A few places in England are granted the title ‘Royal’, owing to their connection to the monarchy, and it’s the epic working residence of Windsor Castle that led to the creation of the county of ‘Royal’ Berkshire.
With Ascot Racecourse, and its proximity to the Thames, the county has long been a favoured destination for both visitors, residents and the royal family, seeking a quieter pace within easy reach of the capital.
Whether visiting Windsor, exploring the riverside trails near Pangbourne or enjoying lunch in one of Bray’s award-winning restaurants, Berkshire has plenty to offer.
Windsor: A Historic Centrepiece
Windsor remains one of the UK’s most recognisable historic towns. Its castle, originally founded by William the Conqueror, is still used by the Royal Family and is open to the public throughout much of the year. The State Apartments, St George’s Chapel and gardens make for one of England’s most popular destination.
The town itself is compact and walkable, with independent shops and familiar high street names interspersed along its cobbled streets. A short walk across the bridge leads to Eton, home of the famous college. Its distinctive architecture and smart shopfronts make for a pleasant afternoon’s wander, with guided tours of the college available on selected dates.
Berkshire’s Villages
Beyond the larger towns, Berkshire’s villages offer a slower pace of life. Cookham, once home to artist Stanley Spencer, retains much of its original charm, with its timber-framed cottages and riverside walks. Pangbourne, bordered by water meadows and wooded hills, offers similar appeal for walkers and day-trippers.
Bray, however, has earned a reputation far beyond its size. This small riverside village is home to two internationally famous restaurants with three Michelin stars apiece: Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, and the Waterside Inn, opened by Michel Roux in the 1970s. Dining here requires advance booking and a generous budget, but for many, the experience justifies both.
More relaxed dining is available at the Hind’s Head, also in Bray, where traditional British dishes are served in a smart, pub-style setting. Elsewhere in the county, country inns and bistros cater to a mix of locals and weekend visitors, wh seasonal menus making the most of local produce.
Country Houses and Gardens
Berkshire’s countryside is ideal for short breaks or day trips, with a number of National Trust properties, and green open spaces. Windsor Great Park is one of the most notable, with over 4800 acres to explore. The Long Walk, which runs from the castle gates to the Copper Horse statue on Snow Hill, is particularly popular with walkers and joggers.
Cliveden House, a country estate on the banks of the Thames near Taplow, offers a mix of formal gardens and wooded walks. The main house now operates as a hotel, but the surrounding gardens are open to the public and are managed by the National Trust. The views from the terrace, in particular, are some of the finest in the region.
And Basildon Park near Pangbourne, centrepiece of a huge 400-acre estate, is an 18th Century mansion, fully restored in the 1950s and now open to the public.
Outdoor Activities and River Life
Running through the heart of the county is the River Thames. The stretch from Henley to Windsor is especially scenic, and boat hire is available at various points along the route. Options range from self-drive cruisers to guided river trips, with picnics and afternoon teas often available on board.
Those preferring dry land will find well-marked walking routes along the riverbanks and into the surrounding hills. The Thames Path, a national trail, passes through the county and connects with a wider network of footpaths and bridleways.
For racing fans, Ascot remains one of the UK’s best-known racecourses. Its flagship event, Royal Ascot, takes place in June and draws large crowds, though racing continues at various points throughout the year. For those visiting outside race days, the town offers shops, cafes and green spaces in a tidy, accessible layout.
A Well-Connected Escape
Royal Berkshire is well worthy of a journey, but part of its added appeal lies in its accessibility. Trains from London Paddington and Waterloo reach towns such as Reading, Windsor and Ascot in under an hour, and the county is well connected by major motorways. This makes it a convenient option for weekend breaks or short stays without the need for complex planning.