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Savill Gardens, Windsor Great Park

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Things To Do in Berkshire

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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.

Visit Berkshire

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 .

Things to do in Berkshire this weekend

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.

Top 10 things to do in Berkshire

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.

• The Savill Garden , Windsor
• Windsor Castle and the Changing of the Guard , Windsor
• Thames Rivercruise Boat Trips , Caversham
• Kennet Horse Boat Company , Hungerford
• Kris Cruises , Slough
• Newbury Racecourse , Newbury
• Norden Farm Centre for the Arts , Maidenhead
• The Coconut Tree , Reading
• Ascot Racecourse , Windsor
• Museum of Rural Life , Reading

List of things to do & places to visit for days out in Berkshire

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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Streatley-on-Thames

The village of Streatley-on-Thames stands on the opposite side of the River Thames to Goring; Oxfordshire on one side and West Berkshire on the other, linked by a bridge which was built in 1923

Earley is a town and civil parish in the English county of Berkshire and lies some 2 miles  south and east of central Reading.

French Brothers Boat Trips

Old Windsor, Windsor

Large range of public trips on weather-proof vessels from Windsor, Runnymede and Maidenhead.

Windsor & Royal Borough Museum

The jewel in the Royal Borough's crown, Windsor and Royal Borough Museum is a family friendly museum bursting with interesting facts and interactive displays of East Berkshire.

Stanlake Park Wine Estate

English wine made by passionate professionals. A luxury for everyday life.

Since 1979, Stanlake Park Wine Estate in Berkshire combines passion and expertise to produce a wide range of English wines that suits everyone’s needs, including white,…

Cobbs Farm Shop

Cobbs was founded out of a passion for supplying quality food with provenance to our customers as well as providing a platform to the immense volume of artisanal producers on our doorstep. You will find a fantastic farm shop, delicatessen, butchery,…

The Mill at Sonning

With much of the original structure retained, this 18th Century Flour Mill has been converted into a renowned Dinner Theatre. Patrons enjoy a fresh home-cooked meal - with not a microwave in sight! - before watching the performance in our 215 seat…

Kris Cruisers

Whether you have a week, a day or just a few hours, relax, unwind and discover the hidden treasures of the River Thames with Kris Cruisers self-drive Day Boats and Boating Holidays.

Despite much modern development, Datchet still manages to retain many features of the quiet riverside settlement it once was. The older buildings cluster around The Green with its central oak tree commemorating Queen Victoria’s Jubilee.

Windsor Castle

Castle / Fort

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and the Official Residence of Her Majesty The Queen. Its rich history spans almost 1000 years.

Pretty riverside Hurley lies halfway between London and Oxford, being 55 miles from each by river. The river has always been an important part of the village’s history with records of a ford as early as the 6th century.

Windsor Road, Egham

Runnymede is famous for its monuments, the most famous being the one to commemorate the Magna Carta. The area is a riverside setting of meadows, grassland and woodland with a network of pleasant paths and pleasure gardens.

Shottesbrooke

Although the smallest parish in the Royal Borough, Shottesbrooke contains one of the most noteworthy churches in Berkshire.

The parish is centred on Shottesbrooke Park, where the church was built in 1370 as one of only three collegiate churches…

Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company

Here at the Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company, we like to make your day out one to remember. We operate a beautiful vessel called the Georgian, which is more like a floating restaurant rather than a boat that you might expect. We offer four types of…

Windsor Great Park

Country / Royal Park

Windsor Great Park, Windsor

Windsor Great Park covers 4,800 acres, huge parts of which are open to the public. Windsor Great Park is the perfect place for picnics, eating, shopping, running, walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing. Families will love the children's play…

Wellington Country Park

Riseley, Reading

Wellington Country Park, ‘The Biggest Outdoor play in Berkshire’, was established in 1974 by the Eighth Duke and Duchess of Wellington. Set in 350 acres of beautiful parklands off the A33 between Basingstoke and Reading, Wellington Country Park…

Ascot was originally a village called East Cote meaning Eastern Cottage from the old English Estcota and lies just 6 miles from Windsor Castle. Home to arguably the most famous racecourse in the country, most commercial development has grown up…

Visit pretty, historic Cookham, home to authors and artists, including Sir Stanley Spencer. Explore interesting shops, friendly cafes, pubs and restaurants and enjoy countryside and riverside walks.

Wokingham is a market town and civil parish in Berkshire It is about 7 miles east-southeast of Reading and 4 miles west of Bracknell.

River Thames, Windsor and Maidenhead

Throughout history people have tended to live on or near great rivers. This is true of the River Thames and as it flows into the west of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

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Places to visit in Berkshire

Visit Berkshire for castle estates set in oak-lined deer parks and picturesque country downs with grazing horses. There's something regal about Berkshire. Dress to impress with top hat and tails on royal race days. You'll see the training yards and gallops in the Berkshire Downs and Lamborne on your country rambles. Drop into bustling Reading for sporting fixes from football to rowing and half marathons. Pack wellies and tents for rock festival season. The chalk ridgeways, meandering rivers and downs make for great walks. Get your bearings of this south eastern county from the summit of Walbury Hill, a former Iron Age camp. Top places to visit in Berkshire include Windsor Castle, the UK Wolf Conservation Trust, Highclere Castle and the scrumptious Fudge Kitchen.

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24 hours in Windsor

A sprawling royal town with elegant landmarks and riverside pubs, Windsor is so much more than just Legoland.

Uncover Cliveden's unique past

Discover a country house in Berkshire with a chequered past.

Location: Maidenhead, Berkshire

See the changing of the Guards at Windsor

If there’s one essential experience in Windsor, it’s taking in the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. This tradition brings history and the public together.

Location: Windsor, Berkshire

June events: Enjoy a flutter on the horses at Royal Ascot

Enjoy a quintessentially British day out at Royal Ascot – a highlight of the summer social calendar and one of the most exciting events of the year.

Location: Ascot, Berkshire

See London in miniature at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

See the London Eye, Big Ben and Tower Bridge made entirely of LEGO in the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort's Miniland attraction.

See flowers in bloom at The Savill Garden

Enliven your senses with a walk around one of Britain's finest ornamental gardens.

Investigate The Most Noble Order of the Garter in Windsor

The Knights of the Garter, the most senior and oldest British order of Chivalry, has its colourful and historical base at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

Head to Royal Windsor for a truly memorable heritage break

Discover a rich mix of history, culture, heritage and fun on a short break in Royal Windsor.

Location: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead, Berkshire

Enjoy Afternoon Tea with a twist in Windsor

Indulge in the quintessentially English tradition of afternoon tea from a wooden river boat, or whilst dressed in your best vintage clobber this spring.

UK breaks: 24 hours in Windsor

Windsor is more than just Legoland – it’s a sprawling royal town studded with elegant landmarks, riverside pubs and lots of things to see and do.

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Nearby counties to visit.

Oxfordshire

Visit Oxfordshire for skylines pierced with spires and domes, rambling deer parks, gourmet retreats in manor houses, designer outlets and covered markets.

Looking for things to do in Surrey? Visit high octane theme parks, meadow-covered hilltops, Palladian mansions and Henry VIII palaces in this historic county.

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33 beautiful places to visit in Berkshire, England

Most visitors to England come to Berkshire to visit the Queen’s Royal residence Windsor Castle and although Berkshire is considered a Royal County it would be a shame to miss some of the best things to see in Berkshire because it is a county full of history, incredible landscapes, and stunning architecture.

The county town is Reading which is ideally located to explore the Great West Way, the Chilterns , Silchester Roman City walls , the Thames Path or nearby Windsor , Henley or Oxford.

Historically, the English county of Berkshire has been bordered to the north by the ancient boundary of the River Thames. However, much of the border with Oxfordshire in the western part of the county was moved in 1974. This does lead to some confusion when exploring Berkshire as several sites that were in Berkshire are now considered to be in Oxfordshire.

Pros and Cons of Living in the UK

History of Berkshire England

Where is berkshire, england, berkshire travel & transport, things to do in berkshire, windsor castle, windsor great park, swan upping, frogmore house, the savill garden, the berkshire downs, north wessex downs, the ridgeway, basildon park, bisham abbey and manor house, buscot park, didcot railway centre, highclere castle, greenham common, legoland windsor, maidenhead heritage centre, berkshire museum of aviation – woodley airfield, roman silchester, reading museum, reading abbey ruins, the living rainforest, donnington castle, cliveden estate, newbury racecourse, newbury race course, wellington country park, kennet horse boat company, sandhurst military academy.

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The county is one of the oldest in England. It is believed that it dates back to 848 when King Cenwalh granted “three thousand hides by Ashdown” to Cuthred his kinsman. The county is first mentioned by name in 860 and the name was probably originally Bearroc which means hilly and was related to a large forest that used to take up most of the County. Berkshire was alternately claimed by the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of Mercia and Wessex and it was in Wantage which is now in Oxfordshire that Alfred the Great was born in 848.

With the Norman Conquest of 1066 , the Thames River Valley became a strategically valuable site and William the Conqueror built the first Windsor Castle on the River Thames. The castle has been home to British royalty for over 1000 years.

During the middle ages, Abingdon and Wallingford were in Berkshire and they were the leading towns of the area. Berkshire England is also home to Eton College, England’s best-known boys’ school, endowed by Henry VI and dates in part from the 15th century.

Berkshire borders six other counties: Hampshire directly to the south; Surrey to the southeast; Wiltshire to the southwest ; Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, which lie to the north, across the Thames; and Gloucestershire.

How to get to Berkshire

If you drive from Heathrow Airport to Berkshire it will take you around 45 minutes. It’s not a bad drive although around the airport can be quite scary but no worse than Toronto Airport or any other major airport around the world.

If you don’t have a car, the easiest – and cheapest – way to get to or from Heathrow is by bus or coach. Reading Buses runs a service from Bracknell and Slough to Heathrow. The 703 bus travels from Bracknell to Terminal 5 via Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot, Winkfield, Legoland, Windsor and Langley. Buses to the airport run from 4.40 am to 9.05 pm, every day of the week.

Trains in Berkshire serve a number of routes across the county and to other areas. There are several mainline rail routes offering local and regional services. Reading Station has services between Reading and London Paddington station with a journey time of 30 minutes. There are also services to Bristol, Bath, Cardiff Bournemouth and Oxford. Manchester, London and Liverpool.

There are so many amazing things to do in Berkshire, and it is well worth getting out of London and visiting. From historic sites to cultural events, fine English manor houses, ancient Neolithic monuments to gorgeous villages Berkshire has it all. You’ll also find a wide range of family activities and perfect days out for kids. There’s Legoland, Wellington Country Park, Beale Wildlife Park, Go Ape Bracknell a forest adventure and loads of adventures and activities on Bray Lake.

Berkshire is filled with beautiful villages that make for an enjoyable holiday, whether you’re looking for something with high-end offerings or something more quaint and charming. You can find an ideal village destination for your holiday when you search along the banks of the River Thames, which is home to numerous English villages and market towns.

Thanks to the county’s boundaries being changed in 1974 many of the sites and monuments that were originally in the Royal County of Berkshire are now in different counties. For example, Highclere Castle aka Downton Abbey was in Berkshire but now is in Hampshire. Even the British can’t keep it straight.

Places of interest in Berkshire, England

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the entire world and has been around for over 1000 years. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has since been the home of 39 monarchs. This was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s favourite place to spend time and if she wasn’t in Buckingham Palace or Scotland she was here. You know when the royal family is in residence as the flag will be flown from the towers.

Windsor Great Park is a beautiful green space of over 4,800 acres. This is where the Kings and Queens of England used to hunt, fish and ride their horses. There is a herd of red Deer, loads of walking paths, gardens, a lake and a bridleway.

Although the centrepiece of Windsor is the great Windsor Castle there is actually a lot more to see and things to do in Windsor than you realize and it’s a charming small town nestled beside the Thames River in Berkshire.

Just outside the castle stands the iconic statue of Queen Victoria looking over the Royal Town. Wander down to the River where you can take a cruise down the Thames and pass by Ascot, and Eton College. Feed the swans and learn all about the royal swans of Windsor.

The ancient tradition of ‘Swan Upping’ is carried out each year on the river, under the Shadow of Windsor Castle. The tradition dates back to the 12th-c when the crown claimed ownership of all the swans in the country.

In medieval times swans were served at royal banquets and feasts and often were the centrepiece of royal dinners. Fortunately, swans are no longer eaten by royalty and these days Swan Upping is an annual census that consists of rounding up the swans to collect data and assessing the health of the birds. The Swans have their own protector on the Thames (Queen’s Swan Marker), who is responsible for their protection and conservation.

You have probably heard of Frogmore as it was the contentious home of Harry and Meghan before they moved out of England.

Frogmore Cottage is located in Windsor Great Park about a mile from the castle and can be visited by tourists. Queen Charlotte purchased the house in the 1800s and the house was a favourite of Queen Victoria her mother lived there for over 20 years.

You can see Queen Charlotte’s passion for botany reflected in both the house and the gardens where flower paintings by Mary Moser decorate one of the rooms. The Cross Gallery was painted with garlands by Princess Elizabeth, the daughter of George III and Queen Charlotte.

Queen Victoria often visited Frogmore during her long widowhood and worked on her papers there. You can also see watercolours by her daughters, Princess Victoria and Louise in the house.

The historic plantings, including tulip trees and redwoods, provide a rich setting for the garden’s seasonal variations. An 18th-century summerhouse in the form of a Gothic ruin is covered in wisteria in the summer, and a teahouse made for Queen Victoria are both still standing.

The Savill Garden sits in the heart of Windsor Great Park and it is one of the great ornamental gardens of England, designed by Sir Eric Savill, who was commissioned by King George V and his Queen Mary. Within the garden, you can visit the Queen Elizabeth II Temperate House, the Golden Jubilee Garden, and the Rose Garden opened by Queen Elizabeth II in July 2010. The Savill Garden covers 35 acres and contains distinctive interlocking gardens including the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, the Summer Gardens, the New Zealand Garden, Summer Wood, The Glades, Autumn Wood and the Winter Beds.

One of Britain’s most well-known racecourses, Ascot holds a special week of races in June each year called Royal Ascot, attended by The Queen, who has had an interest in horses since childhood.

Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711 and has since received the patronage of a further eleven monarchs. The Ascot summer race meeting officially became a Royal week in 1911.

A Down is a grass-covered hill and in southern England, they are mainly composed of chalk. The name comes from the Old English dūn which means hill. The main areas of chalk downs lie in Berkshire, Wiltshire, and northern Hampshire. Chalk hills of a similar type are called Wolds in Lincolnshire and in Yorkshire.

Prehistoric sites in the Berkshire Downs include Wayland’s Smithy (Neolithic), numerous tumuli (Neolithic or Bronze Age), the Uffington White Horse which is actually considered to be in Oxfordshire now.

The Berkshire Downs contained many prehistoric settlements that were linked by ancient ridgeways which led from Wiltshire along the chalk ridge of the Berkshire Downs to the River Thames at the Goring Gap, part of the Icknield Way. Settlements uncovered in the river valleys and eastern Berkshire also date from the Iron Age. Roman ruins have been found at Silchester, southwest of Reading, which became a Roman crossroads.

This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is a designated protected landscape. It straddles the boundaries of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire and covers an area of 668 square miles (1,730 square kilometres). Within the area of the Downs, you will find historic homes such as Highclere and Ashdown House along with natural sights such as the Avebury stones, Wayland’s Smithy, the Uffington White Horse and Silbury Hill to mention a few.

The Berkshire Chalk Downs form part of The Ridgeway National Trail follows the ancient Ridgeway from Overton Hill, near Avebury, and its stone circle to Streatley then follows footpaths and parts of the ancient Icknield Way through the Chiltern Hills in Berkshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. This National Trail is 87 miles (140 km) long.

Another charming English Village Pangbourne is on the Roman road from Silchester to Dorchester-on-Thames and signs of Roman occupation have been uncovered on Shooters’ Hill.

Pangbourne means Paega’s People’s Stream, which indicates that an early Anglo-Saxon chieftain of that name first lived here. The place is first recorded in a grant of land there to Bertwulf, the King of Mercia (the Midlands) in AD 844. This relaxing little village is the perfect place to stop for lunch, perhaps fish in the Thames or shop till you drop in one of its lively boutiques.

This 18th-century Bath-stone house run by the National Trust was inspired by Italian Palladian architecture. It was restored by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s, who acquired a collection of fine furnishings and carefully selected Old Masters. Basildon Park has been used in several films and TV shows including Bridgerton and Downton Abbey the house was used as the Grantham’s home in London for Rose’s coming out ball.

