Summary
Berkshire, part of the Home Counties, is celebrated for its idyllic countryside and proximity to London, making it a desirable location for real estate investments. The county has a rich history of affluence, having housed royalty since the early 1100s with the establishment of Windsor Castle.
The influence of royal heritage is palpable throughout the region, notably at the prestigious Ascot racecourse. Moreover, as one journeys through Berkshire, the scenic waterways contribute significantly to the county’s allure.
The Thames River gracefully flows from west to east, expanding as it travels and enriching the lush water meadows that accompany various towns and villages. Additionally, the Kennet and Avon Canal served as a vital transportation route from the West Country to London, now frequented by leisure travelers navigating the waters in barges.
Let’s delve into the premier sites to explore in Berkshire:
1. Windsor
This elegant town along the Thames hosts two of England’s most frequented landmarks. Windsor Castle is well-renowned as the oldest continuously inhabited royal residence in Europe, established during Henry I’s reign in the early 12th century.
Visitors may find themselves engaged in the extensive 5,000-hectare Great Park or leisurely wandering through the town, marveling at Christopher Wren’s 17th-century Guildhall. For families, LEGOLAND Windsor—named the UK’s favorite theme park in 2016—offers a delightful array of LEGO-themed attractions and rides enjoyable for children up to 12 years old.
2. Newbury
Newbury is a well-preserved historical town, offering pleasant walks in its center, and the grassy tow paths along the Kennet and Avon Canal provide a peaceful retreat. The Newbury Racecourse is renowned for hosting the Lockinge Stakes in May, one of the notable events in the racing calendar.
Highclere Castle, an impressive stately home, resides within a sprawling 2,000-hectare estate, warranting special attention from fans of Downton Abbey, as it served as a filming location for the series. The house, designed in a “Jacobethan” style, dates back to the 1800s, showcasing inspiration from 16th and 17th-century palatial architecture.
Enjoy wandering the downs in the nearby parks and visiting Donnington Castle, which witnessed a significant 18-month siege during the English Civil War.
3. Bray
Beyond its charming exterior, Bray boasts a rich culinary heritage. The village features quality almshouses dating back to the early 1600s and the striking Church of St. Michael from the 1290s, filled with captivating medieval artifacts, including a monumental brass on the tomb of Sir John Foxley.
Bray’s reputation is chiefly anchored in its dining establishments, including two of the four three Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK. The Waterside Inn, established by the Roux brothers in 1972, and Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck, celebrated for its innovative molecular gastronomy since its opening in 1995, are highlights of the culinary landscape.
4. Reading
Despite its lack of acclaim for aesthetics, Reading is a significant urban center, home to a reputable university and extensive shopping opportunities. Its proximity to London facilitated its development as a manufacturing hub in the 1800s, benefiting from excellent transport links at the junction of the Kennet and Avon Canal and the Thames.
Located just a couple of miles east are the lush green hills and clear chalk streams of the North Wessex Downs, offering respite for those yearning for rural landscapes. In the town, visitors can explore the remains of Reading Abbey and a variety of museums, including the Museum of Zoology, the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, and the Museum of English Rural Life.
5. Wokingham
Wokingham was a notable center for silk spinning during Tudor times, with remnants of this industry still evident. A stroll along Rose Street reveals half-timbered houses that once housed looms on their ground floors.
The Victorian Gothic revival town hall at the center of Market Place continues to serve as a community hub, featuring a stylish café in its courtyard. The surrounding historic buildings host a mix of independent shops and well-known retail brands. Throughout the town, a range of nature walks can be initiated, including paths leading to the picturesque Fichampstead Ridges, characterized by woodlands and heather.
6. Hungerford
Located near Wiltshire in the North Wessex Downs, Hungerford is slightly distanced from Walbury Hill, the highest point in the Southeast at nearly 300 meters. The Kennet and Avon Canal winds past the town’s northern side, historically transporting coal and stone quarried in Somerset towards Reading.
Hungerford Wharf presents an idyllic scene, making it a delightful location for observing narrowboats traversing the canal on sunny days. Cross the bridge to explore the 17th and 18th-century properties lining the high street, including the Hungerford Arcade, an antiques haven boasting over 100 dealers under one roof.
7. Eton
Located opposite Windsor on the Thames’ north bank, Eton is synonymous with the prestigious Eton College, founded by Henry VI. This esteemed institution has produced 19 former British Prime Ministers among its alumni.
Eton College possesses its own Natural History Museum, which is open on Sundays, with arrangements available for visits at other times. The high street is lined with historic brick and half-timbered buildings, offering upscale shops, including a delicatessen and antique bookstores. Nearby green spaces such as Brocas and South Meadow provide excellent areas for recreation along the Thames.
