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

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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 EtonNewbury, HungerfordAscot, 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.

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Number of results: 147

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  1. Mediterranevm Bray

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    Type:

    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.

  2. London Street Brasserie

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    Type:

    Bar

    Reading

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

  3. Dinton Pastures Country Park

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    Type:

    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.

  4. The Queens Arms

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    Type:

    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.

  5. Windsor Duck Tours

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    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,…

  6. Blue Collar Street Food Market

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    Type:

    Serves Local Produce

    Reading

    Every Wednesday and Friday lunchtime, Blue Collar takes over Market Place to provide flavours from around the world from a range of top-quality street food outlets. Jamaican jerk chicken, Peruvian flavours or Vegan treats are regulars. 

  7. Maidenhead Golf Club

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    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.

  8. Bucklebury Farm Park

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    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.

  9. Stratfield Saye House

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    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.

  10. The Nature Discovery Centre

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    Type:

    Nature Reserve

    Thatcham, Newbury

    The Nature Discovery Centre offers organic refreshments, interactive wildlife activities , adventure playgrounds and lakeside walks. A wonderful day out for all the family

  11. Harris Arcade

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    Type:

    Shopping Centre

    Reading

    Elegant 1930s covered arcade home to a unique collection of independent & specialist shops in Reading town centre.

  12. Better Boating Co

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    Type:

    Marina / Harbour

    Caversham, Reading

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

  13. California Country Park

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    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.

  14. The Swan at Streatley

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    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.

  15. My River Cruising

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    Type:

    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).

  16. The Museum of Berkshire Aviation

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    Type:

    Museum

    Reading

    Aircraft, archives, photographs, related aviation items and uniforms housed in an historic hangar on the historic site of Woodley airfield.

  17. Windsor Farm Shop

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    Tea Room/Coffee Shop

    Windsor

    Windsor Farm Shop, High Quality local produce at your convenience.

  18. The Coconut Tree

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    Vegan Friendly

    READING

    In recent years, Sri Lankan food has been having a moment, with The Times identifying it as a key food trend, and BBC Food attributing its popularity  to “most of the food world looking towards exciting new cuisines.”

    The Coconut Tree’s take on…

  19. Latino Taverna

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    Type:

    Restaurant

    Windsor

    Established since 1987, Latino Taverna is a friendly, family-run Greek restaurant set on a picturesque cobbled street in the most historic part of Windsor.

  20. Datchet Golf Club

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    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.