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.
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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.
Sightseeing
Windsor
You haven’t seen Windsor until you’ve seen it by Duck! Laugh, learn and enjoy our 1 hour live guided tour by road and river. Our unique adventure begins in the heart of Windsor, taking in the famous sights before ‘SPLASHDOWN’ into the River Thames,…
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).
Museum
Reading
Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall.
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.
Walking Tour
Reading
Terry set up his guided walks of Reading to pass on his love of local history and culture, Reading’s famous people, its myths and battles, gardens, architecture, gardens, buildings and so much more and also to get himself fitter!
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.
Adventure Park / Playground
Wokingham
Monkey Mates is a children's indoor soft play facility with an outdoor playground. We have an extensive catering facility and seating area.
Pub/Inn
East Garston, Berkshire
This is horse-racing country and it’s not just the stables that house pure-breeds; this picturesque 18th-century inn is as authentic as they come.
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.
Golf Course
Ascot
Founded in 1928, The Berkshire Golf Club is home to two Herbert Fowler designed courses, both of which are widely regarded as amongst the best in the British Isles.
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.
Country / Royal Park
Newbury
One of the best known hill forts in England and the site of one of the beacons that formed a network across Hampshire.
Marina / Harbour
Caversham, Reading
John & Jack Patey welcome you to their family run business, established in 1971.
Museum
Reading
Description: The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and modern artefacts.
Golf Course
Maidenhead
Established in 1896 Maidenhead Golf Club is a mature course set in lovely rolling parkland where you can glimpse deer in the early morning and enjoy the peace and tranquility of a round of golf in this picturesque part of Berkshire.
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.
Pub/Inn
Henley on Thames, Berkshire
This cute whitewashed pub has more strings to its bow than just pulling pints.
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.
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.
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