The gardens today, include a rose garden , and a formal Italianate terrace, built of large stone blocks, which enclose a formal lower lawn and give wide-ranging views over the Thames Valley hills.

Part of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Bisham Abbey is a Grade I listed manor house and its name is taken from the now-lost monastery which once stood alongside. This original Bisham Abbey was previously named Bisham Priory and was the traditional resting place of many Earls of Salisbury.

Bisham Manor House pronounced bizzam is currently run as a Centre of Sporting Excellence and a Conference Centre. The manor house was built around 1260 as a community house for two Knights Templar. In 1310 the building was used as a place of confinement for Queen Elizabeth of the Scots, wife of King Robert the Bruce, who had been captured on Rathlin Island of the coast of Northern Ireland during the Scottish Wars of Succession.

Henry VIII granted the manor house to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce settlement from him, and it was later bought by the Hoby family, who lived there until 1768. Elizabeth I was a regular visitor at the time of the Hoby family.

The pretty town of Eton is located on the other side of the bank of the River Thames from Windsor and they’re connected by a bridge.

Standing on the pedestrian bridge offers beautiful views of the castle’s water edge, and a walk down will lead you to the world-famous Eton College.

Also, spending time exploring the small village of Eton with its relaxing atmosphere with its art galleries, bookshops, antique shops, and a small museum take a moment to enjoy a quintessentially British dessert Eton Mess during an afternoon tea break.

Buscot Park is a late 18th-century house, set in enchanting landscaped grounds. Extensive pleasure gardens surround the late eighteenth-century house with a Four Seasons garden, water gardens and an Italianate terrace combined with English parklands. The grounds roll down to the Thames plain and incorporate the Little Lake. Buscot Park is one of those locations that was in historic Berkshire but is now in Oxfordshire. You can visit the House & Grounds for £12.00.

Another former Berkshire historic town now considered Oxfordshire . Didcot Railway is a living history museum and heaven on earth for train fanatics with over 21 acres of fascinating railway yards, steam train displays, carriages, wagons and locomotives.

Highclere Castle is more of a “country house” than a castle and is built in Jacobethan style of Bath stone combined with several towers built in an Italianate style, it was completed in 1842, with a stunning park designed by Capability Brown.

Highclere Castle is just one of the filming locations used for the fabulous Downton Abbey Series and films visiting Downton Abbey is easy and makes for a wonderful trip from Windsor. These days Highclere is located in Hampshire and not Berkshire its original location.

You may have heard of the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp at the RAF Greenham base which began in 1981. The USA had located Cruise Missiles at the base and it became the focus of the anti-nuclear protests.

After realising that marches and protests alone were not going to get the missiles removed they began to stay at Greenham and blockade the base. Over 250 women joined the protest in 1982 during which 34 women were arrested and one killed. The Camp closed in 2000 and the site was turned into a Commemorative and Historic site.

There are seven standing stones encircling the “Flame” sculpture representing a campfire. Next to this, there is a stone and steel spiral sculpture, engraved with the words “You can’t kill the Spirit”. There is also a memorial plaque for activist Helen Wyn Thomas, who was killed near the site.

Nowadays there are free-roaming cows, horses and ground-nesting birds in place of aircraft, and beautiful lakes, greenery and wooded areas to enjoy along the myriad of footpaths spanning both commons. It’s a dream for walkers, runners, cyclists, dog walkers, wildlife fanatics, and history lovers, and if you’re lucky enough to catch the sunrise on a good day, you’ll be transported to another world entirely.

Greenham Common, particularly its redundant nuclear missile bunkers, is also famous as a filming location, having most notably provided a backdrop for Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens in 2015.

Sonning is a quintessentially British Village where you will find several celebrities have set up home. From George and Amal Clooney to ex-Prime Minister Theresa May and Jimmy Page and even Boris Johnson lived here.

Although you can’t see Jimmy Page’s garden or house it is called Deanery Gardens. It is an Edwin Lutyens-designed house with a Gertrude Jekyll garden, well hidden by high walls apart from a good view from the top of the church tower and very private.

There has been a mill at Sonning for many centuries. The Domesday Book of 1086 mentions three mills at ‘Sonninges and Berrochescire’. The mill closed in 1969 and remained empty until 1977. The Richards purchased the Mill and they decided to convert it into a live theatre venue.

Check out the historic Bull Inn which dates back to the 16th century it is immediately next to the church away from the river and is owned by the church. The Bull Inn, is the perfect place to enjoy a pint and a Sunday roast dinner.

The French Horn is another great place to stay and dine in Sonning and it has provided hospitality for two hundred years. Originally, a coaching inn, it sits next to the bridge on the banks of the River Thames, which provides a stunning backdrop and wonderful views from the rooms above.

Legoland is one of England’s most famous theme parks whose attractions consist of a mixture of Lego-themed rides, models, and building workshops targeted at children between three and twelve.

The Maidenhead Heritage Centre is a museum dedicated to regional history dating back to the Roman era. The Museum emphasizes World War I and World War II, offering high-definition photos and in-depth narrations of the men and women who fought in past century wars.

One of the most popular exhibits is a Spitfire simulator, where you can get into the cockpit of a replica Spitfire and see what it was like to dogfight and manoeuvre.

It was at Woodley that the legendary Battle of Britain fighter pilot, Douglas Bader,  lost his legs in a flying accident in 1931. Bader was 21 at the time and was attempting some acrobatics, the crash was a result of the wing hitting the ground and causing the plane to roll.

The Museum’s main focus is on the Miles Aircraft, which from 1932 until the late 40s was called Reading Aerodrome. Many of the projects worked on by MLA were for the Ministry of Defense and were classified as top secret. These included black boxes, ejector seats, pressurized helmets, a flying jeep and a remote-controlled flying surveillance unit, called the Sprite.

Silchester was first dug up by the Victorians. The staff and students from Reading University have, over the years, found many incredible items including the first olive stone ever found in the UK, proving that the people were eating these delicacies long before the Romans arrived.

They discovered little bones with marks on them that indicated puppy fur was taken to make fur cloaks, there were ritual burials of cats, dogs and ravens at the site.

In the 19th century the site, Roman Calleva Atrebatum, produced magnificent finds now on display at Reading Museum, including superb mosaics and one of the most famous Roman finds in Britain, a gilt bronze eagle which inspired the novel The Eagle of the Ninth, and the film The Eagle.”

Reading Museum holds almost 500,000 historic objects from archaeology, art, natural history, social history, and world cultures. Including the Roman finds at Silchester and a fabulous copy of the Bayeux Tapestry.

In medieval times, Reading was the site of a great royal Abbey that was one of the largest monasteries in Europe. In 1121, King Henry I announced that he wanted to have a new abbey built at Reading.

King Henry, I died before the Abbey was finished and was buried here in 1136 in front of the high altar. The building work continued and the Abbey Church was officially opened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, in 1164. The ceremony was attended by King Henry II (grandson of Henry I) and his retinue.

The Abbey was the fourth largest church in Britain. It was such a large and ornate construction that the building continued for almost 200 years after the original foundation in 1121.

In 1539 Henry VIII had the abbey slighted during his Dissolution and ordered all its valuables and riches sent to him. The Abbey was converted and Abbot’s lodgings were converted into royal accommodation. Out of Henry VIII’s children, Elizabeth I was the most frequent visitor to Reading. Edward VI and Mary with her husband Prince Philip of Spain visited the palace only once.

The Living Rainforest is an indoor greenhouse tropical rainforest located in Hampstead Norreys in Berkshire, England. It is an ecological centre, educational centre and visitor attraction consisting of three glasshouses, operated and run by the Trust for Sustainable Living.

Experience the sheer beauty of this unique conservation project in 2 different rainforest climates under 20,000 sq ft of glass. A stunning collection of dramatic and rare plant species and creatures of the rainforest that thrive in tropical temperatures.

The imposing 14th-century gatehouse of Donnington Castle stands on the crest of a high hill overlooking the Lambourn Valley, across the river from the market town of Newbury. The castle was built in 1386 by Sir Richard Abberbury to control a major road junction and river crossing.

The most famous owner of Donnington was Thomas Chaucer, son of the poet Geoffrey Chaucer, who held the castle in the early 15th century. Ownership later passed to the crown, and several monarchs are known to have stayed here, including Henry VIII (1539) and his daughter Elizabeth I (1568).

Cliveden sits on the border of Berkshire and Hampshire and it is an English Manor House dating back over 350 years. These days it is a hotel and you can tour the gardens and grounds and see the ancient stone clocktower.

Cliveden has often been used for entertainment and for filmmaking. In 1965 the Beatles filmed part of ‘Help’ the movie at the house and famously held races on the Parterre between themselves and the film crew in-between scenes.

Newbury Racecourse was founded in the 18th century and hosts races all year round. A championship racecourse for over 100 years the races include chase and hurdles, and flats.

Wellington Country Park is a country park in Riseley, near Reading. The park consists of 350 acres of coniferous and deciduous woodlands with attractions, several nature trails, and a lake. Perfect for kids up to 8 years old the park contains an Animal Farm, Arthur, a Miniature Railway a splash zone, mini jeeps to drive a dinosaur zone and many more fun activities for kids.

Another beautiful town on the bank of the Thames River. It’s a sleepy 16rh century village whose only landmark is the ancient flint church, but Bray holds two of Britain’s 3-star Michelin restaurants and is a picturesque way to enjoy some fine dining and walk the lanes full of flower-filled gardens.

A really cool way to cruise the River Thames. The Kennet Horse Boat Company has all kinds of river cruises that are horse-drawn. You can cruise the Thames or the Kennet and Avon Canal. Enjoy a romantic cruise , a dinner cruise or simply a cruise to see the sites.

Berkshire has several ancient and important military institutions, including the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. The Royal Military Academy organizes historical tours every year where you can immerse yourself in the history of the place. Military training has taken place here for over 200 years since 1812 and you can visit rooms where Winston Churchill, HRH Prince of Wales, King Charles and King Abdullah II of Jordan have trained to become officers.

Berkshire is a beautiful county in England that offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. From exploring the historic Windsor Castle to take a stroll along the River Thames, there is something for everyone here. Whether you are looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, you will find plenty of options in this charming region. So, if you’re planning a trip to England anytime soon, be sure to add Berkshire to your itinerary – it’s definitely worth a visit.

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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• 1.2 Villages
• 2 Other destinations
• 3.2 By train
• 3.3 By plane
• 4 Get around
• 10 Stay safe

Berkshire is a county in the South East region of England , located immediately to the west of London . Whilst its proximity to the capital and its own centres of commerce ensure a large and affluent population, Berkshire still possesses much rural scenery, including long stretches of the River Thames. A visit to Windsor and its royal castle is a must for any first-time visitor to Britain.

Towns and villages [ edit ]

The following towns and villages may be of interest to visitors:

Towns [ edit ]

• 51.454167 -0.973056 1 Reading – county town and known for its university
• 51.4084 -0.6707 2 Ascot – small town known for its racecourse
• 51.416 -0.749 3 Bracknell
• 51.523 -1.135 4 Goring and Streatley
• 51.414 -1.515 5 Hungerford
• 51.5217 -0.7177 6 Maidenhead
• 51.349 -0.8 8 Sandhurst
• 51.51 -0.59 9 Slough
• 51.41 -0.84 12 Wokingham

Villages [ edit ]

• 51.507 -0.7 13 Bray – home to three-star Michelin restaurant and molecular gastronomy pioneer, The Fat Duck
• 51.523 -1.15 14 Streatley
• 51.477 -0.867 15 Twyford

Other destinations [ edit ]

• Beale Park , Lower Basildon, Pangbourne, 0870 777 7160. Mar & Oct: 10AM-5PM; Apr-Sep: 10AM-6PM). A 350-acre park dedicated to the conservation of birds and a smaller selection of mammals, with children's playgrounds, cafeteria and steam train. £6.00 adults, £4.00 children.

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

The M4 motorway from London to Bristol , Cardiff , and Swansea goes through Berkshire and is close to Reading, Maidenhead, and Slough. The A34 expressway from Winchester to Bicester , bypassing Newbury, brings traffic to Berkshire from the South Coast and Midlands.

By train [ edit ]

Reading, Maidenhead and Slough are on the Great Western Main Line from London Paddington to Penzance and Swansea (also Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter , Plymouth etc) served by Great Western Railway (GWR). Reading is a major rail interchange, and is also served by Crosscountry services originating or terminating in Bournemouth or Southampton on their way to and from Oxford , Birmingham , Sheffield , Leeds , Manchester , and Newcastle upon Tyne . Local services, operated by GWR and South Western Railway (SWR), serve Reading from Basingstoke , Guildford , and a number of other towns in Hampshire and Surrey .

By plane [ edit ]

London Heathrow ( LHR  IATA ) is the nearest airport, being just over the county border in Greater London. It is next to the M4, making everywhere in Berkshire less than an hour's drive, and some places considerably less. There are also bus connections from Heathrow to Reading, Slough, and Windsor. The Elizabeth line offers an indirect train service from Heathrow to Slough (30 min), Maidenhead (40 min), Reading (1 hr), and some smaller towns in between: take a London-bound train to Hayes & Harlington, then change for Reading-bound trains running in the opposite direction. If travelling to Reading, the direct Rail Air bus is slightly quicker than the train.

London Gatwick ( LGW  IATA ) is the second-nearest airport, being around 50-75 miles (80-120 km) by road to Berkshire, depending on where you're going. GWR also operate direct trains from LGW to Sandhurst, Wokingham, and Reading (roughly 1 hr 30 min).

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ], do [ edit ], eat [ edit ].

Bray has 3 Michelin-starred restaurants, the most in one place outside of London.

Drink [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ], stay safe [ edit ].

On the whole Reading is a safe place, but, like most towns and cities in the country it can have its problems. The centre on a Friday and Saturday night can be intimidating for someone if they are not used to the kind of atmosphere generated.

Just west of Reading town centre, and in particular the Oxford Road district, though improved, has suffered from drug abuse and the sex trade. These areas are similar to those found around London, and are best avoided at night. The Forbury Gardens and Abbey ruins, though attractive during the day, are best avoided after dark.

As always just be cautious of your surroundings; it's obvious in Reading when one enters into arougher area, but generally one's chances of being a victim in Reading are slim.

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15 Best Things To Do In Berkshire, England

Welcome to Berkshire, England, a place full of history, culture, and adventure! From the majestic Windsor Castle to the ruins of Donnington Castle, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful county. I’m here to tell you about the 15 best things to do in Berkshire – so grab your walking shoes and let’s explore!

From boat trips on the River Thames to picnics in Ashdown Forest, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more cultural, check out the Tate Gallery at Cliveden or the Stone Circle at Avebury. There’s also plenty to explore in the historic town of Marlow, and the Cotswolds are a great place to take in the countryside. Whatever your interests, you’re sure to find something to do in Berkshire – so let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Visit Windsor Castle

Taking a tour of Windsor Castle is a must-do if you’re visiting Berkshire, England; it’s a great way to learn about the region’s rich history!

Located in the borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world and has been the home of the British royal family for almost 1,000 years.

The castle is definitely worth a visit; it’s a stunning example of traditional architecture, with a number of fascinating features, including the Round Tower, the Grand Reception Room, and St. George’s Chapel.

You can explore the State Apartments, the Semi-State Rooms, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House – one of the most impressive miniature houses ever made.

There’s also a beautiful garden, with plenty of opportunities to take some amazing photos.

Plus, you can learn about the rich history of the castle, from its time as a royal residence to its use as a military base.

So, if you’re looking for a unique and memorable experience, a visit to Windsor Castle is the perfect way to experience the rich heritage of Berkshire, England.

Explore the Ruins of Donnington Castle

Explore the fascinating ruins of Donnington Castle and unlock its rich history! Built in the late 14th century by Richard Abberbury, Donnington Castle stands as one of Berkshire’s most historic attractions. Located on the outskirts of Newbury, the castle boasts stunning views of the nearby countryside.

Visitors can explore the ruins of the castle, taking in the fascinating history and architecture of the walls, towers, and gatehouse, all of which are still standing today. Inside, visitors can find the remains of a great hall, chapel, and several other buildings, as well as a large, grassy courtyard.

Donnington Castle is also home to some of the most interesting artifacts and artwork from the Middle Ages. The castle’s walls are adorned with stunning tapestries, paintings, and other artworks, including a 15th-century painting of Richard III. Visitors can also explore the nearby dungeons, which feature a number of fascinating artifacts from the time of the castle’s construction.

In addition, visitors can take part in a variety of activities, such as candlelit dinners, guided tours, and re-enactments of historic battles. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a day of exploration, Donnington Castle is sure to provide a memorable experience.

