Eric Newby (born in London in 1919) is a English author of travel literature, who is regarded by many as one of the leading British writers in this genre in the 20th century. He was educated at St. Paul's School.

His best known works include A Short Walk in the Hindu Kush, The Last Grain Race and Round Ireland in Low Gear (1958). He was awarded a CBE in 1994.

Newby served in the Black Watch and the Special Boat Section during World War Two and was a prisoner of war from 1942 to 1945.