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.
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Nature Reserve
Thatcham
Wonderful countryside sites, both hosting a wide varierty of plants and animals and perfect for walks.
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
Museum
Reading
Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall.
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.
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.
Pub/Inn
Windsor
The Prince Arthur is a traditional English pub set amongst the chimney pots of Grove Road.
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
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.
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
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…
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.
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.
Private Guided Tours
Windsor
The best way to experience the sights of this ancient royal town is with one of our professional Blue Badge Tourist Guides. Elite Blue Badge Guides undergo two years of extensive training and represent the ‘gold standard’ of tourist guiding in the…
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.
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.
Country / Royal Park
Newbury
One of the best known hill forts in England and the site of one of the beacons that formed a network across Hampshire.
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.
Shopping Centre
Reading
Elegant 1930s covered arcade home to a unique collection of independent & specialist shops in Reading town centre.
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.