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, Berkshire, the weekend home of the British Royal family, 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, 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 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 121 to 140.
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.
Garden
Windsor
Alexandra Gardens is a pretty public garden near the River Thames in Windsor with seating, a bandstand and plenty of grassed areas perfect for picnics.
Museum
Reading
Description: The Ure Museum holds collections of archaeological material, archives and modern artefacts.
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.
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…
Shopping Centre
Reading
One of the region’s premier shopping destinations, located on the banks of the River Kennet in the heart of Reading town centre.
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.
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
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.
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!
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…
Marina / Harbour
Bray
Bray Marina is situated in a country park setting, providing berth holders with a delightfully tranquil mooring.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Museum
Reading
Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall.
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.
© Visit South East England 2025. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
