Berkshire - What you need to know before you go - Go Guides

Berkshire in South East England is where scenic road trips lead you through a lush English countryside of flowing green hills with a long sheep farming history. Right on London’s doorstep, the county offers a cool escape from the hectic scenes of the city. The grand Windsor Castle, one of the world’s largest royal residences, is located here, with its Changing of the Guard being an unmissable sight.

The county isn’t only associated with British royalty, though. Some of its villages on the River Thames have inspired great literary works – think Wind in the Willows and Three Men in a Boat. Other highlights include the beautiful Savill Garden in Windsor, the famous racecourse in Newbury, and boat cruises along the River Thames from Slough or Caversham.

Top destinations in Berkshire

Where will you go next?

Windsor
Windsor lies on the bank of the River Thames, some 23 miles west of central London, and the town’s royal connections date back to the time of William the Conqueror. Today, visitors can tour the lavish precincts of Windsor Castle,...
Reading
Reading is an affluent university town on the banks of the Thames, just a 25-minute train ride from London. It's a great place to enjoy riverside walks and boat trips, visiting traditional pubs and restaurants along the way. There are...

What to see & do in Berkshire

Featured stories & fun stuff

10 Best Things to Do in Windsor
Many of the best things to do in Windsor share a connection to the British Royal Family. This unique town in Berkshire is the preferred weekend home of Queen Elizabeth and is renowned for giving a royal experience. When you...
10 Best Things to Do in Reading
There are plenty of things to do in Reading, a vibrant town with a history dating back to Roman settlements...
10 Best Things to Do in Berkshire
If you haven’t discovered these amazing things to do in Berkshire, you are missing out. History and culture await you...
10 Most Picturesque Villages in Berkshire
Berkshire is filled with beautiful villages that make for an enjoyable vacation, whether you're looking for something with high-end offerings...
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Windsor
There’s a slew of fun things to do after dinner in Windsor, from evening strolls to theater shows and pints...
10 Best Walking Trails in Reading
Reading might be one of the largest towns in the UK, but its surrounding countryside remains an incredible draw. Featuring...
10 Best Parks in Newbury
Parks in Newbury are out of this world. Steeped in history, Newbury is a charming English town with centuries of...
10 Best Things to Do in Newbury
A small market town in rural Berkshire, Newbury is everything you dream of when you think of charming English towns....

Where & what to eat in Berkshire

10 Best Restaurants in Windsor
The best restaurants in Windsor span homey British pubs to exotic Moroccan digs and sleek Greek eateries. Most gravitate around the Royal Borough, a stately neighbourhood surrounding the majestic Windsor Castle. Venturing away from the King’s residence, you’ll find several...
10 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Reading
Reading's dining scene has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, with a host of forward-thinking venues adding to...
10 Best Pubs in Newbury
The best pubs in Newbury and its immediate surroundings offer everything you could ask for from a classic British pub....

Where to shop & what to buy in Berkshire

10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Windsor
The best places to go shopping in Windsor range from boutique-strewn streets to monthly produce markets. Although the regal English city is more famous for royalty than retail, you’ll get ample chance to splash out on something special here. What’s more,...
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Newbury
Found in the county of Berkshire, England, Newbury is a historic and vibrant town, surrounded by beautiful countryside. There is plenty to see and do here – visit the impressive Donnington Castle or have a day out at Newbury racecourse....

Where to go & what to do at night in Berkshire

10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Windsor
There’s a slew of fun things to do after dinner in Windsor, from evening strolls to theater shows and pints at a local pub. While most visitors explore on a day trip from London, Windsor boasts ample post-sunset entertainment for...
10 Best Local Pubs in Berkshire
Many of the best local pubs in Berkshire have historic roots, ranging from game cottages and hunting lodges to those...
10 Best Pubs in Newbury
The best pubs in Newbury and its immediate surroundings offer everything you could ask for from a classic British pub....

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