8. Pangbourne
Fans of the children’s book “Wind in the Willows” may appreciate that its author, Kenneth Grahame, spent his retirement in Pangbourne during the 1920s. The village features charming historic houses alongside unique shops, enhanced by the scenic backdrop of the Thames.
The banks boast expansive green water meadows owned by Pangbourne, where the village fête is held annually in June. During the summer months, these meadows transform into idyllic picnic spots shaded by willow trees. Families with children will also find enjoyment at Beale Park, which offers a gentle experience with farm animals as well as more exotic species such as meerkats and lemurs.
9. Ascot
The three villages constituting Ascot are affluent and primarily cater to the prestigious Ascot Racecourse, regarded as one of the most prestigious in the country. Consequently, visitors attending the 26 days of racing each year will find ample accommodation and dining options available.
The racecourse holds a close association with the royal family, having been established by Queen Anne in 1711 and located mere miles from Windsor. Royal Ascot Week in June continues to secure its popularity, drawing 300,000 attendees and consistently graced by Queen Elizabeth. Since the 18th century, this event has been a hallmark of the “London Season” for England’s societal elite.
10. Streatley
Situated at an ancient crossing of the Thames, Streatley is a picturesque village adjacent to the larger town of Goring, located across the county line in South Oxfordshire. The breathtaking topography consists of steep wooded hills, part of the Chiltern Range on the eastern edge of the North Wessex Downs.
A significant portion of the surrounding countryside is managed by the National Trust, offering visitors chances to traverse the area and relish spectacular views of the river and village. The Ridgeway National Trail proceeds across the Thames at Goring and Streatley heading east. Visitors can choose from an array of high-quality pubs and restaurants here, and enjoy access to a golf club that has been welcoming guests since 1895.
11. Maidenhead
The expansive town of Maidenhead is just across the river from Buckinghamshire, connected to the neighboring village of Taplow via the Maidenhead Bridge. This architectural marvel, built in the 1770s with seven arches and adorned with wrought iron lanterns, represents one of the town’s most beautiful sights.
A leisurely walk along the Thames Path leads to Boulter’s Lock, a scenic spot established in the 1700s, ideal for peaceful contemplation of the river and its weir, or for observing the passing barges. Between Boulter’s Lock and Bray Lock lies the Maidenhead Railway Bridge, an engineering feat designed by the esteemed Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1839. Additionally, the Maidenhead Heritage Centre enlightens visitors about the town’s historical connection to the Air Transport Auxiliary, which played a critical role during the Second World War in transporting essential RAF equipment.
12. Cookham
Cookham, a charming Thameside village, is the birthplace of Stanley Spencer, one of Britain’s most renowned 20th-century painters. Visitors can find a museum located in the Wesleyan Chapel, where Spencer attended during his childhood, showcasing over 100 of his artworks.
Additionally, take time to wander through the village to admire its common area, adorned with a mixture of timber-framed houses and quaint cottages featuring flint walls. This area is often regarded as some of the priciest real estate in England, commonly referred to as one of the wealthiest villages in the country.
13. Kintbury
Nestled among the rolling hills of the North Wessex Downs, the quaint waterside village of Kintbury is celebrated as one of the nation’s best rural locations. While it may not feature grand attractions, it embodies quintessential rural England, enhancing its desirability as a location to live.
The historic charm of the village’s high street, characterized by delightful brick cottages and a rustic medieval church, evokes a sense of nostalgia for its appearance a century ago. Consider stopping at the 18th-century Dundas Arms adjacent to the Kennet and Avon Canal for a uniquely refined pub lunch.
14. Sulhamstead
Sulhamstead presents an understated option for a visit, highlighted by the Thames Valley Police Museum, which serves as its primary attraction. Visitors can freely access the museum on Wednesdays, while prior arrangements are necessary for visits on other days.
This museum, situated in a captivating neoclassical mansion, contains artifacts relevant to the infamous 1963 Great Train Robbery. Nearby, Tyle Mill along the Kennet and Avon Canal, originally a flour mill before transitioning to a sawmill, invites exploration of its historical significance.
15. Slough
Located adjacent to Eton and Windsor, Slough is a practical town known primarily for its industrial presence rather than historical architecture. Positioned as a business and industry hub, it complements the more refined areas nearby.
The bricks used to construct Eton College were produced in Slough, and the Industrial Estate remains a bustling center for international corporations such as LEGO and McAfee. Shopping enthusiasts often visit the Observatory Shopping Mall, showcasing 120 stores, while Slough is conveniently positioned next to the Colne Valley Regional Park, a vast and largely untouched area serving as a green buffer around the M25.
