty of opportunities along the bus route to get off and have a leisurely wander and perhaps stop for a drink or meal. The places listed below are all a short walk from bus stops served by the N&D 4 Service.
The Starting Gate - Speen
01635 528916 / www.startinggatenewbury.co.uk
The Hare & Hounds - Speen
01635 521152 / www.hareandhoundsnewbury.co.uk
The Vineyard - Stockcross
01635 528770 / www.the-vineyard.co.uk
The Boxford - Boxford
01635 265078 / www.theboxford.com
The Queen's Arms - East Garston
01488 648757 / www.queensarmseastgarston.co.uk
The Plough - Eastbury
01488 71312 / www.eastburyplough.com
The final village served on the N&D 4 bus service is Lambourn. This village is famous for the breeding and training of racehorses, many of which feature at prestigious race meetings across the country including nearby Newbury and Ascot. Horses can regularly be seen in the village making their way to and from nearby training gallops. The village has an attractive square next to St Michael and All Angels Church. The core of the church dates back to the 12th century. A small market is held in the square on Fridays. In summer the Lambourn Carnival & Festival takes place. This consists of a number of events happening over the summer period, culminating in the Carnival Parade on the August Bank Holiday. For further information please see the web site: https://Lambourn.org/lambourn-carnival
Why not explore the village and have a drink and bite to eat here? You could choose from one of these excellent venues:
The George - Lambourn
01488 674133 / www.georgelambourn.co.uk
Goodies Café - Lambourn
The Wheelwright Arms - Lambourn
01488 71643 / www.thewheel.pub
Valentine's Tavern Wine Bar - Lambourn
The last bus back to Newbury from Lambourn Square, Monday to Saturday, is at 18:31.