Take a Boat Trip on the River Thames

Experience the serene beauty of the River Thames with a boat trip along its tranquil waters.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon on the river or an adventurous day out, there’s something for everyone.

From small boats to full-size river cruises, there’s a range of options to suit every budget.

Take a leisurely paddleboat ride and take in the stunning scenery of the Thames Valley, or go for an exhilarating speedboat ride and enjoy the thrill of cutting through the waves.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience.

You can choose to explore the river on your own or join a guided tour.

There are a variety of tour companies who offer boat trips along the Thames, taking you to historical sites, providing commentary on the area’s rich history, and pointing out wildlife along the way.

From the picturesque village of Bray to the vibrant city of Reading, take in the beauty and tranquility of the river as you cruise along.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding through the water, so don’t miss out on this amazing experience.

Check Out the Tate Gallery at Cliveden

Take a break from the river and marvel at the spectacular works of art at Cliveden’s Tate Gallery.

Set in the grounds of Cliveden House, an 18th-century estate surrounded by stunning gardens, the Tate Gallery is a great place to explore the many different artworks on display.

From the works of the Pre-Raphaelites to modern masters, the gallery offers something for everyone.

The exhibits are constantly changing and evolving, so there is always something new to discover.

Visitors can also take part in guided tours, listen to talks, and attend special events, such as workshops and family activities.

With so much to see and do, the Tate Gallery at Cliveden is a must-visit destination for art lovers.

Tour Highclere Castle

Immerse yourself in history at Highclere Castle, an iconic Victorian-era estate located in Berkshire, England. Built in the early 19th century, the castle is the home of the 8th Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and has been featured in a number of films and television shows.

As you tour the castle, you can explore the many rooms and gardens filled with stunning artwork and antiques. Stroll through the grand halls and corridors, marveling at the intricate woodwork and ornate decorations.

The grounds are also a sight to behold, with lush gardens and sprawling lawns that provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic or a leisurely stroll. During your visit, you can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its fascinating history.

You can also visit the on-site café for a bite to eat and a cup of tea, and pick up some souvenirs from the gift shop. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for an interesting day out, Highclere Castle is sure to provide a memorable experience.

Explore the Town of Hungerford

Discover the picturesque town of Hungerford, located in the countryside of Berkshire, England.

Stroll along its cobblestone streets and admire the charming Tudor buildings, traditional pubs, and independent shops. It’s the perfect place to experience quintessential English countryside life.

Take a stroll down its main street, and take in the sights and sounds of the local community.

Explore the local boutiques for unique gifts, or take a break from shopping with a visit to one of Hungerford’s traditional pubs. The pubs are a great place to relax and chat with the locals.

There’s also plenty of history to explore in Hungerford. Visit the local museum to learn more about the town’s history, or take a guided tour to get an even deeper understanding of the area.

Hungerford is a great destination for a day trip, offering a unique experience of rural life in England.

See the Historic Town of Newbury

After a delightful exploration of Hungerford, I set off to check out the historic town of Newbury. It is located in the center of Berkshire, England and is an easy drive from Hungerford.

Newbury is known for its many historic sites, such as the Newbury Racecourse, which is the oldest racecourse in the country. The town is also home to the picturesque Highclere Castle, which is featured in the popular TV series, Downton Abbey.

The town of Newbury is a great place to explore. There is plenty to see and do, such as shopping in the unique boutiques, browsing the antique shops, or strolling along the River Kennet. The Kennet and Avon Canal runs through the town and offers a peaceful walk along the scenic towpath.

There are also several historic monuments and buildings to visit, such as Donnington Castle and the West Berkshire Museum. In addition, the town hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Newbury Spring Festival and the Newbury Real Ale Festival.

Newbury is the perfect spot for a day trip or weekend getaway to experience the best of what Berkshire, England has to offer.

Go Shopping in Reading

For a great shopping experience, head to Reading – a vibrant city in Berkshire, England. Whether you’re looking for something special or just want to window shop, you won’t be disappointed.

Reading’s Oracle Shopping Centre has a wide variety of stores, including high street favourites like Topshop, Zara, and River Island. It also has a number of independent stores selling unique items and souvenirs. The Oracle is a great place to pick up some great bargains – there’s often a sale or two going on.

If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, head to the historic Broad Street. Here, you’ll find a mix of high-end and vintage stores, as well as plenty of pubs, cafes, and restaurants. There’s also the traditional covered market, where you can find local produce and handmade crafts.

Whatever you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something special in Reading.

Hike the Ridgeway Path

After a day of shopping in Reading, it’s time to explore the outdoors! One of the best things to do in Berkshire, England, is to hike the Ridgeway Path.

This ancient path has been in use since prehistoric times and is now designated as a National Trail. It’s 87 miles long and stretches from Overton Hill in Wiltshire to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of rolling fields, woodlands, and hills. The trail meanders through ancient sites such as the Uffington White Horse and Wayland’s Smithy, as well as a number of charming villages.

You can tackle the entire path in one go, or break it into sections and take your time. It’s a great way to explore the beautiful countryside of Berkshire and enjoy some fresh air!

Visit the National Trust Properties at Basildon Park and Basildon House

Head to Basildon Park and Basildon House for a fun day out!

These two National Trust properties are situated in the village of Basildon, located on the outskirts of Reading.

The impressive Georgian mansion at Basildon Park dates back to 1776, while Basildon House was built in the 16th century.

Visitors can explore the gardens, take a guided tour of the house, and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.

For the kids, there is a nature trail and an adventure playground.

So why not spend a day in Basildon for a truly memorable experience!

Make sure you don’t miss out on the stunning views, historic architecture, and plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Go Bird Watching at the Berkshire Downs

Explore the Berkshire Downs and experience the beauty of nature as you go bird watching! Take in the stunning scenery and marvel at the array of species in their natural habitat.

Enjoy the tranquility of the area as you discover new species of birds like the Kingfisher, Skylark, or even the rare Red Kite. With a pair of binoculars and a bird book in hand, you can easily spot the different birds in their own habitats.

Depending on the season, you can witness the majestic flight of a flock of geese, or the loud and colorful song of the nightingale.

Look out for the resident birds of prey like the Buzzard, as they soar overhead in search of their next meal.

Bird watching in the Berkshire Downs is a truly unique and unforgettable experience that will make you appreciate the beauty of nature.

Visit the Cotswolds

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Cotswolds, an area of England that’s renowned for its stunning rolling hills, idyllic countryside, and charming villages.

A visit to the Cotswolds is a must when visiting Berkshire.

Explore the picturesque villages, each with its own unique character, and discover the local culture and traditions.

Take in the stunning views of the countryside, from rolling hills to vast meadows and fields.

Visit the local pubs for a pint of ale or a cup of tea, and sample some of the delicious local cuisine.

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the countryside, or take a bike ride along the winding roads.

The Cotswolds has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or simply enjoy the scenery.

From historic churches and castles to quaint tea rooms and traditional gardens, the Cotswolds is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

See the Stone Circle at Avebury

Experience the ancient mystery of Avebury, a Stone Age circle of standing stones located in the Cotswolds, and marvel at the incredible history and beauty of this sacred site.

A truly awe-inspiring sight, the Avebury stone circle is one of the largest and most impressive of its kind in Europe. Not only is it the largest stone circle in the world – it’s also thought to be one of the oldest.

Built by Neolithic people thousands of years ago, this impressive circle has been standing for over 4,000 years. The stones were carefully placed in an outer circle, and arranged in two inner circles, surrounded by a ditch and bank. It is an incredible feat of engineering, and a testament to the skill of the ancient people who built it.

Walking around the stones, you can feel the energy and mystery of this ancient site, and imagine the rituals and ceremonies that took place here. It is a wonderful experience and a must-see for anyone visiting the Cotswolds.

Visit the Historic Town of Marlow

Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, Marlow is a charming historic town full of character and charm. With its picturesque riverfront and quaint cobbled streets, Marlow is the perfect place to spend a day exploring its rich history.

The town is home to a variety of notable landmarks, including the iconic Marlow Suspension Bridge and the Church of St Peter. Visitors can also explore the Marlow Museum, which showcases the town’s fascinating past with exhibits of local artifacts and art.

Marlow is also a great destination for shopping, with many independent boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Whether you’re looking for a unique souvenir or an interesting piece of art, there’s something to suit every taste.

After a day of exploring, visitors can relax and enjoy a spot of tea in one of the town’s lovely tearooms. With its beautiful scenery and wealth of culture, Marlow is an ideal destination for a day of sightseeing and relaxation.

Enjoy a Picnic at Ashdown Forest

Spend a day at Ashdown Forest and enjoy an idyllic picnic surrounded by nature. Ashdown Forest is one of the largest areas of open heathland in Southern England, located in East Sussex.

It is best known as the home of the famous Winnie the Pooh stories, and the Hundred Acre Wood is a popular attraction here. The area is a great place to have a picnic, as it offers stunning views of the English countryside, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

You can take a leisurely walk through the lush grasslands and woods, or explore the many trails and paths. There are plenty of spots to stop and take in the views, and plenty of wildlife to observe. The forest is also home to a variety of wildflowers and plants, and has a wide range of bird life.

If you’re lucky, you might even spot a deer or two. With all the beauty and serenity that Ashdown Forest has to offer, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic and soak in the natural beauty of England.

It’s been an amazing day exploring the best of what Berkshire has to offer.

From marvelling at the grandeur of Windsor Castle to exploring the ruins of Donnington Castle, there’s something for everyone.

A boat trip on the River Thames is a must, and the Tate Gallery at Cliveden is sure to impress.

Highclere Castle is a sight to behold, and the Cotswolds, Stone Circle at Avebury, and the historic town of Marlow are all worth exploring.

To top it off, a picnic in Ashdown Forest is a perfect way to end the day.

The best of Berkshire is here, and it’s absolutely worth the visit.

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Will is an avid hillwalker and traveler. You may find him surfing in Cornwall or hiking in the Yorkshire Dales.

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Historic Berkshire Guide

Ben johnson, facts about berkshire.

Welcome to ‘Royal’ Berkshire, so called because Berkshire is home to Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world. Built by William the Conqueror, Windsor Castle has been a royal home and fortress for over 900 years. The monarch stays here every June for Royal Ascot and also to attend the service of the Order of the Garter .

Situated to the west of London, this romantic county boasts some lovely countryside. The River Thames meanders through the north of the county; towns and villages such as Pangbourne and Cookham sit prettily on its banks. For walkers, the ancient Ridgeway passes through Berkshire, and the Berkshire Downs offer many opportunities to explore.

Historic attractions in Berkshire include Shaw House and grand Highclere Castle, TV's Downton Abbey . Newbury is at the heart of England's 'Silicon Valley' and is surrounded by pretty villages such as Sonning, which enjoys a beautiful situation on the River Thames. Sonning is described by the author Jerome K. Jerome in Three Men in a Boat as "the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river".

Legoland is a great attraction for children of all ages. Beale Park near Reading is also a great day out for the family, as is the Tropical Rainforest attraction near Newbury. And adults can enjoy a flutter on the horses all year round at Newbury Racecourse.

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Royal Berkshire - The County was given the title of 'Royal County' by the Queen in 1958 in recognition of Berkshire’s royal links. Windsor Castle is probably the most popular attraction for visitors while locals appear to prefer the River Thames, Chilterns and Downs.

The Royal County of Berkshire has much to offer the tourist, it makes an excellent base to explore London and the South East of England being under 40 miles from the centre of London, about 25 miles from Oxford, around 60 miles to Bath and much the same to Stratford-upon-Avon however you may well find that there is more than enough to entertain you within the county during your visit.

Popular Berkshire destinations

Windsor - Home to Windsor Castle, Windsor Racecourse, Windsor Great Park and The Savill Garden, and across the Thames Eton College. As well as the draw of the Royal Castle and associated parkland there is the nearby LEGOLAND ® Windsor Resort, Theme Park rides and attractions and of course lots of LEGO ®

Newbury - This historic market town has the Newbury Racecourse, River Kennet, Kennet and Avon Canal, Shaw House, Donnington Castle, Greenham Common, Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre to visit and nearby Highclere Castle (in Hampshire) to visit.

Pangbourne – a popular area, located by the River Thames, full of character and the water meadows make an excellent picnic spot. Pangbourne is said to have been the inspiration of many authors and novelists including Kenneth Grahame and Jerome K. Jerome.- Close by is the National Trust run Basildon Park a popular attraction partly due to its use in the filming of Pride and Prejudice

Reading - Sitting on the junction of the River Thames the River Kennet, water activities are popular, especially at the Caversham Lakes Water Park. The county town, a modern town with history, an old market town with the ruined Reading Abbey (founded in 1121) and an array of Georgian and Victorian buildings. As a university town it has a vibrant social scene. For nature lovers there is the Dinton Pastures Country Park with over 300 acres, with hides for bird watching, fishing lakes, orienteering course and walking trails

and for those needing some fresh air there are to the West the Wessex Downs and to the North the Chilterns Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty for walks, cycling or just to sit and enjoy the countryside

Historic Country Houses and Estates

For those interested in Historic Country Houses and Estates then besides the obvious Royal Castle at Windsor and Windsor Great Park "with its associated buildings and gardens there is Ashdown a grand house built in the Dutch-style, with the appearance of an oversized doll's house sitting in majestic woodland. Basildon Park an fine 18th-century house with collections of art and fine furniture within its sizable parkland and gardens. Cliveden house, gardens and parkland, though the house is now a luxury hotel, short guided house visits can be made during the summer season, the gardens and parkland are an attraction in themselves. Dorney Court “One of the Finest Tudor Manor Houses in England” a family home to the Palmers for nearly 500 years group tours and private visits are by arrangement. Frogmore House another of the Royal Residences at Windsor, (purchased by Queen Charlotte in 1790) the house and gardens are now open to the public at certain times. Highclere Castle perhaps the archetypal English country house estate it is probably known by many as ‘Downton Abbey’

For those with an interest in gardens Englefield Gardens are open each Monday throughout the year, with approximately 12 acres and 1000 species across different garden settings, though the house is not open to the public. The Savill Garden one of the gardening gems of the country, with 35 interconnected gardens and woodland it is managed to be of interest to both the horticulturists and those who just enjoy gardens for what they are. Waltham Place Gardens "At Waltham Place we find a series of walled gardens, the oldest dating from the 17th century, an English landscape garden with splendid specimen trees planted in the early 19th century” but with a modern twist.

Activity Attractions

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort - Theme Park rides, attractions, shows and entertainment; and of course lots of LEGO® with over 55 rides and attractions. Caversham Lakes with much to offer such as open water swimming, stand up paddle boarding, aqua park experiences ands nature trails. Go Ape Bracknell offers Treetop Adventures with ropes and wires, Forest Segway and even Axe Throwing to get the pulse racing! For something more sedate we suggest Horse-Drawn Boat Trips on the Kennet and Avon Canal or taking one of the river cruises on the River Thames such as those by French Brothers at Windsor. Art, Museums and Collections

Art, Museums and Collections

The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) in Reading is part of the University of Reading and is “dedicated to farming, food, craft, rural life and countryside issues" items include farm machinery and a national collection of farm wagons. Youngsters will find it interesting and the more mature may find Ladybird collection brings back childhood memories in “the world’s first and only permanent exhibition space dedicated to the art of the iconic Ladybird Books”. The Museum of Berkshire Aviation is at the historic site of Woodley Airfield, near Reading “Miles and Handley Page aircraft built at Woodley are being re-constructed and exhibited along with fascinating pictorial records and priceless archives". The Reading Museum has Britain's famous full-size Victorian version of the Bayeux Tapestry, the Huntley and Palmers Gallery telling the story of the world famous biscuit makers – the museum “holds almost 500,000 accessioned objects, crossing archaeology, art, natural history, social history, and world cultures.” The Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre the name says it all, the story of how the stories were created and the man behind them. The Writing Hut is a must see for fans.--> The West Berkshire Museum from local geology, history and natural history contemporary original artwork, sculpture and crafts “housed in two of Newbury’s best loved historic buildings - the 17th century Cloth Hall and the old Granary/Corn Stores in the Wharf”

Animals, Nature and Countryside

Beale Park Wildlife Park and Gardens a 40 acre Wildlife Park, set in 350 acres of estate with over 160 species of birds and animals as well as a narrow gauge railway, play areas and gardens. Bucklebury Farm Deer and Safari Park “a 70-acre farm nestled in the beautiful Pang valley”, having an extensive deer herd, tractor rides, rare breed Berkshire Pigs, Pygmy and Anglo-Nubian goats, Alpacas and more in the farmyard. Swinley Forest “owned and managed by the Crown Estate, and stretches over 2,600 acres of gentle hills from Bracknell to Crowthorne.” The Look Out visitor centre which has a science exhibition and play area for children. The Swinley Bike Hub offers a variety of bikes for hire and there is lots of Tree Top and Outdoor Activity to be had at the Go Ape site. Windsor Great Park The Great Park with its Deer Park and iconic Long Walk are large enough for the 500 or so Red Deer that inhabit the park. There are also The Savill Garden, Valley Gardens and Virginia Water to visit within the Great Park. Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre offer Hands On Experience sessions, Falconry Sessions and Owl Encounters. The Living Rainforest “three glasshouses are home to over 850 types of rainforest plants and animals – including rare and endangered species of global conservation value.". The Nature Discovery Centre is the visitor centre at the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trusts Thatcham nature reserve and “is packed full of interactive wildlife and natural history displays”. There are walks and nature trails and play areas for children. Another of the Wildlife Trusts reserves is at Greenham and Crookham Commons now an important stretch of heathland full of wildlife but was once a military base holding nuclear weapons and made famous by the Peace Women demonstrations in the 1980’s. There are walks to enjoy and the Greenham Common Control Tower is worth stopping by.

