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: 146
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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.
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
Mediterranean
Bray, Maidenhead
Located at the picturesque Bray Marina on the banks of the River Thames, Mediterranevm offers an exceptional Mediterranean restaurant experience combining authentic cuisine, stunning riverside views and warm hospitality.
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.
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.
Museum
Reading
Description: The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and modern artefacts.
Spa
Wokingham
Christmas Sale 2for1 on selected all-inclusive spa experiences*
Marina / Harbour
Bray
Bray Marina is situated in a country park setting, providing berth holders with a delightfully tranquil mooring.
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.
Pub/Inn
Windsor
The Prince Arthur is a traditional English pub set amongst the chimney pots of Grove Road.
Country / Royal Park
Sandhurst
Trilakes Country Park incorporates an animal park, nationally renowned fishing lakes, cafe and a new indoor children's adventure playworld.
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.
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.
Pub/Inn
Henley on Thames, Berkshire
This cute whitewashed pub has more strings to its bow than just pulling pints.
Sports Ground
Ashford
Datchet Watersports provide tutition and equipment hire for Windsurfing, Sailing and Yachting.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Windsor
We are a Boutique Family run Bakery situated in a charming cobbled street with views looking onto the walls of Windsor Castle
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!
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…
Shopping Centre
Reading
Elegant 1930s covered arcade home to a unique collection of independent & specialist shops in Reading town centre.
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.
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