Kid friendly, free, interesting coins and historical artifacts and information as well as activity bags for the kids.

This was an intriguing museum to visit, starting with the history of minerals in Berkshire including the oldest carved timber from the Middle Stone Age! Different minerals are preserved for display here and medieval artefacts are kept, along with ones made from clay later on around the 17th century. The significance of objects like cannon balls and horse shoes is touched on, while weaving material is shown that was deployed in the 16th century. Crime and punishment methods from the days before juries in the 18th century are really interesting to see especially with stockings placed to demonstrate, info about how the rural community remained supported in poverty and beer being transported across the country are worthy additions too! Information is included about people staying in Berkshire to avoid risks of wars and creative workers from the area across multiple sectors have their stories here, artwork of different groups outside uses great techniques and objects like the tricycle or metal helmet used across streets are suitable features.

Very modern and well laid out museum in a restored historical building in a very pleasant urban setting, a bit rushed as we were quite late and opening hours are not long. Natural history and archaeology plus more recent history in 4 ground floor rooms and then temporary exhibitions upstairs which were done to a high standard so seemed a shame not to preserve them as permanent exhibits. Slightly longer hours would help visitors from further away - we were trying to combine Shaw House with this from London.

A nice museum to visit. Has activities to do, a cafe and gift shop it has lots of artifacts and has interactive films about west Berkshire and Newbury. The entrance is free.

Visited the West Berkshire Museum on 12th March 2022. Well curated well managed place manned by courteous gentle friendly helpful people. The place is housed in two of Newbury's best loved historic buildings - the Grade I listed 17th century Cloth Hall and the Grade II Granary or Corn Stores in Wharf street. It is a modern community museum working with, listening to and welcoming everyone who lives, works in or visits West Berkshire. It is housed on the ground and the first floor. On the ground floor, just before the entrance to the museum is small shop selling memorabilia. Also a well managed coffee house service excellent beverages and snacks. The museum skillfully houses the geological history, political history and the social history of the area. A model of what Donnington Castle could have looked like is also kept . Some clothing of the people of the area down the history is also available. And it is permitted to try them and see how one could have looked in the available mirror. Important fossils are great sight as are the treasures found around available. Directions to act if you find a treasure is also displayed for the knowledge of one & all.