Donnington Castle is a historic castle located in the town of Newbury, in the county of Berkshire, England. The castle is situated on a hill overlooking the River Lambourn and the surrounding countryside, providing stunning views of the area. The castle was built in the 14th century by Sir Richard Abberbury, and was later owned by the powerful Earl of Warwick, Richard Neville, during the Wars of the Roses.
The castle is made up of two main parts: the gatehouse and the keep. The gatehouse is a two-story building with a central archway that leads into the castle courtyard. The keep is a three-story tower that was used as a residence by the castle's owners. The castle also has a number of other buildings, including a chapel, stables, and a kitchen.
Donnington Castle played an important role in the English Civil War, when it was held by the Royalists against the Parliamentarians. The castle was besieged twice, and was eventually captured by the Parliamentarians in 1646. After the war, the castle was partially destroyed, and today only the gatehouse and the keep remain.
Despite its ruined state, Donnington Castle remains a popular tourist attraction, and is a popular spot for picnics and walks. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland, and there are a number of walking trails that lead through the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the castle ruins, and learn about its fascinating history through information panels and guided tours.