Reading Walks Festival 11-19 May 2024 Reading Walks Festival have embraced accessibility and this year about one third of all walks are flagging up in the programme as wheelchair accessible – see whatsonreading.com/venues/reading-walks-festival/accessible-walks

On this website we have divided the listings in to pages of General Visitor Attractions, Historic Properties and Gardens and Nature and Countryside. We have also added a page relating to Walking and Cycling for leisure, please use the menu to navigate between these pages. We hope you find this site useful and it helps you to get the most out of the county.

We are independent (unpaid) and we believe currently the only dedicated tourist website covering the County of Berkshire, we have listed the official tourism sites on our Tourist Information page, see these websites, information centres details and contact details and please contact these for more detailed information or enquiries, as we are unfunded and unable to respond to enquiries

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 of the Best Historic Sites in Berkshire

From the resplendent windsor castle to the historic site of runnymede, berkshire is crammed with historic sites that make for an essential visit..

Lucy Davidson

28 jul 2022, @lucejuiceluce.

The Royal County of Berkshire in southern England lies along the south bank of the River Thames. Usually regarded as one of the home counties, the prefix ‘Royal’ dates to at least the 19th century, because of the presence of the residence of the majestic Windsor Castle in the county. Berkshire has been the site of many battles throughout history, such as King Alfred the Great’s campaign against the Danes, including the Battle of Englefield, the Battle of Ashdown and the Battle of Reading.

Berkshire is crammed with a number of historic sites to boot. Among the county’s most notable sites is the stunning Highclere Castle, perhaps best known for serving as the location for the television programme Downton Abbey . Another highlight is Runnymede, known as the site of the signing of the Magna Carta.

Here’s our pick of 10 of the best historic sites that Berkshire has to offer.

1. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world – home to over 900 years of royal history. Covering an area of approximately 13 acres, it contains a wide range of interesting features. These include the State Apartments, Queen Mary’s dolls house and the beautiful St George’s Chapel. It is also the burial place of 10 monarchs, including  Henry VIII  and his beloved wife (the one who gave him a son),  Jane Seymour .

The building of Windsor Castle began in the 1070s at the behest of  William the Conqueror , with the intent that it was to guard the western approach to London. Since that time, the structure of Windsor Castle has been embellished by many of the monarchs of England and the UK, and has been the home of 39 monarchs. Windsor Castle remains a favourite home of Queen Elizabeth, and she spends most of her weekends there. There was a huge fire at the castle in November 1992 which took 15 hours and 1.5 million gallons of water to extinguish. It began in the Private Chapel and soon spread to affect approximately one fifth of the castle. It took 5 years to restore the castle, and was finished in late 1997.

2. St. George's Chapel

St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle is a castle chapel built in the late medieval Perpendicular Gothic style. Founded in the 14th century by King Edward III and extensively enlarged in the late 15th, the castle has belonged to the monarchy for almost 1000 years and has served as a principal residence for Queen Elizabeth II. In the 19th century, St George’s Chapel superseded the nearby Westminster Abbey as the chosen burial place for the British royal family.

A place of worship today, at least three services take place in the chapel daily, and worshippers are welcome to attend, except on Sundays, when the chapel is closed to visitors.

3. Cliveden House

Cliveden House in Berkshire, UK is a 19th century historic home which operated at the heart of the cultural and political elite of the country. The first construction to be built on the site of Cliveden House was a hunting lodge built by the Duke of Buckingham in 1666. This incarnation survived for over 100 years before being destroyed in a fire in 1795. Rebuilt in 1824, the second building unfortunately saw the same fate, being destroyed in 1849. Two years later a new house was commissioned and this is, for the most part, the Cliveden we see today.

Today Cliveden operates as both a luxury hotel and a National Trust-operated park and gardens. The house itself can be accessed by pre-booked tours and features a collection of fascinating art, from 18th century Brussels tapestries to portraiture of its past inhabitants. The vast parkland also includes a host of beautiful gardens, scenery and even an impressive maze, offering a variety of curiosities from season to season.

4. Highclere Castle

Highclere Castle is a picturesque Jacobean style country house in Hampshire, which in more modern times has become well known as the location of the television series Downton Abbey. The main house that is seen today was built in the mid 19 th century though the site itself has a history dating back several centuries and an entry for the location was recorded in the Domesday Book. The architect, Sir Charles Barry, is also known for having designed the Houses of Parliament. The exterior and interior work took decades to complete, and the castle became known for its opulence. Notably, the Saloon now features 17th-century Spanish leather wall coverings collected by the 3rd earl, and the walls of the Music Room are hung with 16th-century Italian embroideries.

In more recent history, Highclere Castle has become the location of Downton Abbey. Visitors can view the castle, the Egyptian Exhibition and the surrounding Grounds and Gardens. Records show the gardens were first developed there during the 13th century. Visitors can explore the original Monks’ Garden, the White Border, the Wood of Goodwill, the Rose Arbour, the Wild Flower Meadow and, nearer the house, the Healing Herb Garden.

5. Dorney Court

Grade I listed Dorney Court was built in the 15th century and has been continuously lived in by the Palmer family for more than 450 years over 13 generations. ‘Dorney’ is an ancient Saxon word for ‘island of bees’, and the estate remains famous for its honey. It was also the site of the first pineapple to be grown in England, which was then presented to Charles II in 1661.

Though much of the building appears medieval, some of it is actually a Victorian reconstruction. Remodelling of the house took place at the end of the nineteenth century, and the original bricks were restored to the front facade of the house. However, the interior is much the same as it was in 1500, with the oldest part, the panelled parlour, containing some exquisite antique furniture pieces. Today, the house and gardens are still in private hands, but are open to the public.

6. Runnymede

A little downstream from Windsor is Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was sealed by King John in 1215. Magna Carta was an attempt by feudal barons to limit the power of the king, and contained clauses to protect the historic privileges the barons had enjoyed. The site of Runnymede was approximately half way between King John and the barons from Staines. The name also suggests that there was a tradition of meeting there, and may have been where the Anglo-Saxon parliament once met.

Today, the picturesque site is home to a collection of memorials that commemorate various struggles for liberty: as well as a monument to Magna Carta, there are memorials to JFK and the Allied Air Forces of the Second World War.

7. Shaw House

Situated in Shaw, outside Newbury in Berkshire, Shaw House is an important example of an early symmetrical H-plan Elizabethan mansion. Built by a wealthy cloth merchant, Thomas Dolman, it was completed in 1581. It is known as being a headquarters during the Second Battle of Newbury, and for Elizabeth I having visited there. Later, it became a school for a long time.

Today, the house is owned and managed by West Berkshire Council as conference centre and public attraction.

8. Basildon Park

Situated outside the village of Goring-on-Thames and Streatley in Berkshire, Basildon Park is a Grade I listed building that was built between 1776 and 1783. It is Palladian in style with neoclassical ‘Adamesque’ interiors. Never fully completed, the house passed through a succession of owners, and in 1914, the then-empty house was requisitioned by the British Government as a convalescent hospital. It was sold again in 1928, and following a failed attempt to dismantle and rebuild the house in the US, in 1929 the house was stripped and effectively abandoned. During World War Two, it was requisitioned and served as a barracks, and later a prisoner of war camp. By 1952, it was entirely derelict.

Today, Basildon Park is known for its mid-twentieth century restoration by Lord and Lady Iliffe, and for its architecture. In 1978, the couple gave the house to the National Trust, who now open the house to the public.

9. Donnington Castle

A ruined medieval castle situated near the small village of Donnington, Donnington Castle was founded by Sir Richard Abberbury the Elder in 1386 and was bought by Thomas Chaucer before the castle was taken under royal control during the Tudor period. During the First English Civil War, the castle was held by royalists and withstood an 18-month siege. Parliament voted to demolish the castle in 1646, and today, only the gatehouse survives.

The site today is a scheduled monument under English Heritage. It is easily accessible.

10. Reading Museum

Reading Museum is a museum that details the history of the town of Reading in Berkshire. It is located within Reading Town Hall and contains galleries containing items such as artefacts discovered during the excavations of Calleva Atrebatum (Silchester Roman Town) and a copy of the Bayeux Tapestry. The town hall itself was built in several phases between 1786 and 1897, though the principal facade was created in 1875.

The museum opened in 1883, and first displayed a large, eccentric collection from the late Horatio Bland, a merchant and collector of artefacts from around the world. Today, it is a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike.

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » England » 15 Best Things to Do in Windsor (Berkshire, England)

15 Best Things to Do in Windsor (Berkshire, England)

The very word “Windsor”, instantly calls to mind the British Royal Family, as the name of the Royal House currently on the throne.

Thirty-nine monarchs have lived at the enormous Windsor Castle since it was raised as a royal palace by Henry I more than 900 years ago.

Step into this storied palace for an audio tour narrated by Prince Charles himself, and visit St George’s Chapel, scene of royal weddings, funerals and the tombs of monarchs known the world over.

Windsor Great Park is an equally vast former hunting ground, obligatory for the Long Walk and its sensational view back to the castle.

The Thames River, traced by romantic water meadows, has its own appeal, while there are museums, sights and cultural venues to keep you occupied in the market town.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Windsor :

1. Windsor Castle

Europe’s longest-occupied palace, Windsor Castle has been a residence for the English and British Royal Family since the reign of Henry I at the start of the 12th century.

At 13 acres Windsor Castle is also the largest inhabited castle in the world, with some 500 people living and working here.

There’s a good chance that the Queen will be home when you visit, and her presence will be indicated by the Royal Standard flag.

A monument on this scale can be daunting, but there are a few sights and experiences to prioritise.

The State Apartments have been home to 39 monarchs and owe their current Baroque decor to Charles II who wanted his quarters to rival Versailles.

Art by Rubens, Rembrandt and Canaletto graces these walls.

The theatrical Semi-State Rooms from the reign of George IV are used for official receptions by the Queen and have been restored after a fire in 1992.

2. St George’s Chapel

Included in the ticket to Windsor Castle is one of the masterworks of English Gothic architecture, infused with centuries of royal history.

St George’s Chapel was ordered by King Edward III in the 14th century and was augmented in the century that followed.

The stupendous fan vaulting in the choir dates from that period, as do the iron gates in the sanctuary, forged by the 15th-century metalsmith John Tresilian.

Dozens of royal funerals have taken place at St George’s Chapel, and the tombs of Henry VIII, Edward IV, George III, Charles I and the Queen Mother are all here , to name a small fraction, at the altar, Royal Vault, choir, Gloucester Vault and memorial chapels.

Beginning in 1863 with the future King Edward VII, a long line of Royal Weddings have taken place at St George’s Chapel, including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018.

3. Windsor Great Park

Leaving Windsor Castle from the south you can strike out on the Long Walk, a dead straight 2.65 mile path, continuously flanked by rows of trees and leading into rolling, 5,000-acre Great park.

This land was the private hunting ground for Windsor Castle from the middle of the 13th century and there’s still a large herd of semi-wild deer towards the northern end of the park.

At the southern end of the Long Walk is Snow Hill, topped with a copper statue of King George III in Roman attire and with a jaw-dropping view back to the castle in the distance.

It’s impossible to see everything in Windsor Great Park, and many of its royal properties are private, but you could drive round to view the flower displays in the Valley Gardens and Virginia Water lake and its man-made waterfall.

4. Savill Garden

Within Windsor Great Park is an enclosed garden planted in the 1930s by the park manager Sir Eric Savill and opened to the public in 1951. The garden charges a small entrance fee and has plenty to enjoy, like trees planted by royal family members, a New Zealand garden and the Queen Elizabeth Temperate House.

The Queen was present in 2010 to open a contemporary rose garden, which can be enjoyed from an elevated walkway.

Also recent is the sinuous visitor centre, the Savill Building (2006), containing a restaurant, shop, garden centre, seminar and endowed with superb views over the gardens from its raised terrace.

5. Theatre Royal

Britain’s only unsubsidised producing theatre to function all year round, the Theatre Royal (1910) is an elegant Edwardian venue with a very large repertoire.

It sits between the castle and the Thames and has musicals, well-reviewed plays, dance, comedy acts, touring bands, kids’ shows and cover acts.

The director is Bill Kenwright, a high-regarded West End producer In the advent period there’s an annual traditional pantomime, which is held as one of the best in the UK.

6. Guildhall

Windsor’s ceremonious English Baroque town hall was completed in 1689. After its previous architect died, the project was taken over by Sir Christopher Wren, who grew up in Windsor.

In a niche above the arcade on the east side there’s a memorial statue to Prince George of Denmark, the husband of Queen Anne, added in 1713, five years after his death.

The Guildhall is licensed to hold weddings, and hosted one of the UK’s first same sex civil partnership ceremonies in December 2005, between Elton John and David Furnish, while Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles were wed here several months earlier.

7. Windsor and Royal Borough Museum

This small but absorbing museum was installed in the Guildhall in 2011 and has archaeological and natural history exhibits unearthed around east Berkshire.

On display are a mammoth’s tusk dating back 100,000 years, prehistoric tools and objects from the Bronze Age, Roman times and Anglo-Saxon period.

The museum also has figurines, paintings, busts, military regalia and every day utensils relating to Windsor and the Thames, from the early 19th century to the present day.

8. River Thames

Up to the 1800s the Thames was the main thoroughfare for the English monarchs, navigating between Windsor Castle, Westminster, Hampton Court, the Tower of London and Greenwich Palace.

So it would only be right to spend some time on the river, and even more so if it’s a sunny day.

Windsor Borough has 20 miles of Thames riverside and on the banks you can take a cruise with French Brothers Boats, hire a motorboat or rowboat with John Logie or go on a guided kayak trip with London Kayak Tours.

The ever-popular Windsor Duck Tours is a sightseeing trip on an amphibious vehicle dividing its time between road and river.

Or you might decide to stay on dry land and walk a piece of the National Trail, heading southeast to Runnymede, or west past the Brocas Meadows to Dorney Lake, which hosted the 2012 Olympic rowing and canoe spring events.

9. St John the Baptist Church

On the high street, St John the Baptist Church stands where a church has stood since at least long ago as the reign of Henry II in the second half of the 12th century.

That Norman building was sadly torn town in the 1810s because of the cost of repair works, and this new monument was consecrated in 1822. Many of the monuments from the old church were rehoused in the new one, and on the west and south walls of the nave there are 16th and 17th-century stone memorials to a mason, mayor and guardsman.

In the West Gallery is a Baroque painting of the Last Supper, a national treasure, although the artist is unknown.

It may be the work of the German-born Francis Cleyn, and was kept at St George’s Chapel for more than a century before George III donated it to this church.

10. Runnymede

This water meadow three miles southeast of Windsor is the place where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215. This charter created the English parliament and was an early, and very small step towards freedom through law, as it granted a group of Rebel Barons protection from illegal imprisonment, limited payments to the crown and safeguarded church rights.

This location’s value has been recognised with monuments, both in the meadow and on Cooper’s Hill to the west.

There are ceremonial tree plantings, an Air Force memorial, a monument to John F. Kennedy and the Magna Carta Memorial by the American Bar Association and unveiled in 1957. The National Trust maintains two walking trails in this landscape, through pasture, wildflower meadows and ancient woodland.

11. Eton College Natural History Museum

Cross the Thames and you’ll be on the high street of Windsor’s twin town of Eton.

This place is synonymous with Eton College, an independent boarding school founded in 1440 and with a prestigious alumni list that includes David Cameron, one of 19 Old Etonians prime ministers.

On Sunday afternoons Eton College welcomes the public to its Natural History Museum, which opened in 1875 and has a riveting assortment of specimens like bird eggs, fossils and insects, together scientific artefacts in its glass cabinets.

