2nd March 2022
From small quaint villages to larger bustling towns, there’s something for everyone in Berkshire. Brimming with history, beautiful scenic walks, and fun days out you’ll never struggle to fill your time! To give you a helping hand, we’ve pulled together some of our favourite places for you to add to your list of things to do.
Windsor Great Park has history in its roots, dating back to pre-Saxon times and the grounds have played host to many generations of the Monarchy. For William the Conqueror it was a hunting ground, while the Duke of Edinburgh held stewardship as a park ranger for almost 70 years.
One of the most popular areas of Windsor Great Park is the iconic Long Walk. The stunning three-mile-long walk takes you from the George IV Gateway at the historic Windsor Castle all the way to the copper horse statue. Make sure to keep an eye out for deer on your walk, there are over 500 roaming around the park.
The stunning National Nature Reserve is a wildlife lover’s dream Boasting a great expanse of woodland which is host to a truly unique mix of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
Take your bike, your dog or even your horse! The bridleways at Burnham Beeches allow for every kind of explorer. There are also 1.5 miles of surfaced easy access paths for those visiting with pushchairs, mobility scooters, or wheelchairs.
Wellington Country Park is 350 acres of stunning parkland and ancient woodlands which include nature trails, various park activities, as well as a beautiful central lake! There is a whole host of things to do with the family; the animal farm is open daily with petting sessions for little ones, as well as fun pit stops such as jumping pillows, a miniature railway, splash zones, indoor soft play, and even miniature golf.
If you are looking for a lovely woodland walk, there are plenty of different trails to choose from and maps dotted around the grounds to help keep you on your way.
Also situated within the great expanse of Windsor Great Park you’ll find Virginia Water – a stunning lake surrounded by woodlands steeped in centuries of history. There are tons of activities you can partake in: from running or walking through the woodland shores of the lakes, to paddling in the stunning running falls. You can even stop for a picnic in the designated areas and enjoy the picturesque views.
This charming 3-mile walk takes you through the unspoiled village of Cookham Dean. You’ll have plenty to spot on your walk passing through, including the boyhood home of Kenneth Grahame, author of ‘The Wind in the Willows’, and Quarry and Fultness Wood (the inspiration for Grahame’s ‘Wild Wood’).
You’ll also come across several points of interest in the village, including the War Memorial, St John the Baptist Church, and the restored red phone box on your route. If you’re looking for a wander through history, woodland, farmland, and quaint little villages, this walk is the one for you.
Legoland is the ultimate kids’ day out. With over 80 million Lego bricks and 150 acres to explore, you can be sure to have a day out to remember. Open from March through to November, you can spend your day enjoying the rollercoasters, water rides, live-action shows, mini-land models, and Lego building areas. There’s something for all ages at the park, with the Duplo play areas and several rides suitable for the little ones.
There’s always something on at Legoland so make sure to have a look at their website for upcoming events before you visit so you don’t miss out. (Ticket offers can usually be found in a selection of newspapers and cereal boxes during the summer as well.)
Go Ape is for the thrill-seekers! Located in the 500 acres of woodland in Black Park, this family-friendly location has tons to do. There are three treetop courses to choose from for all ages, as well as the newly developed net adventure, where you can bounce 30ft atop the forest canopy. For those who would rather have feet firmly on the ground, there are segway experiences and forest biking too.
As one of the largest water worlds in England, Coral Reef is a must for a family day out. There is a whole host of things to do including the waterslides, an erupting volcano, a pirate ship and other fun features in the pool area. It’s not just for the kids either, as you also have use of the adults-only Coral Spa area for a moment for relaxation.
Run by the Trust for Sustainable Living, the Living Rainforest Centre is an immersive experience with all the sounds, smells, and sights of a dense tropical rainforest environment. This is a day out for animal lovers and future environmentalists!
You can discover over 850 species of plants and animals, which also include rare and endangered species! There are regular events that take place too, so make sure to check their website here before your visit so you don’t miss out!
As the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle is built on 1000 years of history. Founded by William the Conqueror, it has been home to 39 monarchs. Today, you can find plenty of art, architecture, and history to get lost in.
Tours around the castle will take you through the grand ceremonial rooms, which all host exceptional artworks including the ‘pantomime pictures’, and the bronze model of Windsor Castle in 1377. You can also see the stunning gothic architecture of St George’s Chapel and on Thursdays and Saturdays, the incredible spectacle that is the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place.
Basildon Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, with 400 acres of park and woodland ready to be explored, you’ll have plenty to see! You can start your walk through the grounds making your way to the estate’s stunning Georgian mansion, where you can learn more about who lived in such expansive quarters, along with their stories. After taking in the gorgeous interior, you find the Basildon Park shop and tea-room to stop and catch your breath.
As one of Berkshire’s oldest and most historic sights, Donnington Castle is a must-see for any history buff. Along with its builder Sir Richard Abberbury, and previous owner Thomas Chaucer (son of the great poet, Geoffrey Chaucer), both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are thought to have stayed here.
There have also been multiple ghostly sightings, with some claiming to have seen a soldier wandering the castle and others having seen the famous ‘Green Lady’.
Another must-see English Heritage site is the Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre. Originally named Cavella, the site is unlike most Roman towns, in that it was never rebuilt after it was abandoned in the 6th or 7th century, so there is an unusually complete picture of its original development.
The complete walk of the walls and remains of the amphitheatre is an incredible look at history and worth a visit on a sunny afternoon.
CloseCloseCloseClose
Share