Exploring England: 10 Things To Do In Berkshire

If you're looking for an amazing and diverse place to visit in England, look no further than Berkshire. This county is home to a wealth of attractions, activities, and events that are sure to keep you entertained for the entirety of your stay.

There's something for everyone in Berkshire from beautiful natural landscapes and historical landmarks to charming villages and bustling towns. Girl About Travel’s UK travel guide explores eight of the best things to do in the area. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!

1. Take a trip to Windsor Castle and learn about British royalty

From all the things to do in North East England, we head to the South East. Windsor Castle is a must-see for anyone visiting Berkshire.

This castle has been the home of British royalty for centuries and is full of fascinating history. Take a guided tour of the castle grounds and explore the lavish State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, and the Queen Mary's Dolls' House.

And if you're feeling brave, try to spot a ghost! The castle is said to be haunted by the spirits of former residents, including King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I!

Tip: Windsor Castle is open daily from March to October and on select days from November to February. Admission starts at £19.50 for adults and £11.30 for children.

2. St. George's Chapel - Visit the final resting place of British royalty

After exploring Windsor Castle, be sure to visit St. George's Chapel. This beautiful Gothic chapel is the final resting place of many British monarchs, including King Henry VIII and his wives Jane Seymour and Katherine Parr.

Built in the 15th century, the chapel is renowned for its intricate stone carvings, stained glass windows, and grand organ. Thankfully, admission to St. George's Chapel is free for residents of Windsor Castle. Non-residents can purchase a ticket starting at £16 for adults and £11 for children.

Tip: If you plan on visiting multiple royal sites in Berkshire, consider purchasing the Windsor Castle + Royalty Pass. This pass provides access to all royal residences, including Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace.

3. The Theatre Royal Windsor - Catch a Show in a Historic Theatre

Did you know that the Theatre Royal Windsor is the world's oldest working theatre and has been entertaining audiences since 1786? This historic theatre has hosted countless famous performers, including Charlie Chaplin, Laurence Olivier, and Judi Dench.

Today, the Theatre Royal Windsor presents a variety of shows, from musicals and comedies to pantomimes and ballets. There's sure to be a show that appeals to everyone in your group!

Expert Tip: Try and get Royal Stalls tickets for the best view of the stage!

4.Stroll around Windsor Great Park - Enjoy the stunning views

Situated just north of Windsor Castle is Windsor Great Park. This huge park spans over 13,000 acres and is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely stroll or have a picnic lunch.

Be sure to stop by Virginia Water Lake, where you can feed the ducks or go for a paddle in a canoe. And don't forget to take in the stunning views of the Long Walk, a three-mile path lined with trees.

Tip: Windsor Great Park is open daily from dawn until dusk. But be sure to check the opening times of specific attractions, like The Savill Garden and Virginia Water Lake.

5. Continue on to Basildon Park - Another great spot for a picnic

After exploring Windsor Great Park, make your way to Basildon Park. Originally built in the 18th century, this stately home is now open to the public.

The house and grounds are beautifully maintained, making it the perfect spot for a picnic lunch. And if you're feeling energetic, there's also a maze to explore! Now that's what I call a perfect adventure.

And be sure to take plenty of pictures! The house and grounds are absolutely beautiful, and you'll definitely want to capture the memories.

Tip: Basildon Park is open daily from March to October and on select days from November to February. Admission starts at £11 for adults and £0 for children under 16.

6. Explore Welford Park - A nature lover's paradise

Welford Park is a nature lover's paradise. This beautiful park is home to an array of wildlife, including deer, red kites, and badgers. And the best part? You can spot all of this wildlife from the comfort of your car!

That's right - Welford Park has a Deer Safari, where you can drive through the park and see the animals up close. You can even feed them!

Tip: The Deer Safari is open daily from April to October. Admission is £12 for adults and £0 for children under 16.

7. Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre - A must-see for history enthusiasts

Once a thriving Roman town during the height of the Roman Empire, Silchester was originally known as Calleva Atrebatum. Today, the city walls and amphitheater are all that remain of this once-great town.

The Silchester Roman City Walls are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in Britain, and the amphitheater is thought to be one of the oldest in the country. You can even walk around the perimeter of the amphitheater!

8. Frogmore House - A royal residence with a dark history

If a dark backstory is right up your alley, then you'll want to pay a visit to Frogmore House. This royal residence was built in the 17th century and has been home to many members of the British Royal Family, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Its dark history is mainly attributed to it being the site of a leper hospital during the 12th century. Frogmore has also seen its fair share of deaths, including that of Prince Albert.

Despite its dark history, Frogmore House is a beautiful place to visit. The grounds are stunning, and the house itself is fascinating. You can even see Queen Victoria's mausoleum!

9. Reading Museum -A must-visit for art and history lovers

Berkshire is home to several museums, but Reading Museum is definitely one of the best. This museum houses an extensive collection of art and artifacts and a Planetarium.

Some of its highlights are the Egyptian Gallery, which houses a number of ancient Egyptian artifacts, and the Art Gallery, which features works by a number of famous British artists.

In fact, there's something for everyone at the Reading Museum. So whether you're an art lover, a history buff, or just looking for a fun and educational day out, this is the place for you.

10. Donnington Castle - A ruined castle with a fascinating story

Since we started with a castle, it only makes sense to end with one. Donnington Castle is a ruined castle that dates back to the 14th century. The castle was once home to several high-profile individuals, including Henry VIII and Oliver Cromwell. Check out History of Donnington Castle for more of its interesting past.

Its long history is full of twists and turns, from its role in the English Civil War to its time as a prison. Today, the castle is open to the public, and you can even explore the ruins and go on a guided tour.

Expert tip: If you're visiting Berkshire during the summer, be sure to check out the Donnington Castle Shakespeare Festival. It's a great way to experience Shakespeare in an authentic setting.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it - a list of the best things to do in Berkshire. I hope you enjoy your time in this beautiful county! And be sure to check out all of the amazing sights and attractions that it has to offer. Thanks for reading!