There’s a very rare page from Charles Darwin’s Origin of the Species, and pieces relating to an Old Etonian, Sir Joseph Banks, the botanist who sailed with Captain James Cook on the First Voyage of Discovery.

12. Fudge Kitchen

On Thames Street in Windsor you may be tempted by the cute Fudge Kitchen shopfront.

This company makes fudge on the premises in all sorts of flavours, from salted caramel to maple walnut.

Behind the small shop floor is a larger fudge-making area, where you’ll be able to go back, see the fudge being made and ask a few questions of the enthusiastic staff.

The Fudge Kitchen also organises more in-depth fudge-making experiences, when you can sample all the different flavours, learn about the fudge’s history and try making some fudge to take home.

13. Legoland Windsor

In the top ten most-visited theme parks in Europe Legoland is of course themed on the world-famous Lego toy system.

It’s a day out for kids between the ages of 3 and 12 and has rides, shows, amusements and shops across 12 themed “lands”. Miniland for instance is a miniature park with monuments like St Paul’s Cathedral at a 1:20 scale, using a total of 40 million bricks.

Duplo Valley is for the youngest children, while at Lego City allows children to control a Lego fire engine and drive their own car at the City Driving School.

14. National Trust Cliveden

Traffic permitting, this princely estate lies about 15 minutes northwest of Windsor and is one of the National Trust’s most visited properties.

After the previous house burnt down in 1795, the current Cliveden House is a three-storey Italianate mansion over a magnificent terrace pavilion, balustraded stairways and fronting a formal parterre.

It was the work of Charles Barry, most famous for the reconstruction of the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament). Cliveden House is an extremely plush country house hotel, but can be visited on 30-minute tours to view the stately decor and hear about former guests like Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin.

Around the house are five formal gardens, an enormous yew tree maze and acres of woodland to wander in.

15. Royal Windsor Horse Show

The Home Park is the venue for the largest outdoor horse show in the UK, taking place across five days early or mid-May.

The event stages international competition in three different equestrian disciplines: Show jumping, dressage and carriage driving, while there’s “National Showing” and a two-star endurance event.

The show is a favourite of the Queen’s and coincides with her birthday celebrations.

Coinciding with the main competitive events are military cavalry and horse artillery demonstrations and the Shetland Pony Grand National, a jump race ridden by child jockeys every day in the arena.

An abundance of equestrian-oriented companies and upmarket clothing and accessories brands also set up stalls during the show.

15 Best Things to Do in Windsor (Berkshire, England):

• Windsor Castle
• St George's Chapel
• Windsor Great Park
• Savill Garden
• Theatre Royal
• Windsor and Royal Borough Museum
• River Thames
• St John the Baptist Church
• Eton College Natural History Museum
• Fudge Kitchen
• Legoland Windsor
• National Trust Cliveden
• Royal Windsor Horse Show

10 Best Things to Do in Berkshire

What is berkshire most famous for.

If you haven’t discovered these amazing things to do in Berkshire, you are missing out. History and culture await you at historic English manors and royal theaters staging classic live productions. Head into the Berkshire countryside to find plenty of green neighborhoods and some tropical beauty to enjoy. 

You'll find a wide range of family activities, such as Wellington Country Park, as well as destinations for a romantic evening, such as touring the Basildon Park, the mansion from 'Downton Abbey'.

Newbury Racecourse

See a race and grab a pint.

With races held year-round, Newbury Racecourse is a great destination for a bit of fun and healthy wagering no matter when you take your vacation. Many events are free to the public, and you can come to enjoy the incredible spectacle and sip a cold pint. 

Newbury has been the spot for racing in Berkshire for over 200 years, and Newbury Racecourse has been a championship racecourse for over 100 years. Dozens of notable races take place each year, including flat, chase and hurdle, so don’t hesitate to include Newbury Racecourse in your vacation plans.

Location: Newbury Racecourse, Racecourse Rd, Newbury RG14 7NZ, UK

Open: Hours vary according to events

Phone: +44 (0)1635 40015

Cliveden Estate

Explore a historic manor dating back over 350 years.

One of the most brilliant places to spend a few days when you are visiting Berkshire is the Cliveden Estate. Also known as the Cliveden House, this historic English manor has been an architectural icon of the region for over 350 years. 

It's operational as a hotel nowadays, and you can tour the grounds to witness the beauty of the gardens and the architecture of the stone clocktower that have been attracting visitors year after year.

Location: Cliveden Rd, Taplow, Maidenhead SL6 0JF, UK

Phone: +44 (0)1628 668561

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The living rainforest, visit an actual rainforest in berkshire.

You don’t need to travel thousands of miles to a tropical climate to experience the rainforest when you can visit The Living Rainforest in Hampstead Norreys in Berkshire. Focused on educating visitors about the rainforest and promoting conservation efforts, The Living Rainforest offers the chance to see the natural habitat of fauna and flora and how it can thrive. 

With monkeys, birds, butterflies, sloths, lizards and all sorts of creepy-crawlies, The Living Rainforest is fun and exciting for kids and adults of all ages.

Location: Hampstead Norreys, Thatcham RG18 0TN, UK

Open: Open daily from 9.30 am to 4 pm

Phone: +44 (0) 1635 202444

The Savill Garden

Stroll through serene and vibrant gardens.

For over 90 years, The Savill Garden has been bringing peace and happiness to those fortunate enough to visit. The interconnected gardens are beyond what is typically thought of as a botanical garden, and there’s a reason why it’s the hidden gem of Windsor Great Park. Each garden section is vibrantly themed to reflect British or international flora. 

Within each garden section, you might find art and sculptures depending on the season, and some have bridges that allow you a birds-eye view of the soothing sights and smells of The Garden.

Location: Wick Ln, Englefield Green, Egham TW20 0UJ, UK

Open: Open daily from 9 am to 4 pm

Phone: +44 (0)1753 860222

photo by David Short ( CC BY 2.0 ) modified

Basildon Park

Visit an 18th-century marvel.

The immaculate country house of Basildon Park in Lower Basildon is an 18th-century marvel of one of the most prominent families in Berkshire at the time. Nowadays, you can visit the impressively kept grounds of Basildon Park and experience the home seen in the hit show 'Downton Abbey', as well as other productions designed to capture the atmosphere of Victorian England. 

The massive manor has prominent stone columns to the front that act as an entryway and are visible from the long, winding drive. Come discover the reason that Basildon Park is a national heritage site.

Location: Lower Basildon, Reading RG8 9NR, UK

Open: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm

Phone: +44 (0)1491 672382

photo by Len Williams ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) modified

Wellington Country Park

Venture through woodlands and nature trails around a serene lake.

You and your family can enjoy the 350 acres of Wellington Country Park as you explore the forested woodlands and hike nature trails around a serene lake. You can also visit the petting zoo that has real and fanciful animals to feed and interact with. To get a unique and fun view of the park, you and your kids can take a ride on the miniature railroad that chugs its way to a miniature town. 

On hot summer days, the splash zone is the perfect way for kids to cool off as they run and leap through waterspouts and jump in the water fountains.

Location: Odiham Rd, Riseley, Reading RG7 1SP, UK

Open: Open daily from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

Phone: +44 (0)118 932 6444

Kennet Horse Boat Company

Take a scenic cruise along the river thames.

One of the best ways to get a fun unique view of the area is to take a scenic river cruise. The River Thames is London’s most famous waterway for commerce and pleasure, and there are all types of cruises that may suit your fancy. You might take your romantic interest on a dinner cruise, or perhaps you would enjoy a cruise down the Thames to enjoy the sights with family. 

The River Thames is not the only boat trip, though, as you can check out Berkshire’s own Kennet Horse Boat Company, with its unique horse-drawn cruises on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Location: 1 Holt Rd, Kintbury, Hungerford RG17 9UY, UK

Phone: +44 (0)1488 658866

Highclere Castle

Explore a prominent example of italianate architecture.

Built in the 19th century, the Highclere Castle harkens back to the Italianate style of architecture, with a distinct castle appeal with tall spires on each corner of the manor. 

Every detail of Highclere Castle is intricately intended, from the massive stone frame with noble insignia surrounding the iron-accented wooden front doors to the interior tower with sharply-carved, erect stone spires that contrast the peaceful country grounds. If you wanted to tour the grounds, you can easily follow the finely crushed stone paths to see the extent of the over 2,000-hectare estate.

Location: Highclere Park, Highclere, Newbury RG20 9RN, UK

Open: Open Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 4 pm

Phone: +44 (0)1635 253210

Theater Royal Windsor

Enjoy a live show in one of the biggest venues in britain.

You’ll find proper live entertainment at the Theater Royal in Windsor, which has provided cultural entertainment for over 100 years. With a nice shot of the Windsor Castle, Theater Royal Windsor gives you a fresh taste of the British stage, hosting many future hits that are later featured on London's popular West End. 

The auditorium is immaculate, with velvety red seats, prominent V.I.P. booths and an eye-catching chandelier that's as glamorous as the on-stage performances. The exterior is unassuming, but once you walk in, you’ll see where the magic happens.

Location: 32 Thames St, Windsor SL4 1PS, UK

Open: Hours vary depending on showtimes

Phone: +44 (0)1753 853888

photo by Cam5179 ( CC BY-SA 3.0 ) modified

Maidenhead Heritage Center

Explore history all the way back to the roman era.

Maidenhead Heritage Center is a museum dedicated to regional history dating back to the Roman era. Since 1993, Maidenhead Heritage Center has provided a fun and educational look at the history and cultural contributions of Berkshire. Especially emphasizing World War I and World War II, the center offers high-definition photos and in-depth narrations of the men and women who fought for liberty over the past century. 

One of the most popular exhibits is a Spitfire simulator, where you can get into the cockpit of a replica Spitfire and see what it was like to dogfight and maneuver.

Location: 18 Park St, Maidenhead SL6 1SL, UK

Open: Hours may vary

Phone: +44 (0)1628 780555

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Berkshire Villages | The 20 Best Villages In Berkshire, England

Berkshire villages include many of the prettiest places in the south of England.

The county lies between Oxford and London and contains much of the gorgeous countryside around its county town of Reading. In particular, it contains much of the Thames Valley, with many of the villages we’ve chosen below lying on this waterway.

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A beautiful suburban area sitting on the bank of the Thames River. Enjoy fine dining and sightseeing. Grab a bite to eat at one of the Michelin-starred restaurants such as the Fat Duck, voted as the best restaurant in the world by Restaurant magazine. A village that is rich with historical buildings and churches is sure to impress.

Located in West Berkshire, Bucklebury is one of several alluring villages in Berkshire, notable for its rich history and beautiful buildings.

You can visit Bucklebury farm park and enjoy seeing several beautiful breeds of deer, including Red Deer and Fallow. For a rural trip to Berkshire, Bucklebury is the destination to go.

Kintbury is a lush town on the Kennet and Avon Canal. Here you can find yourself canoeing, kayaking, or fishing. The scenery is gorgeous enough to simply take a stroll after lunch or sit out for an outdoor picnic.

There are two pubs located right in the village, as well as tennis and football clubs and an outdoor leisure center. 

Littlewick Green

Full of charming homes and green and lush surroundings, Littlewick Green is home to historic landmarks such as the Redroofs theater.

Located near Maidenhead and set around a village green space, Littlewick Green is no stranger to beautiful countryside views. Home to art and performance, it’s the source of historical musical compositions by Ivor Novello and the filming location for several episodes of the popular British crime drama Midsommer Murders.

A large riverside Berkshire village on the Thames River that is ideal for a vacation near the water. It began historically in 1893 and has a musical past which continues today. Here you can find wildlife mixed with local pubs and shops.

The village has schools as well as a railway station that serves the Great Western Main Line.

If you’re looking for villages in Berkshire known for adventure, then Streatley has opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Located on the Thames River, you can find something for everyone. Try your hand at golf at the Goring and Streatley Golf Club, a 6,355 yard golf course, or for cycling enthusiasts can ride up Streatley hill for a peaceful ride with a breathtaking view.

Old Windsor

Old Windsor is one of the more prehistoric Berkshire villages, located between the Thames River and Windsor Great Park in the east and west, respectively.

There are four pubs located in Old Windsor as well as several local shops and restaurants. At the south end you will find the Beaumont Estate, dating back to the year 1300.

Welford is a rural village in West Berkshire located on both sides of the Lambourn River. Home to the Welford Park House, held for centuries by a Benedictine Monastery called Abingdon Abbey.

Welford Park is a visiting attraction notable for its floral displays in the early springtime. A lovely white perennial called Snowdrop blooms at this time.

For a relaxing trip full of historical sites, visit Hurley and witness first hand its rich history. Some buildings date back to more than a thousand years.

For outdoor adventures, you can enjoy kayaking, boating, fishing, or simply spending a quiet time cruising the waterways. You can take bus transport from Maidenhead or the closest train station from Marlow or Henley.

Winkfield Row

Settlement of Winkfield Row officially dates back to the early Medieval era, although it is thought to have been occupied much earlier.

If you want history, you can visit the King George Field Memorial in remembrance of King George V. The parish has a primary school, Winkfield St. Mary’s Church of England Primary School as well as an independent prep school.

Waltham St. Lawrence

Waltham St. Lawrence is located in East Berkshire with a small population of about 1,500. The nearest train station is at Twyford, followed by Maidenhead and Bracknell. A historic village with buildings possibly dating back to the pre-thirteenth century. You’ll find local historical churches as well as a rich history of notable authors and publishers.

Performing arts and theater. Restaurants, concerts, food, and nightlife. Sonning theater is a highlight. Local pub for some food and a pint of beer. Sonning also includes rugby fields as well as hockey fields.

Additionally, you can enjoy sailing and water skiing across the Thames River on the Caversham Lakes.

Notable residents include George Clooney and his wife.

The civil parish village of Lambourn has a rich history and a few disasters, including a breakdown of law and order after the civil war in England and Normandy between 1138 and 1153, resulting in what is known today as The Anarchy. The town is notable for its horse racing enthusiasts and professionals. Additionally, you find a theater, pubs, and a local nature reserve.

For beautiful architecture, you can visit the Medieval Church which is dedicated to the archangel Michael. Since 1974, the area has been designated a conservation site to protect its history. Hayley Green, a notable area of Warfield, borders Hayley Green Wood, a wildlife nature reserve. 

Located on the north-east edge of Berkshire, Cookham is considered to be Britain’s second wealthiest village.

A popular tourist destination filled with art and literature history as well as restaurants and pubs. It’s home to the Stanley Spencer Gallery and many famous historical figures, including artists Isaac Pocock and Frank Sherwin.

Sunningdale

Golf enthusiasts will have a good time in Sunningdale as there are golf courses with peaceful, woodsy scenery. Sunningdale is notable for its mansions, such as Charters, a Grade-2 historic mansion famous for its art deco architecture. Notable residents include Emma Forbes, Billy Ocean, and Richard Beckinsale.

White Waltham

A beautiful and green area clustered in the midwest of Littlefield Green and Paley Street parish.

It’s made up of country houses (such as the one pictured) and is home to organic gardens and farms which are open for the public to visit. With lush and fertile agriculture, White Waltham is a village with no shortage of green space. 

Ufton Nervet

A village located in West Berkshire that sits between the Kennet Valley and the crest of low hills. The village is an archaeological site where scattered artifacts from the Mesolithic era have been uncovered. The village is home to three manors, including Ufton Robert, Ufton Nervet, and Ufton Pole.

Lower Basildon

Lower Basildon is full of shops as well as pub-restaurants such as The Red Lion. If you love nature and parks, then you can stop by the Beale Wildlife Park, which houses small exotic species, birds, and farm animals. You can travel around the village by bus, which runs on Tuesdays.

Chaddleworth

The major areas of Chaddleworth village consist of farmland with scattered woods, including Nine Acre Wood, Down Copse, and Spray Wood.

The village is green with some nice amenities and landmarks, a school, a pub, and even a local microbrewery called The Indigenous Brewery.

This West Berkshire village contains some six miles east of Newbury. It is home to the Wolf Conservation Trust where nine different breeds of wolf reside.

Beenham has one pub and one primary school. Bus routes connect to Calcot and Thatcham.

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Located in the south east of England, Berkshire is one of the oldest counties in Britain (circa 840). Berkshire is known for its long history of sheep farming and one of the largest sheep fairs in the country is still held at East Ilsley. The county is also home to one the oldest and largest Royal Residences in the World, Windsor Castle . The castle remains one of the Queen's official residences, which is why the county is known as the "Royal County of Berkshire".

The mighty River Thames runs along Berkshire's north east border, from Old Windsor, via Henley, Reading and Pangbourne up to Goring. This scenic waterway was once a major trade route for the county but is now mainly used for boating, leisure craft and pleasure trips.

