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
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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
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.
Golf Course
Reading
Nestling on the borders of Berkshire & Oxfordshire, just outside of Reading you’ll find Caversham Heath Golf Club.
The Championship course is set within 250 acres of countryside. The superbly appointed Clubhouse is perfect for weddings, celebrations
Garden
Slough
This Grade 1 registered Garden of Remembrance contains formal and informal water features, a colonnade, rose garden, woodland, rock garden and open parkland with stunning views across the Capability Brown landscape.
Brewery
Windsor
Fancy sampling locally brewed beer? Then look no further than Windsor and Eton Brewery.
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…
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.
Water Based Activities
Maidenhead
Join in the fun at Bray Lake Watersports! Take part in stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, dinghy sailing, winging and open water swimming. Hire and tuition available. Visit our café for hot and cold refreshments.
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.
Museum
Reading
The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) is England’s most extensive museum dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life and countryside issues.
Spa
Wokingham
Christmas Sale 2for1 on selected all-inclusive spa experiences*
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.
Sports Ground
Ashford
Datchet Watersports provide tutition and equipment hire for Windsurfing, Sailing and Yachting.
Museum
Reading
Description: The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and modern artefacts.
Historic House / Palace
Windsor
Late 17th-century royal residence, particularly associated with Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria. Frogmore House is currently closed to visitors.
Walking Tour
Qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guide (English, German and French) to Windsor, London and much more.
Marina / Harbour
Bray
Bray Marina is situated in a country park setting, providing berth holders with a delightfully tranquil mooring.
Restaurant
Streatley-on-Thames
The Swan at Streatley is in a picturesque Berkshire village offering a hotel bar and coffee shop or dine in the Coppa Club.
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