With so many places to visit in Berkshire, you can easily forget you're right on London’s doorstep. Just 45 minutes by train from London, you'll discover a wealth of towns, villages and countryside to explore, making this county the perfect antidote to UK city life. A county with unique connections to the British Royal Family, where you will find the River Thames meandering along its northern edge and beautiful parks and gardens ablaze with colour.
The North Wessex Downs (AONB) to the west of the county, a rich mosaic of chalk habitat, woodland, pastures and common land and the world famous historic town of Windsor to the east. You'll find a year round events calendar, along with vibrant riverside towns of Reading and Maidenhead, the famous college of Eton and the place where the historic Magna Carta was signed. Today this romantic county offers the perfect escape from the everyday, combining royal heritage, a slice of luxury with the great outdoors. To get the most out of your stay, start planning your days out in Berkshire here.
Windsor, Berkshire, the weekend home of the British Royal family, home to the iconic Windsor Castle, the world famous long walk and the beautiful Windsor Great Park. With history and heritage at every turn, beautiful parks and gardens, riverside walks and great shopping, this beautiful historic town makes for a great South East short break destination.
Berkshire is the birthplace of the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, raised in the quaint village of Buckleberry where her parents’ home is still located today. It was in the village of Pangbourne in Berkshire where she spent her school days at St Andrew’s School. Situated on the River Thames, Pangbourne has been cited as the inspiration of many famous authors’ novels including Kenneth Grahame and Jerome K. Jerome. Full of character, Pangbourne is a great place to visit.
Vibrant Reading, Berkshire, a modern destination with a medieval history, packed full of in or on the water activities, adrenaline fuled attractions, rich history and great places to stay. Located on the River Thames it is home to the 900 year old Reading Abbey ruins, the Reading Festival, and the departure point for modern pilgrims and walkers retracing the steps of medieval pilgrims along St James’ Way to Southampton.
Berkshire is also home to many other picturesque towns and villages such as Newbury, Hungerford, Ascot, Hurley, Cookham, Bray, Littlewick Green, and Waltham St Lawrence. Find out more about towns and villages in the county with our interactive map of Berkshire.
Many of Berkshire's tourist attractions are open all year round so find the best days out in Berkshire with activities listings each showing a map and opening times for your convenience. Or why not browse our Berkshire events guide to find out what's on this week.
For things to do in Reading, Newbury, Maidenhead, Bracknell and other Berkshire towns, browse our pick of the best attractions below or find a more comprehensive list of what to do and places to visit at the bottom of the page.
For more about Berkshire, including ideas on days out, where to stay and things to do in Berkshire, browse through the below selection of attractions and towns and villages that collectively make Berkshire such a memorable destination to visit. Use the 'map view' button to find something near you.
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Leisure / Swimming Pool
Reading
Thames Lido is a restored Victorian outdoor swimming pool which now offers a fully heated pool, hot tub and saunas, massage rooms, restaurant, bar and function room.
Water Based Activities
Reading
A 28 acre multi-activity site with an Aqua Park & Paddle Boards currently on our lake making our location a safe fun filled location for families coming to spend the day.
Private Guided Tours
Windsor
The best way to experience the sights of this ancient royal town is with one of our professional Blue Badge Tourist Guides. Elite Blue Badge Guides undergo two years of extensive training and represent the ‘gold standard’ of tourist guiding in the…
Shopping Centre
Reading
One of the region’s premier shopping destinations, located on the banks of the River Kennet in the heart of Reading town centre.
Country / Royal Park
Newbury
One of the best known hill forts in England and the site of one of the beacons that formed a network across Hampshire.
Garden
Newbury
Opening times, prices and how to get to this all weather family attraction. Wander beneath the canopy of this living rainforest & see butterflies and birds
Golf Course
Datchet
Datchet Golf Club is the nearest golf course to Windsor running along the River Thames under the watchful eye of Windsor Castle.
Pub/Inn
Henley on Thames, Berkshire
This cute whitewashed pub has more strings to its bow than just pulling pints.
Marina / Harbour
Bray
Bray Marina is situated in a country park setting, providing berth holders with a delightfully tranquil mooring.
Museum
Reading
The burial place of King Henry I, Reading Abbey celebrated 900 years of history in 2021. The ruins of what would have been one of Europe’s largest medieval buildings can be visited with self guided or with guided tours via Reading Museum.
Country / Royal Park
Sandhurst
Trilakes Country Park incorporates an animal park, nationally renowned fishing lakes, cafe and a new indoor children's adventure playworld.
Restaurant
Windsor
Gilbey’s Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse is located on Eton High Street, just a stone’s throw away from the pedestrian bridge that spans the River Thames, separating Windsor from Eton. Gilbey's Eton is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.
Shopping Centre
Reading
Elegant 1930s covered arcade home to a unique collection of independent & specialist shops in Reading town centre.
Historic Site
NEWBURY
Fourteenth-century gatehouse and Civil War earthworks are all that remain of this castle destroyed during one of the longest sieges of the Civil War lasting 2 years.
Historic House / Palace
Reading
Home of the Dukes of Wellington since 1817. Unique collection of paintings, furniture and personal effects of the Great Duke, including his magnificent funeral carriage, military regalia and campaign trophies.
Historic House / Palace
Newbury
Shaw House was built by a Newbury clothier in 1581 and retains much of its original Tudor architecture.
Church / Chapel
READING
Built between 1836 and 1840 St James Roman Catholic Church was built from designs by A. W Pugin architect of the Palace of Westminster. The church is located next to Reading Abbey ruins, between Forbury Gardens and Reading Gaol.
Restaurant
Windsor
Windsor Grill is a local favourite. Enjoy 28 day aged Surrey Farm beef along with our other famous meats and seafood specials, seasonal favourites, great wines and classic cocktails at this independent Windsor restaurant.
Serves Local Produce
Reading
Every Wednesday and Friday lunchtime, Blue Collar takes over Market Place to provide flavours from around the world from a range of top-quality street food outlets. Jamaican jerk chicken, Peruvian flavours or Vegan treats are regulars.