Crowne Plaza Hotel

Crowne Plaza Hotel

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: 145

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  1. Reading Abbey Ruins

    Type

    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.

  2. My River Cruising

    Type

    Type:

    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).

  3. Mapledurham House

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  4. Prince Arthur

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    Type:

    Pub/Inn

    Windsor

    The Prince Arthur is a traditional English pub set amongst the chimney pots of Grove Road.

  5. Better Boating Co

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    Marina / Harbour

    Caversham, Reading

    John & Jack Patey welcome you to their family run business, established in 1971.

  6. Hosehill Lake

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    Type:

    Lake / Reservoir

    READING

    Hosehill Lake is also a local nature reserve. The path around the lake is a mile long and rustic seating and bird viewing areas at frequent intervals give the visitor time to stop and reflect.

  7. Mediterraneum Bray

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    Type:

    Restaurant

    Bray, Maidenhead

    Riverside dining at Bray Marina.

  8. St James RC Church

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    Type:

    Church / Chapel

    READING

    Built between 1836 and 1840 St James Roman Catholic Church was built from designs by A. W Pugin architect of the Palace of Westminster.  The church is located next to Reading Abbey ruins, between Forbury Gardens and Reading Gaol.

  9. Limes Dine in Bakery

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    Tea Room/Coffee Shop

    Windsor

    We are a Boutique Family run Bakery situated in a charming cobbled street with views looking onto the walls of Windsor Castle

  10. Eton College Natural History Museum

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    Type:

    Museum

    Windsor

    Eton’s hidden gem, this family friendly museum is Berkshire’s only dedicated natural history museum. It houses over 16,000 specimens in atmospheric Edwardian surroundings and has something for all the family.

  11. Reading Marine Services

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    Type:

    Boat Hire

    Reading

    Barge, canal boat and narrowboat holidays with Reading Marine can give you one of the most enjoyable and enchanting holidays you’ll ever experience.

  12. Goring

    Type

    Type:

    Towns & Villages

    Goring is situated on the River Thames in South Oxfordshire and features the Goring Gap which sits within both The Chilterns and North Wessex Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Its banks forming the border of Oxfordshire and Berkshire…

  13. Beale Wildlife Park

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    Type:

    Animal Collection / Zoo

    Reading

    Located on the banks of the River Thames in Berkshire, Beale Park is home to a unique collection of rare and endangered birds, animals favourites including monkeys, prairie dogs, meerkats and wallabies.

  14. The Courtyard Café

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    Type:

    Café

    Windsor

    OUR STORY

    When Dan and Alex met back in 2007, little did they know that they would very quickly be embarking on an amazing journey, privately and professionally. Daniel, a head chef, with 22 years of experience, both in London and Brighton, and…

  15. Walk Reading

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Reading

    Looking for things to do in Reading? Discover the hidden gems of our town on an unforgettable Reading walking tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of this charming town as our knowledgeable guides lead you through its…

  16. California Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Finchampstead

    One-hundred-and-fifty acres of beautiful and varied countryside, Longmoor Nature Reserve, 6-acre lake, public coarse fishery, paddling pool, play area, and cafe.

  17. Windsor Grill

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    Type:

    Restaurant

    Windsor

    Windsor Grill is a local favourite. Enjoy 28 day aged Surrey Farm beef along with our other famous meats and seafood specials, seasonal favourites, great wines and classic cocktails at this independent Windsor restaurant.

  18. 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.

  19. Windsor Royal

    Type

    Type:

    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.