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.
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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.
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.
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…
Farm
Bucklebury, Reading
Free tractor and trailer rides, hand feed the tamer members of the herd, lots of animals to pat and feed, indoor-slides, adventure playground, nature trail, picnic area & refreshments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Private Guided Tours
Windsor
The best way to experience the sights of this ancient royal town is with one of our professional Blue Badge Tourist Guides. Elite Blue Badge Guides undergo two years of extensive training and represent the ‘gold standard’ of tourist guiding in the…
Marina / Harbour
Caversham, Reading
John & Jack Patey welcome you to their family run business, established in 1971.
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.
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
Marina / Harbour
Bray
Bray Marina is situated in a country park setting, providing berth holders with a delightfully tranquil mooring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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