Berkshire
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: 148
, currently showing 101 to 120.
British Marine
Caversham, Reading
Family business offering a fleet of well maintained traditional cruisers and narrowboats for hire for short breaks and weekly hire. Limited Winter cruising available
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.
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.
Historic House / Palace
Windsor
The historic buildings are an integral part of the heritage of the British Isles. Visitors are invited to share the unique experience and beauty of Eton College.
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.
Shopping Centre
Windsor
Windsor Royal integrates the former Windsor Yards and Windsor Royal Station Shopping Centres into one fantastic offering, where you can shop, play, dine, or stay. Embrace Windsor.
Bar
Reading
The menus at the Lido have a strong Spanish and Mediterranean feel adding to the ‘holiday’ atmosphere of the venue.
Walking Tour
Reading
Enjoy a walking tour exploring the heart of medieval Reading led by our Official Reading Museum tour guides.
Starting in the Story of Reading Gallery in Reading Museum and continuing outdoors, this tour will lead you on a discovery of the history…
Shopping Centre
Reading
Elegant 1930s covered arcade home to a unique collection of independent & specialist shops in Reading town centre.
Pub/Inn
Henley on Thames, Berkshire
This cute whitewashed pub has more strings to its bow than just pulling pints.
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
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.
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.
Spa
Wokingham
Christmas Sale 2for1 on selected all-inclusive spa experiences*
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.
Theatre
Newbury
The beautiful and intimate Watermill Theatre, housed in a converted mill on the bank of the river Lambourn, is one of the very best producing regional theatres in the country.
Garden
Windsor
Alexandra Gardens is a pretty public garden near the River Thames in Windsor with seating, a bandstand and plenty of grassed areas perfect for picnics.
Museum
Reading
Description: The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and modern artefacts.
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