Berkshire
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: 147
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Garden
Slough
This Grade 1 registered Garden of Remembrance contains formal and informal water features, a colonnade, rose garden, woodland, rock garden and open parkland with stunning views across the Capability Brown landscape.
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.
Gallery
Cookham, Maidenhead
The Stanley Spencer Gallery is devoted to the work of one of Britain’s greatest painters, Sir Stanley Spencer. It holds the largest repository of Spencer paintings on display anywhere in the world.
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.
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.
Church / Chapel
READING
Built between 1836 and 1840 St James Roman Catholic Church was built from designs by A. W Pugin architect of the Palace of Westminster. The church is located next to Reading Abbey ruins, between Forbury Gardens and Reading Gaol.
Historic House / Palace
Windsor
The historic buildings are an integral part of the heritage of the British Isles. Visitors are invited to share the unique experience and beauty of Eton College.
Sports Ground
Ashford
Datchet Watersports provide tutition and equipment hire for Windsurfing, Sailing and Yachting.
Marina / Harbour
Caversham, Reading
John & Jack Patey welcome you to their family run business, established in 1971.
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.
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.
Museum
Reading
The burial place of King Henry I, Reading Abbey celebrated 900 years of history in 2021. The ruins of what would have been one of Europe’s largest medieval buildings can be visited with self guided or with guided tours via Reading Museum.
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…
Towns & Villages
Goring is situated on the River Thames in South Oxfordshire and features the Goring Gap which sits within both The Chilterns and North Wessex Downs Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Its banks forming the border of Oxfordshire and Berkshire…
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.
Bar
Reading
The menus at the Lido have a strong Spanish and Mediterranean feel adding to the ‘holiday’ atmosphere of the venue.
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
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.
Marina / Harbour
Bray
Bray Marina is situated in a country park setting, providing berth holders with a delightfully tranquil mooring.
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