ROYAL BERKSHIRE

Royal Berkshire - The County was given the title of ‘Royal County’ by the Queen in 1958 in recognition of Berkshire’s royal links. Windsor Castle is probably the most popular attraction for visitors while locals appear to prefer the River Thames, Chilterns and Downs.

The Royal County of Berkshire has much to offer tourists, it makes an excellent base to explore London and the South East of England being under 40 miles from the centre of London, about 25 miles from Oxford, around 60 miles to Bath and much the same to Stratford-upon-Avon however you may well find that there is more than enough to entertain you within the county during your visit.

Popular Berkshire destinations

Windsor - Home to Windsor Castle, Windsor Racecourse, Windsor Great Park and The Savill Garden, and across the Thames Eton College. As well as the draw of the Royal Castle and associated parkland there is the nearby LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort, Theme Park rides and attractions and of course lots of LEGO®.

Newbury - This historic market town has the Newbury Racecourse, River Kennet, Kennet and Avon Canal, Shaw House, Donnington Castle, Greenham Common, Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre to visit and nearby Highclere Castle to visit.

Pangbourne - a popular area, located by the River Thames, full of character and the water meadows make an excellent picnic spot. Pangbourne is said to have been the inspiration of many authors and novelists including Kenneth Grahame and Jerome K. Jerome. Close by is the National Trust run Basildon Park a popular attraction partly due to its use in the filming of Pride and Prejudice. Reading - Sitting on the junction of the River Thames the River Kennet, water activities are popular, especially at the Caversham Lakes Water Park. The county town, a modern town with history, an old market town with the ruined Reading Abbey (founded in 1121) and an array of Georgian and Victorian buildings. As a university town it has a vibrant social scene. For nature lovers there is the Dinton Pastures Country Park with over 300 acres, with hides for bird watching, fishing lakes, orienteering course and walking trails, and for those needing some fresh air there are to the West the Wessex Downs and to the North the Chilterns Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty for walks, cycling or just to sit and enjoy the countryside. www.visitingberkshire.uk