From shopping to history, parks and riverside setting, Reading is ideal for a day trip or short getaway.

Forbury Gardens

Reading, Berkshire

Things To Do in Berkshire

Share this with

x

  • Towns & Villages Search

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

Towns & Villages Search

Type:
Keyword:

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 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.

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.

Number of results:

Number of results: 147

, currently showing 101 to 120.

  1. Trilakes Country Park

    Type

    Type:

    Country / Royal Park

    Sandhurst

    Trilakes Country Park incorporates an animal park, nationally renowned fishing lakes, cafe and a new indoor children's adventure playworld.

  2. The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  3. The Courtyard Café

    Type

    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…

  4. Datchet Watersports

    Type

    Type:

    Sports Ground

    Ashford

    Datchet Watersports provide tutition and equipment hire for Windsurfing, Sailing and Yachting.

  5. Watermill Theatre

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  6. The Swan at Streatley

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  7. Datchet Golf Club

    Type

    Type:

    Golf Course

    Datchet

    Datchet Golf Club is the nearest golf course to Windsor running along the River Thames under the watchful eye of Windsor Castle.

  8. Windsor Duck Tours

    Type

    Type:

    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,…

  9. Museum of English Rural Life

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  10. 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…

  11. Thames Lido

    Type

    Type:

    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.

  12. 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.

  13. Spirit of England Tours

    Type

    Type:

    Walking Tour

    Spirit of England Tours offer you and your group professional blue badge guided tours of Windsor and Eton, Windsor Castle and The Savill Garden. Corporate groups welcome.

  14. Ure Museum

    Type

    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

    Description:  The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and modern artefacts.

  15. London Street Brasserie

    Type

    Type:

    Bar

    Reading

    The London Street Brasserie is the second award-winning restaurant by owner and proprietor Paul Clerehugh.

  16. Better Boating Co

    Type

    Type:

    Marina / Harbour

    Caversham, Reading

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

  17. The Living Rainforest

    Type

    Type:

    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

  18. Caversham Heath Golf Club

    Type

    Type:

    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

  19. Shaw House

    Type

    Type:

    Historic House / Palace

    Newbury

    Shaw House was built by a Newbury clothier in 1581 and retains much of its original Tudor architecture.

  20. Bucklebury Farm Park

    Type

    Type:

    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.