The chalk downs to the west of Berkshire form a ridge over which runs a very ancient trackway known as the Ridgeway (also part of the Icknield Way connecting east and west Britain).

Berkshire has several ancient and important military institutions, including the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. The area is also magnificent horse country and the world renowned Lambourn is the centre for horse racing, with flat racing and steeple-chasing regularly taking place at Ascot and Newbury.

'And then what a hill is the White Horse Hill! There it stands, right up above all the rest, nine hundred feet above the sea, and the boldest, bravest shape for a chalk hill that you ever saw.'

Thomas Hughes (1857), "Tom Brown's Schooldays"

The Meaning of Berkshire

The name Berkshire (originating as Beaurrucscir) means a wooded hill area, relating to the Celtic word 'barro' for hilly and to a large forest of birch trees in this area called 'Berroc'.

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What to Do in the Berkshires

By Kate Donnelly

Deep in the mountains of Western Massachusetts, a Shakespearean theatre troupe mounts The Tempest ; a James Turrell exhibit lights up a room; and Sting readies his band. It may seem an unlikely place to find this caliber of arts and culture, and meals that would drag a New Yorker or Bostonian three hours away from home, but the Berkshires have long been an escape for urbanites. There's still time to get out there for a weekend—the summer may fade, but fall foliage season is right behind. Here's how to plan a getaway:

North Adams

Art The small, strollable city of North Adams has that mix of New England charm —all cottages and family farms—and edgy art thanks to the sprawling (and newly expanded) contemporary arts haven, MASS MoCA. Don’t miss Sol LeWitt’s psychedelic grand-scale drawings and James Turrell’s mesmerizing Into The Light exhibition (by appointment). Nearby, set on 140 acres, the Clark Art Institute by architect Tadao Ando showcases Renaissance frescoes and panels like Piero della Francesca's Virgin and Child Enthroned With Four Angels and historic American landscapes by the likes of George Inness. On Main Street, Jarvis Rockwell Gallery (owned by the son of Norman Rockwell) displays miniature installations of toy action figures he started collecting in the late 1970s; G.I. Joe and Bart Simpson stand guard.

Eat and Drink The casual-industrial Public serves comfort food (flatbreads and burgers) and rotating craft beers. Speaking of suds: Bright Ideas Brewing pours pints of saison, IPAs, and American wheat in an art-filled taproom. Drop by Pedrin’s Dairy Barn , with its brightly colored picnic tables, kid-friendly vibe, and bounty of hamburgers, fried clams, and ice cream sundaes. Or keep that Americana mindset with classic hot dogs from Jack’s.

Get Outdoors For a relatively easy hike, the Cascades Trail affords a peaceful river walk that ends at a spectacular waterfall.

Stay Steps from MASS MoCA, and spread over six Victorian row houses, the 47-room shabby chic Porches Inn offers a summer camp feels with antique rocking chairs and an outdoor pool.

Home away from home: Porches Inn.

Eat and Drink Snag a reservation at the small, modern Nudel , run by James Beard–nominated chef/owner Bjorn Somlo. His ever-changing menu—chilled carrot soup one day, crispy chicken drums the next—features ingredients sourced from nearby farms. And for late-night tapas and crisp Cava, drop by Brava.

On Stage Head to Tanglewood , the famed summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, for a sunset picnic. This season Sting and Diana Ross are headliners. Theater aficionados should get tickets for Shakespeare & Company performances like The Wharton Comedies and The Tempest.

Get Outdoors Ideal for lunch and quiet reflection, The Mount, Edith Wharton’s former stately home, is surrounded by elegant gardens and grass steps embedded in a sloping hill. And covering more than 1,000 acres, Pleasant Valley trails wind through meadows, forests, and wetlands and depending on your level, can become a choose-your-own hiking adventure.

Stay This fall Canyon Ranch Lenox unveils a much-needed refresh of its 126 rooms alongside new luxe residences. Sign up for the standards like acupuncture, reiki, and then follow-up with New-Agey astrology readings and a memorable 50-minute, sound-enhanced Soul Journey.

Canyon Ranch's lawn is begging for a game of croquet.

Great Barrington

Eat and Drink With its rustic farmhouse feel, the beloved Prairie Whale (from Brooklyn’s Diner former founder Mark Firth) serves farm-to-table salads, fried chicken, and pork goulash with braised cabbage. For a casual breakfast drop by Southfield Store; you can meet your caffeine goals at the nearby Six Depot. Park yourself at one of the picnic table at the roadside Bistro Box and dig into a cheeseburger-and-fries combo. At Rubiner's , gourmands can pick up serious cheese like Hauser Cabochon and Capra lago d’Orta, pâtés and all sorts of jams. Nearby in New Marlborough, Cantina 229 , a barn-like space, hosts Taco Tuesday with charred street corn and cumin slaw. Outside, there are lawn games like horseshoes and corn hole.

Shop The well-curated Farm and Home sells a range of table linens, waxed oil totes, and woolen throws and blankets. A few blocks away, Hammertown stocks furniture alongside French totes, hand-poured candles, and melamine plates. Asia Galleries has a nice collection of Japanese antiques and Buddhist sculptures.

Alex Erdekian

Jessica Puckett

There's a conspicuous dearth of hammers at Hammertown—but plenty of other souvenirs.

Get Outdoors Less than a three-mile loop, the trail at Monument Mountain delivers a quick hit of wild flowers, and rewarding views at the summit of Squaw Peak.

Stay Old Inn on The Green , a light-filled historic retreat a few miles from town, includes handsome rooms outfitted with wingback chairs, four-poster beds, and claw-footed tubs. Nab a table inside the candlelit restaurant or the outdoor garden terrace for Peter Platt’s seasonal New England food, featuring the likes of pan-roasted Maine scallops and Hudson Valley foie gras.

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15 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires

From craft brews to cultural hot spots, this beautiful region of Massachusetts has it all.

The Berkshires, a rural mountain region in western Massachusetts, draws countless visitors every year thanks to its fascinating history, ample outdoor activities, burgeoning food scene, and incredible shopping. The area's charming towns, including Lenox, Stockbridge, and Great Barrington, offer a surprising number of activities for every type of traveler.

Culture seekers will appreciate the Norman Rockwell Museum and the Tanglewood music venue, while nature lovers will find no shortage of trails with spectacular views. Whether you're in the mood for history or craft beer, here are some of the best things to do in the Berkshires, no matter the season.

Catch a concert at Tanglewood.

This open-air music venue in Stockbridge serves as the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. While the lush grounds and expansive lawns are open all year round (free of charge), you'll want to plan your trip during the summertime, when you can listen to music under the stars. (Bringing along a delicious dinner and cozy blanket is highly recommended.) Event programming is always rotating , but previous acts include performances from Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, James Taylor, the Juilliard String Quartet, and The Black Crowes, to name a few.

Go shopping in Lenox.

Lenox is famous for its charming downtown area dotted with eclectic boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops. Pick up some unique home goods at Annie Selke Shop, Design Menagerie , or MacKimmie Co. ; add to your wardrobe with staples from Catwalk Boutique , or Purple Plume ; or grab some vacation reading material (and enjoy a glass of vino) at The Bookstore & Get Lit Wine Bar . Meanwhile, gourmands can peruse the aisles of Oliva Gourmet Olive Oils & Vinegars and Dare Bottleshop & Provisions .

Hike Mount Greylock.

At nearly 3,500 feet tall, Mount Greylock is the highest point in the state of Massachusetts. The entire Mount Greylock State Reservation spans around 12,000 acres and boasts several hiking trails, including a stretch of the famous Appalachian Trail. At the summit, visitors can stop at the Veterans War Memorial Tower, a 93-foot granite lighthouse with 89 steps leading to an observation deck. From there, enjoy panoramic views stretching across five states (Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, and New Hampshire).

Eat your way through Great Barrington.

The streets of Great Barrington are lined with tasty restaurants that'll satisfy a range of cravings. Keep it casual at Baba Louie's , famous for its selection of sourdough pizzas. For authentic Mexican staples like mole and margaritas, head straight to Xicohtencatl , which occupies a striking yellow house with a sprawling porch. Prairie Whale is a dinner-only haunt known for its rustic-chic aesthetic, lively ambience, elevated American entrees featuring locally sourced ingredients, and creative cocktails. For a true treat, make a reservation at Number Ten , which serves up all sorts of steaks, poultry, and seafood, plus mouthwatering sides like creamed spinach, mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes.

Check out the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Founded in 1969, the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge boasts an expansive selection of the artist's work — almost 1,000 original paintings and drawings, to be exact. (Rockwell lived in the town from 1953 until 1978, when he died.) The 36-acre campus is home to 10 galleries, the artist's beloved Stockbridge studio (which was moved here in 1986), and an impressive collection of 100,000-plus items that range from personal calendars to fan mail.

Embark on your own dessert trail.

Grab a sweet treat (or three) at one of the many dessert spots in and around the Berkshires. In Pittsfield, indulge in some summertime soft serve at Dairy Cone . Then, make your way to Lenox to check out the seasonal Sweet Dreams cafe, which sells crowd-pleasing pastries like cinnamon buns and chocolate chip cookies, or the beloved Chocolate Springs Cafe for specially crafted confections like truffles, chocolate-covered pretzels, and marshmallows. Candy lovers of all ages will also appreciate the nostalgia-inducing Robin's Candy , a Great Barrington shop stocked with a curated collection of sweets to suit every palate. Another nearby favorite is the Parisian-inspired Pixie Boulangerie .

Travel back in time at Hancock Shaker Village.

Learn more about Shaker history at Hancock Shaker Village , which dates back to the late 1700s. Today, the site has been transformed into a living history museum with a working farm, a one-mile walking trail, and thousands of fascinating artifacts (think: furniture, tools, textiles, and more). It's also worth noting that Hancock Shaker Village is open seasonally (typically from mid-April through October), so plan your visit accordingly.

Get out on the lakes.

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

The Berkshires is home to dozens of pristine lakes for swimming, paddling, boating, and fishing. The 511-acre Pontoosuc Lake is among the region's most scenic, and its bright blue waters make it a popular spot for boating. Pack a picnic lunch, some towels, and a chair to lounge on the grassy lawns along the shore. With the Berkshires being one of the best fall vacation destinations , it's no surprise the lake is also a must-visit for foliage views when the surrounding trees turn fiery red, orange, and yellow. Meanwhile, Lake Onota is slightly larger at 617 acres. Here, you can relax along the sandy beach area before heading into the water to swim, kayak, or canoe.

Wander through Mass MoCA.

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Mass MoCA) in North Adams offers a whopping 250,000 square feet of gallery space, so be sure to carve out enough time to explore it all. Expect to be dazzled by an array of extravagant masterpieces, including eye-catching ceramics, interactive exhibitions complete with lights and sounds, larger-than-life wall drawings, and striking sculptures.

Get a taste of everything at the Berkshire Museum.

Barry Winiker/Getty Images

Get a little more culture during your visit with a stop at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield. Here, guests can explore the museum's vast and varied collection of more than 40,000 objects in its exhibits and at community events. According to the museum's website, its founder, Zenas Crane, was inspired by the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and decided to combine all their best attributes into one space. Thus, the Berkshire Museum makes it possible to see fine art, natural science, and history exhibits under one roof. 

Indulge your bibliophile dreams at Edith Wharton's The Mount.

Courtesy of The Mount

One of the best things to do in the Berkshires is visit  The Mount , the former home of author Edith Wharton, who wrote books like "The Age of Innocence" and "The House of Mirth." The property is now a National Historic Landmark and cultural center dedicated to preserving the space and her legacy. Guests can come to tour the gardens, the home's interiors, and a rotating list of exhibits showcasing both literature and life during the early 20th century. Visitors can even come for a quick ghost tour of the property — if they dare.

Pluck the perfect apple at Hilltop Orchards.

Courtesy of Hilltop Orchards 

Participate in one of the area's favorite fall pastimes — apple picking — with a visit to  Hilltop Orchards . The farm, located just on the edge of the Massachusetts and New York border, has been a Berkshire institution for more than a century. Guests can pick (and eat) 27 different apple varieties come fall and indulge in a sweet cider donut, too. Not visiting the area during the autumn? No problem — the orchard is open year-round and offers cidery tours and tastings, as well as access to its trail system, spread across the 200-acre grounds, which are ideal for hiking in the spring, summer, and fall, and snowshoeing all winter long.

Seek out more art at The Clark Art Institute. 

Another stellar cultural institution in the Berkshires,  The Clark Art Institute has been open to the public since 1955 and has a dual purpose. In addition to preserving the classics as a museum, it's also a research center dedicated to higher education and expanding the public understanding of art. Come explore its permanent and rotating exhibitions, which have spotlighted international artists such as Edvard Munch and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. If you have some extra time, don't forget to marvel at its spectacular 140-acre campus grounds, too. 

Take a ride at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum.

Courtesy of Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum

Weave your way through some of the area's most beautiful landscapes with a ride on a historic railway. The Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum , founded in Lenox in 1984, aims to preserve the railway and its history by maintaining historical data and equipment. It also offers visitors the chance to hop aboard for fun seasonal rides. Excursions include a fall foliage trip, a winter Santa train, and more. Check out the railway's website to see what's available when you visit. 

Toast to a successful trip.

Cap off a fun-filled trip at one of the nearby breweries, wineries, or cideries. Oenophiles will especially appreciate Balderdash Cellars , where you can lounge on a lawn overlooking a lake. For craft brews, make your way to Wandering Star Craft Brewery , Berkshire Brewing Company , or Big Elm Brewing . Alternatively, if you prefer cider, look no further than the Berkshire Cider Project .

• 33 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

What are the best things to do in the Berkshires? This part of Western Massachusetts is so special — not just beautiful, but idyllic, like a painting; not just interesting, but one of the most fascinating regions in the state.

Most people come to Massachusetts to visit Boston, or Cape Cod, or Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. But there are treasures waiting for you if you’re willing to head out west.

Despite growing up in Massachusetts, I’ve barely seen the Berkshires — I went to summer camp in East Otis for a few years, but that’s it. And I know it’s human nature not to visit what’s right in front of you. You always assume you’ll be able to do that someday, so why do it now?

But in 2021, a time when people have been looking to closer, local getaways, I decided it was time to visit the Berkshires — not only to have fun, but to research extensively, and eventually create guides like this one to help you plan your own trips to the Berkshires.

Did my trip go well? OH, IT DID! I had the best time in the Berkshires — and I can’t wait to show you all the best things to do here.

I would like to acknowledge and honor the Mohican, Wabanaki and Pocumtuc people, the Indigenous stewards and traditional owners of the unceded land now known as the Berkshires.

This post was last updated in June 2021.

Table of Contents

Why Travel to the Berkshires?

The Berkshires are famous for lots of things — Tanglewood, the summer concert series in Lenox . Canyon Ranch, the fancy spa. Art museums and dance and live theater, all set on a mountainous landscape, evergreen forests crisscrossed with country roads.

But the Berkshires aren’t just for rich people doing fancy things. They’re for everyone. There’s lots to see and do in the Berkshires, including lots of low-key activities — and you’re only a few hours from either New York or Boston.

Where the Berkshires excel, in my opinion, is being both an outdoor destination and an arts destination. You can end up fitting a lot of variety into a short getaway.

I know a lot of couples where one person is into the arts and the other is more into the great outdoors. Often, planning a trip for these kinds of couples means someone is always compromising. But some destinations blend culture and nature seamlessly! Like Asheville, North Carolina , or Oaxaca, Mexico , the Berkshires are perfect for travelers who want to mix the outdoors and the indoors on their trip.

Most people drive to the Berkshires, and you need a car to explore the area sufficiently. If you’re flying in, the Albany airport is about 45 minutes away.

Head outside! A lot of outdoor sites like Bash Bish Falls for free; the Berkshire Botanical Garden is free on Tuesdays; get the best $1 cider donuts of your life at Hilltop Orchards, explore the towns, check out cool coffeeshops like Six Depot Roastery.

If you’re looking to attend concerts, shows and events, aim for summer . Fall is gorgeous but very busy; late spring is another good choice.

The three best museums in the Berkshires are the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, the Clark Institute in Williamstown, and MASS MoCA in North Adams.

Where are the Berkshires?

The Berkshires are located in Western Massachusetts. Berkshire County is the westernmost county in Massachusetts; anything within Berkshire County is considered “the Berkshires.”

It feels like the Berkshires are comprised of a southern part and a northern part. In the southern portion, popular towns to base in include Stockbridge , Lenox , and Great Barrington. This is the classic small town Berkshires area that most people have heard of.

