By Cheryl Chapman
There are many reasons to visit Berkshire, but here are the top 10.
It’s really Royal
Take a wander around Windsor Castle, the late Queen’s second home. Enjoy a tour of the State Apartments, see Queens Mary’s Dolls House, or simply enjoy the castle from the outside and watch the Changing of the Guard.
Take a stroll around Windsor Castle
Wonderful walking
Walking and cycling opportunities in Berkshire are exceptional. With the North Wessex Downs, Windsor’s Long Walk, Dinton Pastures, the Thames Trail and a whole host of beautiful towns and villages (and of course lots of quality pubs in which to refresh) Berkshire is an amazing place for a stroll.
Meet the next PM?
See where 19 British prime ministers, countless princes, kings and maharajas were educated: Eton College. It can only be visited on guided tours, on summer Fridays, which take in the chapel and the Museum of Eton Life.
Food fit for a king
Fine dining fanatics will be in foodie heaven. An incredible eight Berkshire restaurants were awarded Michelin stars in the latest Good Food Guide (2018) with the three-star cream of the crop being The Fat Duck and Waterside Inn, both in Bray.
Enjoy an exquisite Michelin-star meal at the Fat Duck
Fancy a flutter?
Place your bets on the horses at Ascot Racecourse, one of the world’s most famous courses where you can enjoy flat racing and jump racing. Alternatively visit Royal Windsor Racecourse, famous for its evening meetings in the summer, or Newbury Racecourse.
Sublime shopping
Whether you enjoy a mall (The Oracle, Reading; The Lexicon, Bracknell) an historic town (Windsor, Hungerford) or a charming village gift shop there’s plenty of choices to help you part with your money!
Everything IS awesome!
With more than 55 rides and attractions, Legoland Windsor Resort is justifiably one of the biggest attractions in the UK. Ideal for smaller children – but parents will love it too!
Miniland, Lego Windsor Resort
Historic houses
Throw a penny and you’re sure to hit an historic house here! From beautiful Basildon Park to grand Highclere Castle (TV’s Downton Abbey), there’s so many interesting houses and gardens to stroll around.
Thames treasure
Messing about on, in or near it, the River Thames offers year-round pleasure to walkers, rowers, sailors, fishermen and nature lovers. Walkers can follow the Thames Path as far as their legs can carry them. Henley Regatta in July is a calendar highlight.
Eton Bridge
Amazing arts
Visit the Sir Stanley Spencer Gallery, in the pretty village of Cookham, or why not take in a show at Windsor’s famous Royal Theatre, Newbury’s Corn Exchange, or the excellent Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead? In the warmer months many parks and open spaces open themselves up for outdoor performances or cinema screenings too.
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