Reading
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: 145
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Bar
Reading
The menus at the Lido have a strong Spanish and Mediterranean feel adding to the ‘holiday’ atmosphere of the venue.
Sports Ground
Ascot
Ascot Racecourse is synonymous with quality, excellence and a truly memorable day out. The highlight is Royal Ascot in June with five days of tradition, pageantry and style. Outside of Royal Ascot spectacular racing takes place throughout the year.
Bar
Reading
The London Street Brasserie is the second award-winning restaurant by owner and proprietor Paul Clerehugh.
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.
Spa
Wokingham
Christmas Sale 2for1 on selected all-inclusive spa experiences*
Pub/Inn
Windsor
The Prince Arthur is a traditional English pub set amongst the chimney pots of Grove Road.
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.
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
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Afternoon Cream Tea with Bubbly Cruise on the River Thames. Perfect for enjoying an afternoon with friends & family on your own luxury boat cruise (max 12).
Marina / Harbour
Bray
Bray Marina is situated in a country park setting, providing berth holders with a delightfully tranquil mooring.
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.
Brewery
Windsor
Fancy sampling locally brewed beer? Then look no further than Windsor and Eton Brewery.
Museum
Reading
Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall.
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
Historic House / Palace
Newbury
Shaw House was built by a Newbury clothier in 1581 and retains much of its original Tudor architecture.
Historic House / Palace
Reading
An Elizabethan manor house alongside the River Thames, containing paintings, oak staircases, and moulded ceilings. Home to the Blount family for over 500 years.
Historic House / Palace
Windsor
Late 17th-century royal residence, particularly associated with Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria. Frogmore House is currently closed to visitors.
Theme Park
Windsor
The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a unique family theme park where children aged 2 -12 can take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety.
Country / Royal Park
Hurst
A 350-acre site with meadows, fishery, watersports and conservation lakes. Three bird hides, orienteering course, children's play area, cafe.
Mediterranean
Bray, Maidenhead
Located at the picturesque Bray Marina on the banks of the River Thames, Mediterranevm offers an exceptional Mediterranean restaurant experience combining authentic cuisine, stunning riverside views and warm hospitality.
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