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.
Number of results: 145
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Towns & Villages
The village of Streatley-on-Thames stands on the opposite side of the River Thames to Goring; Oxfordshire on one side and West Berkshire on the other, linked by a bridge which was built in 1923
Towns & Villages
A pretty riverside parish with a three-mile frontage on the Thames between Maidenhead and Windsor, Bray has become a very popular stopping place for visitors
Town
Windsor
While the magnificent Windsor Castle is this majestic town's main attraction, don't miss the tranquil Savill Garden, or the family-friendly Legoland just a short drive away.
Historic Site
Windsor
Set in a symbolic acre of land donated to the United States of America by Queen Elizabeth II in 1965, this seven tonne block of Portland stone commemorates the life of President John F Kennedy following his tragic assassination.
Museum
Maidenhead
Fly a Spitfire simulator at this local museum which covers local history from the Romans to Racing Cars!
Climbing / High Ropes
Bracknell
Axe Throwing
Every tried slinging an axe? Not only is it the perfect stress-reliever but it's bags of fun too. Enjoy an action-packed hour of axe-flinging in the great outdoors, as you go in search for that all-important bullseye (it's harder than…
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.
Village
Crownthorne
Crowthorne is a village and civil parish in the Bracknell Forest district of south-eastern Berkshire.
Towns & Villages
In the southeastern corner of the Royal Borough, Sunningdale borders the county of Surrey and until 1894 was included within the parish of Old Windsor. As in neighbouring Ascot and Sunninghill, the area is noted for its fine displays of trees and…
Country / Royal Park
Newbury
Heathland, valley bog and woodland. Suitable for most quiet recreational activities such as walking and picnicking. Walking distance to Donnington Castle.
Towns & Villages
Despite the rather unfortunate Saxon meaning of its name, Hor-tun or 'Dirty Farm', the village today is a clean and wholesome place clustered around its small triangular green, but with more modern houses on the roads to Wraysbury and Colnbrook.The…
Towns & Villages
During the 14th century. Wraysbury (or Wyrardisbury) was a Royal Manor and its lands often featured in the dowries of English Queens. The village grew up around the Church of St Andrew which, although of 12th-century origin and containing some…
Towns & Villages
Bracknell
Bracknell is a town and civil parish in the Borough of Bracknell Forest in Berkshire.
Towns & Villages
Newbury
Set along the banks of the River Kennet and the Kennet and Avon Canal, Newbury has a fresh, rural atmosphere combined with great shopping facilities and new attractions.
Towns & Villages
Sandhurst
Sandhurst is a small town and civil parish and is in the south eastern corner of Berkshire, within the Borough of Bracknell Forest, situated 33 miles south west of central London.
Museum
Windsor
The jewel in the Royal Borough's crown, Windsor and Royal Borough Museum is a family friendly museum bursting with interesting facts and interactive displays of East Berkshire.
Towns & Villages
Woodley
Woodley is a town and civil parish in Berkshire, England. It is a suburb of Reading and is located near the towns of Earley and Wokingham.
Towns & Villages
Despite much modern development, Datchet still manages to retain many features of the quiet riverside settlement it once was. The older buildings cluster around The Green with its central oak tree commemorating Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.
Towns & Villages
In the days when the River Thames meandered through a wide flood plain, and in the absence of bridges, Clewer became well known for its ford as this was the only place to cross the river for several miles. It was used by soldiers, traders and…
Boat Trip
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.