With so many things to do in Berkshire, you won’t be disappointed when visiting on your next holiday. There’s much to do and see from outdoor activities such as walking and cycling to visiting stunning castles and exciting horse races.
Heritage
On your trip to Berkshire discover the past by visiting one of it’s many Castles. You can explore much of England’s most famous castles, Windsor Castle which is the Queen’s official residence. It’s over 1000 years old and has 13 acres of land.
There’s so much to discover at Windsor Castle from a priceless collection of over 300,000 books to a doll’s house that took 1,500 craftsmen to create. Or why not visit it’s kitchen which has been in constant use for 750 years! Visitors to Windsor Castle must see the Changing of the Guard, which is similar to the proceedings at Buckingham Palace.
For those visiting who are fans of Downton Abbey, a must visit is to Highclere Castle near Newbury. It’s magnificent building and stunning grounds were designed by Charles Barry who also designed the House of Parliament. You can see it’s lavish interiors and rooms where many of Downton Abbey’s scenes have been filmed, have a cup of tea in the tearoom or visit the impressive pillared library with over 5,650 books.
If you’re looking for a bit more of a thrill then a visit to Royal Ascot is a must. In keeping with tradition and heritage, the race has been going on since 1711 and is perhaps the most famous horse race in the UK. The Queen visits the Royal Ascot most years and enters in a beautiful horse-drawn carriage. Spread over five days it is very much a British affair with champagne and strawberries and a strict dress code if you are in the Royal enclosure- ladies in fabulous dresses and hats, while men in morning suits.
Family Attractions
If you’re visiting Berkshire with the kids then a trip to Legoland is a must visit. With over 55 rides and attractions it’s a great day out for the family. Specifically aimed as an attraction for 3 – 12 year olds, Legoland is situated in 150 acres of woodland and has building workshops, driving schools and water rides. You won’t run out of things to do!
Or take a trip to Beale Park in Newbury which is home to adventure, animals, beautiful gardens and of course fun! Beale Park is home to a variety of animals from meerkats to deers to wallabies. There’s also plenty of birds to see including owls, peacocks and parrots. Children aged 10 – 17 years can even be a Junior Keeper for the day where they can go behind the scenes and meet the animals!
Other great attractions in Berkshire include Four Kingdoms Adventure Park, The Living Forest and Go Ape in Bracknell.
Countryside Activities
Spend a day basking in Berkshire’s stunning landscapes and gardens. Visit The Savill Garden in Windsor and view over 35 acres worth of beautiful gardens and woodland. Created in the 1930s, the Garden is home to the Queen’s Rose Garden as well as some of the nation’s tallest trees and rare species of plants.
Or why not discover Windsor on the water? With the River Thames flowing through Berkshire, there’s the perfect opportunity to canoe, sail, row or take a day trip across the region. Visit Thames has information on hiring boats and getting around the county on the river.
With so many things to do in Berkshire, seeing them all might require an overnight stay. Why not have a look at our guide on pub B&Bs in Berkshire to round off an excellent visit?
