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.
Number of results: 145
, currently showing 101 to 120.
Museum
Newbury
West Berkshire Museum is housed in two of Newbury’s best loved historic buildings - the 17th century Cloth Hall and the old Granary/Corn Stores in the Wharf. The permanent exhibition ‘Lives and Landscapes’ tells the story of West Berkshire. The…
Bar
Reading
The London Street Brasserie is the second award-winning restaurant by owner and proprietor Paul Clerehugh.
Pub/Inn
Windsor
The Prince Arthur is a traditional English pub set amongst the chimney pots of Grove Road.
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.
Natural Feature
Lambourn, Hungerford
Tours of Racehorse Stables includes gallops, racing stables, equine swimming pool, Hall of Fame and a tour of new staff housing.
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.
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
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.
Marina / Harbour
Bray
Bray Marina is situated in a country park setting, providing berth holders with a delightfully tranquil mooring.
Water Mill
Reading
The last working corn and grist watermill on the Thames with parts dating from the 15thC. Flour produced is sold in the shop, and the traditional working machinery can be viewed.
Historic House / Palace
Windsor
Late 17th-century royal residence, particularly associated with Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria. Frogmore House is currently closed to visitors.
Museum
Reading
Description: The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and modern artefacts.
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.
Brewery
Windsor
Fancy sampling locally brewed beer? Then look no further than Windsor and Eton Brewery.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Windsor
Windsor Farm Shop, High Quality local produce at your convenience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Towns & Villages
Reading
Close to Reading, Pangbourne, in Berkshire, is located on the River Thames and is on the opposite bank of the river to Whitchurch-on-Thames. The Pang flows through the centre of Pangbourne before joining the Thames.
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