The northern portion includes towns like North Adams, Williamstown, and Pittsfield. It’s a different feel up here — more urban, not quite as photogenic — but still very much worth visiting.

Even so, the Berkshires are small enough that you can base in one part and explore the whole region. The drive from Great Barrington in the far south to North Adams in the far north, for example, takes just over an hour.

Even so, culturally speaking, people from the north don’t always go south and vice versa. One local told me people from Pittsfield see going to Stockbridge as something you do for a special occasion — even though it’s less than 30 minutes away.

On my trip, I wanted to get to know all of the Berkshires in depth — so I split my time between two bases, Stockbridge in the south and North Adams in the north. More on where I stayed below.

Read More: The Best Towns in the Berkshires

Berkshires Map

The map above is a complete guide to the Berkshires, including everything mentioned in this post, color-coded based on the type of destination. Hope it helps you get the lay of the land.

Best Things to Do in the Berkshires

Some of my friends go to the Berkshires to get away from busy city life. They rent a cabin on a lake, read books, hit up the farmers’ markets, and grill.

That’s a nice way to spend a weekend — but the Berkshires are SO much more than a quiet place to unwind. There is an insane number of things to do in the Berkshires!

I’ve broken it down into four categories: arts and culture, outdoor activities, historic sites, and food and drink.

Arts and Culture in the Berkshires

Don’t even think of planning a trip to the Berkshires without taking in the arts and culture! Whether you’re looking for museums or performing arts, there is so much to enjoy here. Though if you’re here for performances, you should try to time your trip for the summer months.

Norman Rockwell Museum

Norman Rockwell is famous for his scenes of small-town New England, and many of those scenes come from the town of Stockbridge, where he made his home. The Norman Rockwell Museum is a comprehensive collection of his art, from the 300+ Saturday Evening Post covers to his personal items, larger works of art, and works by other artists inspired by him.

I love deep dives into a single artist, watching their work evolve over time. What I especially loved about this museum is how they showed Rockwell’s journey to activism, including the work that went into his portrait of Ruby Bridges, The Problem We All Live With .

Admission to the Norman Rockwell Museum is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and veterans, and free for active military and children under 18.

If you know anything about the Berkshires, you’ve probably heard of Tanglewood ! This venue in Lenox is the summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and performances are in a theater that opens to the great outdoors, letting people enjoy outstanding music under the stars.

Each summer, you can experience the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops, the Tanglewood Music Center, and more. (One of the most popular events is John Williams night, which some of my friends go to see every year!)

See the full schedule of Tanglewood performances here.

Clark Institute

Did you know that the Berkshires are home to one of the best collections of Impressionism in the world? I had no idea! The Clark Institute in Williamstown is a museum featuring American and European art from the Renaissance through the early 20th century.

Most impressive, though, is their massive collection of Renoir paintings. I felt as if I were in Paris. What a special find this place is.

There are rotating exhibits throughout the year, and be sure to leave enough time to explore the trails outside, many of which lead to even more sculptures.

Admission to the Clark Institute is $20 and free for students with ID and children under 18. The outdoor walking trails are free to all.

Shakespeare and Company

If you’re in the mood for some classic theater, Shakespeare and Company performs the Bard’s shows in Lenox all summer long, and other plays throughout the year. In addition to the performances, Shakespeare and Company does some of the best theatrical training in the region.

See the full schedule of Shakespeare and Company performances here.

Mass MoCA — the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art — is one of the most imaginative and stunning museums in Massachusetts, as well as an inspiring story of reinvigorating the former mill town of North Adams. The ever-changing exhibits here are intended to cover every medium and break conventional boundaries.

The museum is in the former Sprague Electric Company, now an expansive building filled with light from every angle. Plan to spend a lot of time here, because the campus has everything from an ice cream shop to a craft brewery! Plus, you never know which works of art will end up captivating you.

Modern art isn’t for everyone — but I bet you’ll enjoy this place, as it’s genuinely one of the best things to do in the Berkshires.

Admission to MASS MoCA is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and veterans, $12 for students with ID, $8 for age 6-16, and free for children under 6.

Williamstown Theater Festival

If you’re looking for both classic and cutting-edge theatrical performances, be sure to check out what the Williamstown Theater Festival has to offer during the summer months. (Yes, they call themselves WTF!)

This regional Tony award-winning festival features all kinds of shows and events in this little northwest corner of Massachusetts, from educational workshops to late-night cabarets.

See the full schedule of Williamstown Theater Festival performances here.

Berkshire Museum

If you’re looking to explore more of what makes the Berkshires what they are, look no further than the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield. This museum has sections on the science, ecology, history, and culture of the Berkshires.

Many of the exhibits are more oriented toward kids — like the aquarium and animals in miniature section — but I did love the Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation, which profiles different notable residents of the Berkshires, like W.E.B. DuBois and Susan B. Anthony.

Admission is $13 for adults, $6 for ages 4 to 17, and free for children under 4.

Jacob’s Pillow

You’ve got your music, you’ve got your theater — why not add some dance into the mix? The Berkshires are home to Jacob’s Pillow, a National Historic Site in Becket home to the nation’s longest-running dance festival. Each summer, Jacob’s Pillow hosts more than 50 dance companies for live performances, as well as talks, workshops, and more.

From classic performances to more avant-garde offerings, Jacob’s Pillow is a must during the summer if you’re a dance fan.

See the full schedule of performances here.

Williams College Museum of Art

Set on the idyllic Williams College campus, the Williams College Museum of Art features exhibits by emerging artists from all over the world.

The museum is currently closed due to COVID, but we hope it will open soon. Admission is free.

Outdoor Activities in the Berkshires

You don’t need to be a hardcore athlete to enjoy the outdoors in the Berkshires. If you’d like a simple and easy outdoor activity, head to the Berkshire Botanical Garden. If you’re a hardcore hiker, Mount Greylock is calling your name! And if you’re a novice hiker who would like an easy walk through the woods with a beautiful waterfall, you can’t beat Bash Bish Falls .

Bash Bish Falls

I know, your mind wants it to be “Bish Bash Falls” but it’s actually “Bash Bish Falls”! This is the kind of hike that I love — it’s easy, not too long, and there’s a big payoff at the end. I think it’s one of the best free things to do in the Berkshires.

This waterfall is in Bash Bish Falls State Park in the southwest corner of Massachusetts — but you can actually hike there from either the Massachusetts side or Taconic State Park on the New York side. The hike from the Massachusetts side is shorter (0.6 miles or one hour return) but steeper; the hike from the New York side is longer (1.5 miles or 90 minutes return) but not as steep.

Since I didn’t have my hiking shoes with me, I chose to hike from the New York side — and I loved the novelty factor of walking from one state into another! What a lovely way to spend the morning, having been fortified with a pastry from Berkshire Mountain Bakery.

Keep in mind that you’re not allowed to swim in the falls. But I bet you’ll be satisfied even without a dip in the river.

Admission is free.

Berkshire Botanical Garden

Located right in Stockbridge, the Berkshire Botanical Garden is one of the oldest display gardens in the Northeast US. The garden displays all kinds of interesting plants from all over the region, all landscaped beautifully and designed to teach you more about them.

If you’re looking for a casual stroll while enjoying the beauty of nature, this is a great option. (And if you’re here on a Tuesday, you can take advantage of free admission!) The garden also puts on events like toga and tai chi classes among the flowers, workshops, receptions, and even classes in watercolors and birding.

Admission to the Berkshire Botanical Garden is $15 for adults, $14 for seniors, and free for children under 12. Admission is free to all on Tuesdays.

Berkshire Camino Guided Hikes

If you’re looking for a guided hike with a twist, take a look at Berkshire Camino — a hiking company inspired by the Camino de Santiago, the life-changing pilgrimage across Spain. Owner Mindy Miraglia loved her time on the Camino and today she brings Camino magic to small hiking tours in the Berkshires.

The Camino is all about hiking from one town to the next, and discovering what lays before you. That’s how these hikes are structured — you could start out in Housatonic and hike to Stockbridge, or maybe start in Lee and hike to Lenox. There are shorter walkabout-style hikes within towns, too.

Berkshire Camino has walkabouts from $18 per person, half day hikes from $80 per person or $150 for two people. Multi-day hiking trips are available, too.

Mount Greylock

If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, consider hiking Mount Greylock — the highest point in Massachusetts! Mount Greylock State Reservation, near Adams, is home to more than a dozen hiking trails, ranging from “easy” to “aggressive.” Hiking to the summit of Mount Greylock is one of the most strenuous routes.

Even if you’re not up for a tough hike, you can still enjoy one of the easier hikes while taking in the gorgeous scenery.

Admission to Mount Greylock State Reservation is free; parking is $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for those from out of state. See the full hiking guide here.

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Don’t you love when old railroad tracks are repurposed into something better? The train tracks here fell into disuse in 1990, so they turned it into a 10-foot-wide paved trail, running from Cheshire to Lanesborough to Adams. Throughout the rail trail you get to enjoy views of the Hoosic River, mountains, and lakes — and if you’re here for the fall foliage, even better!

If you’re bringing your bike to the Berkshires — or even your skateboard or rollerblades — this would be my top recommendation for you. But even if you’re just here to walk or run, it’s a lovely place to enjoy a bit of nature in between all your museum-hopping.

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail is free and there are several free parking lots along the trail.

Housatonic River Walk

You’ll see the Housatonic River winding throughout the Berkshires, but perhaps its best segment is in Great Barrington, where they’ve created the Housatonic River Walk . Signs direct you between two private homes and suddenly you’re on a beautiful path along the river.

There are two segments of the River Walk — you can see them on a map here — and there are displays at the entrances that tell you more about what you’re seeing.

Great Barrington is probably the best town in the Berkshires to spend an afternoon exploring the shops and downtown. But nothing delighted me more than the River Walk!

The Housatonic River Walk is free.

Pontoosuc Lake

I was driving through Pittsfield and admiring a lake in the distance — then I saw a parking lot leading to lakeside picnic tables. I had to stop and visit! Pontoosuc Lake is divided between Pittsfield and Lanesborough, and it’s a lovely place for a quick stop.

This lake is more popular for boating and fishing than swimming, and boat rentals are available. If you’re spending time in the Pittsfield area, you may want to check out the Pittsfield National Forest as well.

Pontoosuc Lake is free.

Monument Mountain

One of the more stunning hikes in the Berkshires is up Monument Mountain in Great Barrington. There are three trails leading to the summit, all under three miles. In addition to stunning views of the rocky mountain and expansive landscape, you might see hawks or bald eagles!

Fun fact: authors Herman Melville and Nathaniel Hawthorne met while sheltering from a storm while hiking Monument Mountain — and became friends for life. Melville even dedicated Moby-Dick to Hawthorne. (You are constantly reminded of this in the Berkshires!)

Admission to Monument Mountain is free; parking is $6.

Natural Bridge State Park

North Adams might be known as the funky art town, but they also have one of the nicer state parks in the region: Natural Bridge State Park. This park is home to the only natural white marble arch in North America — which was formed 550 million years ago!

If you’re a geology fan, this is the park to visit. It’s remarkable seeing how the water carves around the stones. You can hike through a white marble quarry — also the only one in North America.

Admission to Natural Bridge State Park is free. Parking is $5 for Massachusetts residents and $20 for those from out of state.

Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the hidden gems of the Berkshires is the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary — 1,000 acres of forest, meadows, wetlands, and mountain slopes, right on the edge of Lenox. Run by the Audubon Society, this is home to some of the best wildlife watching in the region, from beavers to birds.

Some of the highlights are a challenging hike to the summit of Lenox Mountain; an All Persons Trail, a universally accessible trail with Braille, audio, and tactile descriptions; and an active beaver colony that can be viewed from Pike’s pond.

Admission to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and $2 for children age 2-12.

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort

Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort is a great spot for mountain fun in the Berkshires. This family-friendly park has everything from Alpine slides to mountain coasters, a giant swing, chairlift rides, a rock climbing wall, a bungee trampoline, and more.

Coming in the winter? They have plenty of skiing.

For those over 54 inches, summer admission to Jiminy Peak is $59 for six hours and $39 for four hours. For those who are 38-53 inches, summer admission is $49 for six hours and $29 for four hours. Buy online ahead of time because there is a $5 per ticket surcharge if you wait to buy at the door.

Skiing in the Berkshires

If you’re up for a winter visit, the Berkshires have a lot of places to ski. In addition to Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort , check out Ski Butternut , Otis Ridge , Bousquet Mountain , and Berkshire East .

Historic Sites in the Berkshires

For centuries, the Berkshires have been a draw for artists, writers, and creatives of all types. It didn’t hurt that it made a peaceful retreat that wasn’t too far from both New York and Boston!

Fed up with the snobbery of Newport, Rhode Island, literary legend Edith Wharton decided to move to the Berkshires in 1901. Her home in Lenox was christened The Mount , she spent many of her most prolific writing years here, and today it’s one of the most stunning historic homes in the region.

Wharton had a lot of style — and I found myself longing for her furnishings! She actually had a pale pink dining room with fuchsia and gold cutlery! The house is a remarkable portrait of how the wealthy lived during this time period, and it makes you think about how idyllic surroundings can inspire you as an artist.

Admission to the Mount is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $13 for students with ID, and free for children under 18. The grounds are free.

Ventfort Hall

Also in Lenox, Ventfort Hall is an imposing mansion built in 1893 for Sarah Morgan, sister of J.P. Morgan. Today it’s a fully furnished home that doubles as the Museum of the Gilded Age. It’s designed in a sumptuous manner teaching you how people lived in this interesting point in time.

I found the guides here to be excellent, passionate and well-versed in the history and architectural quirks of this property. Good guides definitely make you more excited about a place!

Most people will tell you that The Mount is the best historic home in the Berkshires — but I had so much affection for Ventfort Hall.

Admission to Ventfort Hall is $18 for adults, $17 for seniors, $10 for students age 18-23 with ID, and $7 for age 5-17, and free for children under 5.

Red Lion Inn

Everyone in the Berkshires knows all about the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge — even casual Berkshires visitors are well versed in it. The Red Lion Inn was first established as a tavern in 1773, and though it’s gone through various iterations since then, that makes it one of the oldest continuously operated inns in the United States.

It’s a piece of living history, and it’s an interesting place to walk through and enjoy the decor of centuries past.

I stayed at the Red Lion Inn for part of my trip ( more on that below ), but you don’t have to be a hotel guest here to enjoy it. Enjoy a glass of wine at the Lion’s Den pub, eat at the restaurant (one of the few places in Stockbridge open on a Tuesday, I learned!), or simply stake out one of the rocking chairs on the front porch.

Chesterwood

You may not know artist Daniel Chester French off the top of your head, but you definitely know his work — he created the Lincoln Memorial. Today, his legacy lives on at Chesterwood , his home in Stockbridge, where you can visit his studio and learn more about his life and work.

French considered the Berkshires his personal heaven and spent the six warmer months of the year living here, enjoying views of the mountains and creating smooth, sumptuous sculptures. I highly recommend taking the guided tour so you can learn more about his life and work.

Honestly, much of his life was similar to artists today — like when he did a job for free because they promised him paid work in the future — and then they gave him nothing. His friend Ralph Waldo Emerson bullied them into paying him!

Admission to Chesterwood is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, $15 for active military or veterans, $10 for young adults age 13-21, and free for children under 13.

The most difficult thing about Naumkeag may be pronouncing it (hint: it’s nom-keg , and it helps to picture an animal nomming on a keg of beer). This historic shingle-style home has 44 rooms and was home to generations of the Choate family. While the inside is interesting to explore, the gardens are the big draw here.

You can enjoy sumptuous flower gardens, quintessential Berkshires views over the countryside, and even a Chinese-style garden. I recommend pausing to get a beverage while sitting in Adirondack chairs looking over the landscape.

Admission to Naumkeag is $10 for adults, $15 for seniors and students with ID, $5 for children 3-12, and free for children under 3.

Hancock Shaker Village

The Shakers were a fascinating sect within American society, and their legacy lives on at the Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, a historic center and working farm. The Shakers believed in communal life, celibacy, confession of sin, racial and gender equality, simplicity, and pacifism.

In this village, you can see the homes that were divided into the men’s area and the women’s area (and yes, the celibacy is why they died out!), and you can learn about how they lived self-sufficiently on this farm, growing food, raising animals, and producing crafts. It’s an interesting look into a group that gets little attention outside history classes.

Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, AAA members, MTA cardholders, and active and retired US military; $8 for youth age 13-17; and free for children under 13.

When you picture the home of Herman Melville, what do you imagine? Somewhere set on a cliff overlooking a stormy sea? You’re probably not picturing a yellow house with a red barn in the Berkshires, overlooking Mount Greylock in the distance! Melville moved to Pittsfield in 1850 to write in solitude; he lived at Arrowhead for 13 years. While here he wrote some of his best works, including Moby-Dick .

