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 in Berkshire was the weekend home of the Queen Elizabeth II and still remains a key royal residence of the British Royal family, especially for hosting visiting dignities. The town is 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 in 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 Eton, 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: 147
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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
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.
Restaurant
Winnersh Triangle, WOKINGHAM
Sat within the new, fully refurbished, 4 Silver Star Crowne Plaza Reading M4 Jct 10, the 2 AA Rosette Caprice Restaurant and Monty’s Lounge & Bar with superb terrace serves modern British & authentic Indian dishes as well as Splendid Afternoon Teas…
Towns & Villages
Pretty riverside Hurley lies halfway between London and Oxford, being 55 miles from each by river. The river has always been an important part of the village’s history with records of a ford as early as the 6th century.
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.
Towns & Villages
Bisham is a parish of woodlands, the best-known being the Quarry Woods, which provide a splendid backdrop to the many historic buildings both large and small along the road to Marlow. Although the woodlands are private there are many public…
Towns & Villages
Ascot was originally a village called East Cote meaning Eastern Cottage from the old English Estcota and lies just 6 miles from Windsor Castle. Home to arguably the most famous racecourse in the country, most commercial development has grown up…
Nature Reserve
Windsor
Discover one of Berkshire's best wildlife walks at Dorney Wetlands. Situated between Slough and Dorney on the banks of the Jubilee River, Dorney Wetlands is a beautiful 43-hectare nature reserve that offers a peaceful retreat into nature. Created as…
Town
Windsor
It's a rare town indeed that can boast two of the UK's favourite attractions yet Windsor is home to not only the world famous Windsor Castle, but also the theme park Legoland® Windsor Resort.
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…
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…
Farm Shop
HUNGERFORD
Cobbs was founded out of a passion for supplying quality food with provenance to our customers as well as providing a platform to the immense volume of artisanal producers on our doorstep. You will find a fantastic farm shop, delicatessen, butchery,…
Towns & Villages
Pangbourne
Nestling along the River Thames, Pangbourne is subject of much literary inspiration. A charming place, undeserving of being labelled Pongbourne by author DH Lawrence.
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
Thatcham
Thatcham is a town in the historic county of Berkshire and is situated just three miles east of Newbury.
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…
Church / Chapel
Hungerford
Alabaster nobles and wall paintings in a rural idyll.
This simple little church, with pre-Norman origins, stands in an idyllic spot beside a water meadow next to the River Lambourn.
Its village has long since vanished, but the spirit of the…
Theatre
Maidenhead
Gigs, comedy, film, theatre, gallery, classes, cafe bar. Since September 2000, Norden Farm has offered the people of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, and beyond, the best in entertainment and the performing arts.
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.
Reading
Whether enjoying a performance or a meal by the river, the Mill at Sonning Theatre provides an beautiful setting for a memorable eating out experience. With the original waterwheel, still in operation, the setting is one of historical charm that…