Public Opening Times
Shaw House is open to the public every weekend between February – September, 11am – 4pm. Also, Monday to Friday throughout the school holidays, 10am - 4pm (except the Christmas holidays). We are closed on Good Friday.
2024 opening dates: Saturday 10 February - Sunday 29 September.
Please note; occasionally some rooms will be closed due to private events. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic and enjoy the Grade II listed lawns, while our younger visitors can explore the grounds, play amongst the 16th century trees and, if that doesn’t keep them entertained, we also provide giant garden games in the warmer months.
Hip seats, suitable for children from 6 months to 3 years, are available while you explore the House, (please leave pushchairs on the ground floor).
We provide 'welcome leaflets' which can be collected from Reception on arrival. The leaflets are available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish. We are hoping to have more translations available in the future, so please check with our Reception team.
Admission
Shaw House offers FREE admission on its standard public entry.
Charges will remain for activities and special events (these include Family Activity Days, theatre, cinema and fairs).
How to find us
Shaw House is ideally situated in tranquil surroundings on the north side of Newbury, within an hour’s journey of London, Bristol, Oxford and the South Coast, and just five minutes from the M4/A34 junction. It’s a 25 minute walk from Newbury town centre and is accessible by public transport, click here for information about the Jet Black Bus service.
Download a central Newbury and walking map here.
www.what3words.com ///riders.drama.dairy
Shaw House, Church Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR
T: 01635 279279 E: shawhouse@westberks.gov.uk
Audio Guides
With over 400 years of history, Shaw House has many tales to tell. With our new audio guides you can listen to stories of the people that lived here, the royal visitors, the requisitioning of the House during the Second World War and hustle and bustle of the school years.
The audio guide handsets and headphones are available from reception during public opening hours, subject to availability. You can also purchase a full colour printed guide to the House to take home as a souvenir.
Audio guides are free but donations welcomed.
Exhibition Rooms
Within the House visitors can explore the rooms and learn more about the history of the House in the permanent exhibition, for more information about what you can see please download the visitor guide.
'Dressed for Battle'
For the first time in over 34 years arms and armour from Littlecote House return to the region. Now on display at Shaw House, this is a rare chance to see examples of what soldiers wore and likely fought with during the Battles of Newbury. The small selection on display once formed part of the most important surviving English Civil War armouries before being purchased by the Royal Armouries Museum in 1985.
'Dressed for Shaw'
Admire the recognisable ruffs of Elizabethan England, the flamboyant frills of the Georgian gentleman and the weathered wool of the Edwardian era in an exhibition of period dress. Highlighting the long and varied timeline of the history of Shaw House, with many handmade especially for the exhibition, the costumes highlight the changing fashions through time.
There is a free children’s activity sheet available, as well as an exhibition guide available to purchase in our gift shop. Dressed for Shaw is open during our public open days, excluding the Spring and Christmas fair event days.
Accessibility
Most areas of Shaw House are accessible to those with limited mobility. We also have dedicated parking and toilet facilities for people with disabilities. Visitors are asked to please leave push chairs on the ground floor. Hip seats suitable for children from 6 months to 3 years are available from reception. For families visiting the Register Office on the second floor prams are permitted.
Virtual Tour
Click here to explore Shaw House from the comfort of your home!
Sensory Maps
Sensory maps of Shaw House can be downloaded here Ground Floor | First Floor
Dogs
Only assistance dogs are permitted inside Shaw House. Responsible owners are welcome to bring a dog for a walk around the grounds as long as they are kept on a lead. Please do not bring dogs with you and then leave them in your car during your visit.
Hearing Loop
A hearing loop is available at reception, if a delegate with hearing aids requires the sound system.
Our Meeting Spaces
If you are looking for a unique location for conferencing, seminars or meetings then Shaw House is the ideal venue to create an inspiring and productive environment. We have nine stunning rooms, all with their own historic character, plenty of natural daylight and a restful ambience. We can arrange rooms for 2 to 100 delegates depending on your layout specification. Shaw House is open for conference and training bookings throughout the year. Normal opening hours are 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Please visit Shaw House: Venue Hire.
Facilities
Gift Shop
You will find our Gift Shop adjacent to the Reception. We stock a variety of Shaw House gifts, as well as locally-produced homeware, jewellery and ceramics. Clothing, accessories, toys and cards are also available to purchase – plenty to buy as gifts for someone special or a treat for yourself!
A selection of items are also available to buy from the online Gift Shop here.
Café
Shaw House café is located in what used to be the kitchen. The old fireplace and smoke jack can still be seen! Choose from a range of delicious sandwiches, homemade cakes, snacks and speciality hot drinks. Visitors are also welcome to picnic in the grounds.
