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.
Bray
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.
Bucklebury
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
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.
Pangbourne
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.
Streatley
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
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.
Hurley
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.
Sonning
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.
Lambourn
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.
Warfield
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.
Cookham
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.
Beenham
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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