Christchurch Bridge

Christchurch Bridge

Reading

Things To Do in Berkshire

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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.

Visit Berkshire

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, HungerfordAscot, 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.

Things to do in Berkshire this weekend

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.

Top 10 things to do in Berkshire

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.

List of things to do & places to visit for days out in Berkshire

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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Number of results: 146

, currently showing 61 to 80.

  1. The Eton Walkway

    Type

    Type:

    Waymarked Trail

    Eton, Windsor

    The Eton Walkway, a 2-mile/one-hour circular walk, connects 18 points of interest in the town starting at Windsor Bridge.

  2. Maidenhead

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Maidenhead

    Things to do, places to visit and what's nearby the town of Maidenhead, on the River Thames in Berkshire. Official tourist information guide.

  3. Waltham St Lawrence

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    One of the most westerly parishes in the borough, Waltham St Lawrence includes the hamlets of West End and Shurlock Row and contains many fine examples of domestic architecture.

    The village is centred on its cattle pound, around which are many…

  4. Runnymede

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Windsor Road, Egham

    Runnymede is famous for its monuments, the most famous being the one to commemorate the Magna Carta. The area is a riverside setting of meadows, grassland and woodland with a network of pleasant paths and pleasure gardens.

  5. Theatre Royal Windsor

    Type

    Type:

    Theatre

    Windsor

    The Theatre Royal Windsor is a beautiful Edwardian theatre nestling between Windsor Castle and the River Thames and is the only unsubsidised producing theatre to operate all year round in Britain.

  6. Thames Rivercruise

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    Type:

    Boat

    Caversham, Reading


    Thames River Cruise was established in 1974 when it all started very simply with one small open launch operating from Caversham to Mapledurham.

    Things have moved on considerably. All our vessels are of the finest standing on the Upper Thames and…

  7. Holme Grange Craft Village

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    Type:

    Craft Centre

    Wokingham

    We offer a wide range of goods and services and a fabulous tea shop in a historic barn opening onto a beautiful enclosed courtyard where you can sit and relax while you enjoy your refreshment.

  8. Kris Cruisers

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    Type:

    Boat

    Slough

    Whether you have a week, a day or just a few hours, relax, unwind and discover the hidden treasures of the River Thames with Kris Cruisers self-drive Day Boats and Boating Holidays.

  9. Cookham

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Cookham

    Visit pretty, historic Cookham, home to authors and artists, including Sir Stanley Spencer. Explore interesting shops, friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants and enjoy countryside and riverside walks.

  10. The Mill at Sonning

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    Type:

    Restaurant

    Reading

    Set on the River Thames, the historic Mill at Sonning Theatre has over 40 years of entertainment excellence as the UK's only dinner theatre. It recently won the UK Theatre Award for Best Musical Production (Gypsy, 2023).

  11. Stratfield Saye House

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    Type:

    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.

  12. Reading Abbey Ruins

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    Type:

    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.

  13. Harris Arcade

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    Type:

    Shopping Centre

    Reading

    Elegant 1930s covered arcade home to a unique collection of independent & specialist shops in Reading town centre.

  14. The Look Out Discovery Centre

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    Type:

    Science Centre

    Bracknell

    If you are looking for a fun day out, then The Look Out Discovery Centre is worth a visit with over 90 hands-on science and discovery activities. Set in 1,000 hectares of woodland with a great adventure play area, picnic area, gift and coffee shop.

  15. St Bartholomew Church

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    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    Reading

    St Bartholomew Church

  16. The Nature Discovery Centre

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    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Thatcham, Newbury

    The Nature Discovery Centre offers organic refreshments, interactive wildlife activities , adventure playgrounds and lakeside walks. A wonderful day out for all the family

  17. Pangbourne

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    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Reading


    Close to Reading, Pangbourne, in Berkshire, is located on the River Thames and is on the opposite bank of the river to Whitchurch-on-Thames. The Pang flows through the centre of Pangbourne before joining the Thames.

  18. Trilakes Country Park

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    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Sandhurst

    Trilakes Country Park incorporates an animal park, nationally renowned fishing lakes, cafe and a new indoor children's adventure playworld.

  19. Padworth Common

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    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Thatcham

    Wonderful countryside sites, both hosting a wide varierty of plants and animals and perfect for walks.

  20. Thames Lido

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    Type:

    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.