The stretch of The Kennet and Avon Canal that falls into Newbury Branch's 'parish' runs from Woolhampton Lock in the east to Kintbury in the west. Throughout, the canal is weaving in and out of the River Kennet, with regular locks compensating for the natural descent of the river. From 1723 when the River Kennet Navigation was opened, Newbury was connected by river to Reading, the Thames and London. Trade thrived as a result. The modern Newbury is the red-brick and tile-roofed capital of the Kennet Valley and is now a busy, prosperous part of 'Silicon Valley'.

The Newbury Branch is based at the Stone Building beside the Canal on Newbury's historic wharf. The Stone Building houses a Canal Shop and Tearooms, ,(currently closed for reorganisation) which are open at weekends and Public Holidays from Easter to the end of October from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm for light refreshments, cakes, sandwiches, ice creams and canal gifts. Upstairs in the Branch's meeting room is a fine display of local canal history, with particular reference to John Gould MBE, who was one of the group who formed a Branch of the Inland Waterways Association in 1949 to fight for the Canal to remain navigable.

The Branch is very active, with a full monthly programme of talks or social events in addition to a major Waterways Festival at the Wharf each year. Many Branch members are also voluntary staff at the Canal Shop. The Branch will always welcome new members, particularly those who would like to help with the Canal Shop and Tearooms. Do contact any member of the Committee

The Newbury Branch proudly organizes the Newbury Waterways Festival each year, normally on the last Sunday of July. The event takes place at Victoria Park, opposite the Stone Building and Newbury Wharf. Over 30 boats assemble for the event and the park becomes packed with stalls, sideshows, live entertainment and food outlets. The day culminates with a 1000-strong plastic duck race from Town Bridge to Wharf Bridge. The date for the 2009 Festival is 24th to 26th July 2009. Make sure you put that date in your diary and come along to enjoy a day beside the River Kennet in the heart of Newbury!