The Best Places to Visit in Berkshire

Our luxury cottages are in or near to some of the best places to visit in Berkshire, such as Windsor, Ascot Racecourse and the bustling city of Reading.

As one of Britain’s oldest counties, this regal region in Southeast England is steeped in history. Explore the State Rooms in Windsor Castle, take a tour of the prestigious Eton College and learn about the region’s past at museums in Reading.

With hundreds of walking and cycling trails, shopping centres and a wide range of places to eat and drink in Berkshire too, there’s something for everybody to enjoy.

Whether you’re coming to experience the pageantry of Royal Ascot or venture into the past at one of the region’s historic manors, our luxury cottages provide a tranquil space to relax and make memories with your loved ones.

Browse our handpicked selection of luxury cottages in Berkshire.

Windsor

This regal town is a day out in itself. Take the famous Long Walk at Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and discover 900 years of history inside its state rooms. Outside, you can watch the Changing the Guard ceremony. A 20-minute walk away from this regal retreat is the prestigious Eton College. Among its alumni are Princes William and Harry, Boris Johnson and George Orwell. In addition to educating some of the country’s top figureheads, this institution is credited with inventing the beloved Eton Mess dessert in the 19th century, so grabbing a bowl at a local pub back in town is a must. Other top places to visit in Windsor include the tranquil Savill Garden inside Windsor Great Park, Theatre Royal and the world renowned Ascot and Royal Windsor racecourses.

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The Berkshire Downs

Forming part of the North Wessex Downs AONB, the Berkshire Downs play host to an array of outdoor adventures. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on a scenic walk across the Ridgeway, believed to be Britain’s oldest road, or follow the five-mile Thames Path from Pangbourne to Goring-on-Thames where a hearty pub lunch awaits. Alternatively, hop on a bike and pedal along one of the county’s many scenic cycle trails.

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Reading

As an industrial revolution powerhouse, Reading became known for its beer, biscuits and bulbs. Fast forward two centuries and it’s now a bustling metropolis of museums, shops, parks and dining establishments. Learn about the area’s history inside Reading Museum, where a rare Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry is housed, and the Museum of English Rural Life. A short walk from there are the ruins of Reading Abbey, which date back to the 12th century. If it’s a girl’s weekend, shop until you drop at one of the town’s three shopping centres and round it off with a cocktail or two. Whatever you get up to, you won’t be short of places to refuel and unwind with an eclectic mix of chain restaurants and independent eateries in the town centre.

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Basildon Park

This sprawling estate boasts 400 acres of tranquil gardens with a Grade I listed Bath-stone mansion at its heart. The manor faced demolition following the Second World War had it not been for the current owners who purchased and restored it to its former glory. Bridgerton fans may recognise the Garden Room from season three, where scenes from a party at the Featherington’s house were filmed. Outside, enjoy a stroll through the grounds along one of the walking trails before setting down a picnic rug and soaking in the views.

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Streatley-on-Thames

This charming village gives British holiday vibes with its thatched roofed cottages and canal boats drifting on the Thames. It sits at the intersection of several walking and cycle routes including the Ridgeway, Thames Path and Icknield Way. Streatley Hill is a popular cycling route and viewpoint over the village and Goring Gap (the name given to this part of the Thames which slices through the Chiltern Hills and Berkshire Downs). Alternatively, kick back and relax on board a boat as you cruise the canals. Cross the bridge and potter between independent shops and tearooms in Goring. And if you’re getting a sense of deja-vu, you’ve probably seen some of these streets in Midsummer Murders.

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Newbury

Another one for period drama fans; Newbury is home to the famous Highclere Castle where ITV’s beloved Downton Abbey was filmed. Built in the 17th century, it’s a fine example of Victorian landscape designer, Capability Brown’s, handiwork. His pioneering approach to making architecture blend in with its natural surroundings earned him the reputation as “England’s greatest gardener.” You will spot several of his projects in the county. Just north of Newbury is Donnington Castle. Now in ruins, this twin-towered Medieval fortress was considered luxurious in its day. Home to the man who built Donnington town below, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I are among its former guests. If history isn’t your thing, why not pay a visit to Newbury Racecourse, enjoy a walk through Bowdown Woods, or simply amble through town and see what catches your eye.

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Bracknell

Teeming with wildlife, Bracknell Forest holds Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as well as a whole host of out of bounds type activities: paintballing, swinging through the trees at GoApe, and cycling its woodland trails, to name a few. In South Hill Park, its 18th century mansion and estate is a hub for many events and activities throughout the year. The Look Out Discovery Centre has more than 90 science activities to get involved with. There’s also the chance to interact with feathered friends at the Feather and Fur Falconry Centre.

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