To see the house itself, you go on a guided tour and learn all about Melville’s history and his life in the Berkshires. If you’re a Moby-Dick fan, this is a place you should prioritize.

Admission to Arrowhead is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $10 for students, and free for children under 13.

Food and Drink in the Berkshires

You might not think of the Berkshires as a culinary destination — but wait until you see what this place has to offer! Some of my favorite experiences in the Berkshires involved the fabulous local cuisine.

Be sure to double-check the opening hours, because many places are closed Monday through Wednesday.

Farm to Table Dining in the Berkshires

One nice thing about visiting the Berkshires is that so many restaurants serve farm-to-table cuisine. Here are some notable ones worth visiting:

The Prairie Whale in Great Barrington , a funky and welcoming restaurant in the Brooklyn of the Berkshires, serves products from their farm in nearby Monterey. Don’t be afraid to try the pig head rillette.

Mezze Cafe + Bar in Williamstown originally served Mediterranean small plates — but has since grown to offer dishes of all sizes with New England ingredients.

The Old Inn on the Green in New Marlborough is a bit of the beaten path but well worth the stop — especially for the Sunday-Wednesday-Thursday prix fixe menu, with three locally sourced courses for just $46.

John Andrews Restaurant in South Egremont , located in an 18th century farmhouse, has been doing farm-to-table menus since 1990. They serve original dishes from artisan producers and grow quite a bit in their garden.

cafeADAM in Great Barrington not only makes use of local producers and dishes — they also feature locally foraged ingredients, like mushrooms from Chef Adam’s secret spot.

The Old Mill in South Egremont features New England ingredients interpreted into new and exciting dishes — and has a commitment to using only wild or organically farmed seafood.

Berkshire Mountain Bakery

If you’re looking for some excellent baked goods, I recommend stopping at Berkshire Mountain Bakery in the tiny town of Housantonic. (It also makes a great stop on the way to Bash Bish Falls, I found out!) This small bakery specializes in sourdough and high-end bakeries, and people from all over the region drop by to pick up loaves of bread.

I grabbed a Kouign-Amann (because I’m fancy — or, really, because I watch the Great British Bake-Off) and it was everything that pastry should be: soft but strong, flaky, covered with sugar.

There is a second location in Pittsfield that doubles as a pizza cafe! And if you really miss the bread, they deliver within the US.

Six Depot Roastery and Cafe

Some coffeeshops are worth going out of your way — and Six Depot Roastery and Cafe in West Stockbridge is well worth the visit. This cafe takes coffee and tea SO seriously. They only serve coffee from sources around the world they’ve evaluated to be of the highest standards.

This is a wonderful cafe to visit for breakfast or brunch. There’s plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. They serve an assortment of bakery treats and light meals. I enjoyed a fantastic coffee and a Spanish tortilla. And the town of West Stockbridge is adorable.

While Six Depot is my favorite coffeeshop in the Berkshires, there are plenty more you can visit! (I tried to visit THEM ALL! And got to almost all of them!) My second-favorite is Tunnel City Coffee , which pairs well with a visit to the Clark Institute. (There are a few locations but I recommend their flagship in Williamstown, which is huge, has a giant case full of gorgeous pastries, and has a jovial student crowd.)

Some other places with excellent coffee are Stockbridge Coffee and Tea in Stockbridge, Shots Cafe in Lenox, and Fuel in Great Barrington.

Hilltop Orchards

You might see Hilltop Orchards in Richmond on your Berkshires map — and come here for the apple picking. Or for tasting the local artisanal cider from Jmash Cidery. And let’s not forget the local wine tasting from Furnace Book Winery. There are even hiking trails with great mountain views.

But one item stands out here. CIDER DONUTS.

Holy hell, these cider donuts may be the best cider donuts I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. They’re on the small side, almost unfathomably moist, and covered with delicious cinnamon sugar.

I ordered two and somehow ended up with three in my bag. IT WAS NOT ENOUGH. I should have gotten six for $5!

Trust me…if for no other reason, you need to come here for the cider donuts. This is probably one of my top three things to do in the Berkshires. There’s a reason why everyone recommends them!

Bright Ideas Brewing

One of the cool things about MASS MoCA in North Adams is the ecosystem that grew around it — cool new hotels, restaurants, coffeeshops, and bars. And I enjoyed spending an evening at Bright Ideas Brewing !

This brewery features a rotating selection of delicious home-brewed beers — some made with international ingredients. I particularly enjoyed the Northern Lights, made with an unexpected ingredient — taiheke from New Zealand!

I also appreciated that the brewery was around the corner from my hotel, Porches at MASS MoCA, so I could happily imbibe without worrying about driving.

Other craft breweries worth visiting in the Berkshires are Berkshire Brewing Company in South Deerfield, Shire Breu-Hous in Dalton, Big Elm Brewing in Sheffield, and Barrington Brewery and Restaurant in Great Barrington.

Where to Stay in the Berkshires

If you’re looking to stay in the Berkshires, you should decide whether you want to concentrate on the south (Stockbridge, Lenox, Lee, Great Barrington) or north (North Adams, Williamstown, Pittsfield). Technically you can do it all in one trip, as I did.

I chose to try out two nights in the south at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge and one night in the north at Porches at MASS MoCA in North Adams. These are two small, independent hotels, the kinds of places I love to stay. Both hotels hosted me on a comped media stay.

As soon as I told my friends I was visiting the Berkshires, several of them told me, “Oh, are you going to the Red Lion?” If anywhere is THE place to stay in the Berkshires, it’s here.

The Red Lion Inn is one of the oldest continuously operating inns in the United States, having been open since 1773. Today, the inn has expanded and covers several buildings within a few blocks — including Maple Glen, the building where I stayed.

The Red Lion is located in downtown Stockbridge, which I think is one of the best places to base in the Berkshires. Not only is it a beautiful town with lots to see and do, it gives you easy access to Lenox, Great Barrington, and nearby small towns; plus, if you want to do Williamsburg and North Adams for the day, this part of the state is less than an hour away.

This was my queen room with a fun mix of colors and patterns.

Lots of seating and a good area for working, if you need to.

I loved the display sculptures in Maple Glen!

My room blended country charm with modern amenities. I appreciated the large size — and that it came with a decent-sized bathtub! The wifi worked well — very important, as Stockbridge is a dead zone for phone signal — and it was nice and quiet at night.

I went to the restaurant one night, which serves classic Yankee cuisine. The restaurant, the pub, and even the front porch feel like a gathering place in Stockbridge, with interesting people passing through.

One tip: don’t bring all your bags when you check in. I did, then I found out I had to schlep them outside and down the street to another building.

Rooms from $148 per night.

Porches at MASS MoCA

North Adams is all about reinvention, and Porches at MASS MoCA is one of the coolest building concepts I’ve seen. The hotel is built from a long strip of 19th century Victorian row houses along the Hoosic River, reconstructed and joined into one long building.

Porches calls itself “whimsical” frequently — and they love the phrase “granny chic.” Personally, I loved it! Such a cool mix of vintage and modern accessories, a vibrant color palette, homey and comforting. It fits North Adams perfectly.

I loved the colors, those lamps, and the divider between rooms.

This is full-on granny chic and I loved it.

This was the inside of one of the Victorian houses — the indoor/outdoor mix kind of reminded me of Vegas, believe it or not.

North Adams makes a good base for visiting the northern part of the Berkshires — towns like Williamstown, Lanesborough, Pittsfield, Florida, and Cheshire. And Porches is right across the street from MASS MoCA — which meant I could enjoy two beers at Bright Ideas Brewing without having to drive!

If you want to hang out at Porches, there are plenty of rocking chairs on the front porches, as well as a pool area in the back.

Rooms from $149 per night.

Overall, these were two great places to stay in the Berkshires, but they were so different! Overall, I loved the location and history of the Red Lion, but I preferred the design and vibe of Porches. If you’re coming to the Berkshires for three nights and don’t mind changing accommodation, why don’t you try both?

See more places to stay in the Berkshires here.

Berkshires Travel Tips

Here are some things you should know before traveling in the Berkshires:

Phone signal is poor in parts of the Berkshires. In fact, the entire town of Stockbridge is a dead zone for phone signal, which shocked me. If you’re using your phone for GPS, as I did, you should load directions while you have access to wifi.

The Berkshires are quiet during the week, especially outside high season. I visited from Monday through Thursday, which I thought would allow me fewer crowds. It sure did — and TONS of places were closed! You should check to make sure your favorite attraction isn’t closed when you’re visiting.

Prices can quickly snowball in the Berkshires. Most museums and historic sites cost around $20. That can quickly add up when you’re doing three or four in a day! It’s best to figure out before you go how much you want to spend and what your biggest priorities are.

Look for combination tickets if you’re hitting up a lot of museums. You can buy a combination ticket to MASS MoCA, the Clark Institute, and the Williams College Museum of Art for $34. Pick it up in any of the three spots.

A lot of coffeeshops in the Berkshires close at 2:00 PM during the week. I found this disappointing, as I love a midafternoon coffeeshop visit when I travel.

Best Time to Visit the Berkshires

Most people say that the best time to visit the Berkshires is either the summer or the fall. The summer because it’s when the most events are on — Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow, all the theater performances — and the fall is when you get the best foliage.

Keep in mind that the absolute busiest time in the Berkshires is during summer and fall weekends. You can expect big crowds and high prices with both peaking on the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Columbus Day.

If you’re looking to experience the best foliage in the Berkshires, time your visit from late September through mid-October. Columbus Day is usually pretty solid for foliage. Though it’s always a smart idea to check an almanac as this can vary from year to year.

I visited the Berkshires in mid-May and it was a surprisingly good time to visit. There were no performances going on, but the weather was absolutely glorious; it was actually much sunnier and warmer than Boston! (That doesn’t always happen, though. May in New England can often be chilly and rainy.)

Winter is a slow and quiet time of year — but this is a great time to visit the Berkshires if you’re looking to ski, snowshoe, or bundle up by the fireplace.

Keep in mind that early spring in New England is “mud season” — and most if not all of April falls into this category. Spring hits later here than many parts of the US.

How to Get to the Berkshires

You need a car in the Berkshires. Can you do the Berkshires without a car? I’m sure someone has, but I really don’t recommend it.

Everything requires driving. Even if you base in a town like Stockbridge, getting to local attractions like the Norman Rockwell Museum, Chesterwood, Naumkeag, and the Berkshire Botanical Gardens requires a 10-minute drive!

Most people drive to the Berkshires. Depending on where you base, it’s about a 2:15-2:45 drive from Boston and a 2:45-3:15 drive from New York City.

If you’re flying to the Berkshires, the closest major airport is in Albany, about a 45-minute drive from Stockbridge.

There are bus and train connections to Pittsfield.

Are the Berkshires worth it?

Yes! Absolutely! I loved my trip to the Berkshires, and my only regret was that I waited so long to visit this wonderful part of my home state.

And to my fellow Bay Staters, New Englanders, and tri-staters — if you haven’t been to the Berkshires yet, maybe it’s time for you to make the trip! Pick a long weekend and start researching. I think you’ll fall in love with this beautiful part of the world.

Western Massachusetts:

• Best Towns in the Berkshires, Massachusetts

Best of Boston:

• What NOT to Do in Boston
• Where to Stay in Boston: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels
• 40+ Fun Things to Do in Boston at Night
• Best Time to Visit Boston
• 24 Interesting Things to Do in Cambridge, Mass.
• 12+ Best Day Trips From Boston
• 21 Best Museums in Boston

Cape Cod & the Islands:

• Which of the Towns of Cape Cod is Best for You?
• 24 Fab Things to Do in Cape Cod
• 22 Fabulous Things to Do in Provincetown, MA
• Which Of The 6 Martha’s Vineyard Towns Is Best For You?
• A Guide to Oak Bluffs, MA — Home of the Gingerbread Houses
• A Guide to Edgartown, MA — Prettiest Martha’s Vineyard Town
• A Guide to Vineyard Haven, MA — Authentic Town on Martha’s Vineyard
• 24 Cool Things to Do in Lenox, MA
• 12 Fun Things to Do in Stockbridge, MA

North Shore:

• 27 Fun Things to Do in Rockport, Mass.
• 25 Spooky, Haunted Things to Do in Salem, Mass.

Thanks to the Red Lion Inn and Porches at MASS MoCA for hosting me for three nights altogether in the Berkshires. I also received comped admission to the Norman Rockwell Museum, Naumkeag, Chesterwood, The Mount, Berkshire Botanical Garden, Ventfort Hall, Hancock Shaker Village, Clark Institute, MASS MoCA, the Berkshire Museum, and Arrowhead. All opinions, as always, are my own.

1 thought on “33 Best Things to Do in the Berkshires”

Hi there, I’ve been to all 50 states and last year for the first time we did the Poconos in PA and loved it. The Berkshires are on my list so glad to read it not’s just for the rich (think real housewives lol) and very excited to see there are waterfalls. I can’t wait to visit this area. Nikki

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Blog The Education Hub

https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/09/primary-school-offer-day-2023-everything-you-need-to-know/

Primary school offer day 2024: Everything you need to know

Parents of three and four-year-olds will soon find out what primary school has offered their child a place for the next academic year.  

The majority of pupils will be offered a place at one of their preferred primary schools, while most will be offered their top choice.   

Here, we explain everything you need to know about primary school offer day, from when you can expect to find out, to how to appeal a decision.  

When is primary school offer day and what time are school places released?   

Parents will find out which primary school has offered their child a place for September 2024 on  Tuesday 16 April.

The decision will be sent by the local council by either letter or email. Some councils allow parents to view their results through the admissions portal or system. Exactly what time the offers will be released varies by council.

How likely am I to get my first-choice primary school?  

We want parents to feel reassured when it comes to getting one of their top choice primary schools.

In 2023, 92.5% of families received an offer from their first choice of primary school and 98.3% received an offer from one of their top three choices.

At the same time, over 1 million additional school places have been created between May 2010 and May 2023, with many more in the pipeline.

What happens after I receive an offer of a school place?  

A parent or carer must formally accept the offer by the given deadline. This is usually set through the local authority’s admissions portal or system. You’ll receive details of next steps with the offer.  

Can I appeal a primary school placement decision?  

If you’re not offered your first-choice school, you can appeal the decision . However, even if you're appealing a decision, we recommend accepting the offer your child did receive so that they have a school place if the appeal is unsuccessful. Accepting another offer won’t affect your appeal or limit other options available to you.  

Parents or carers who want to appeal a decision should first contact the school’s admission authority, which is responsible for organising the appeal panel. Parents and carers can find their school’s admission authority by visiting their local council website:  Find your local council - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) .  

The panel is independent and will look at the case presented by both the admission authority and the parent before coming to a decision.  

The decision of the appeal panel is binding – if the appeal is upheld, the admission authority must offer your child a place at the school.  

Admission authorities and appeal panels must comply with the statutory School Admission Appeals Code, which is available  here . Guidance for parents on the admission appeals process can also be found  here .  

How are primary school places decided?  

All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places. This criteria is set by the school or local council.  

While all state-funded schools must give top priority to admitting children who are in care or have been in care, admission criteria is  different for each school. They may choose to give priority to children:  

• who live close to the school  
• who have a brother or sister at the school already  
• from a particular religion (for faith schools)  
• who are eligible for the pupil premium   
• whose parent has worked at the school for two years or more  

Your  local council  can give you information about a school’s criteria.  

Why has my child not been offered a place at one of their preferred schools?  

Some schools will receive more applications than places it has available and unfortunately not every parent will be successful. Priority must be given to those who most closely meet the school’s specific admission arrangements.  

If the local authority is unable to offer a place at one of the parents’ preferred schools, it must offer a place at another school.  

In the unlikely event that a parent does not receive an offer of a place on 17 April, parents should contact their local authority for further advice.  

Can I join a waiting list for my top-choice primary school?  

You can add your child’s name to the waiting list for any school that you’ve applied for. You should still accept the offer you received and this won’t affect where you stand in the waiting list.  

Schools must keep a waiting list for at least one term. The waiting list will be ordered by the school’s oversubscription criteria.   

In some areas, your child will be automatically added to the waiting lists of the schools you ranked more highly. In others, you must ask to be put on the waiting list. Check the school admissions section of your local authority website to find out how it works in your area.  

You may also be interested in:

• Can I appeal a primary school offer
• How we are growing our 30 hours free childcare offer
• Everything you need to know about childcare support

Tags: free school places , National Offer Day , national offer day 2023 , primary school , primary school offer day , primary schools , school admissions , schools , when is primary school offer day

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