Top 10 Free Things to do in Berkshire, England

October 5, 2021 Hector Krause

Discover the best top things to do in Berkshire, United Kingdom including Windsor Great Park, The Museum of English Rural Life, Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre, Kennet & Avon Canal, Shaw House, Boulter's Lock and Ray Mill Island, Nature Discovery Centre, Black Park, South Hill Park Arts Centre & Wilde Theatre, Caversham Court Gardens.
Restaurants in Berkshire

1. Windsor Great Park

Windsor Great Park The Crown Estate Office, Windsor SL4 2HT England +44 1753 860222 [email protected] http://www.windsorgreatpark.co.uk
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,579 reviews

Windsor Great Park

Welcome to 4800 acres of sweeping parkland, award-winning gardens, ancient woodland and forest trails that are just waiting to be explored.There is something for everyone within Windsor Great Park, at any time of year. Encompassing The Savill Garden, Virginia Water, The Valley Gardens and the Long Walk and Deer Park - the Great Park offers a rich tapestry of experiences to discover, with a Royal history spanning over 1,000 years. You will encounter historical monuments, ancient forests and stunning horticultural displays, as well as rare wildlife, plants and fungi - so whatever your interest, there will be something to excite and amaze you.

Reviewed By japplet0n - Warrington, United Kingdom

The Long Walk is exactly what it says it is and from the Castle gates to the Horse Monument and back again is a total of 5.2 Miles, every each of it is well worth the effort and walk - wear comfy shoes, definitely dont miss doing this.

2. The Museum of English Rural Life

6 Redlands Road University of Reading, Reading RG1 5EX England +44 118 378 8660 [email protected] http://merl.reading.ac.uk/
Excellent
60%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 167 reviews

The Museum of English Rural Life

The Museum of English Rural Life is one of the best things to do in Reading. Whether on your own or with friends and family, discover our new immersive galleries, research our collections, refresh in our café and relax in our garden. Admission is free. The museum houses the most comprehensive national collection of objects, books and archives relating to the history of food, farming and the countryside. The museum galleries and garden were recently redeveloped thanks to Heritage Lottery funding.

Reviewed By ian19542016 - Reading, United Kingdom

A museum that is interesting, informative and educational, suitable for all age groups and best of all admission is free. The story of English rural life is told through a wide range of exhibits from horse drawn wagons large and small, early steam and petrol vehicles agricultural impliments, and items used by country folk in everyday life. For younger visitors there are a number of excellent interactive exhibits. Those of a certain age will recall childhood countryside days out and holidays. The only downside is that parking is very limited so best travel by public transport.

3. Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre

Wall Lane, Reading RG7 2HP England 1234 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/silchester-roman-city-walls-and-amphitheatre/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=silchester%20roman%20city
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 316 reviews

Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre

Reviewed By rogergardiner - Basingstoke, United Kingdom

Not for wet weather but on a sunny day the circuit of the wall is well worth doing. Handy parking. Take in the 12th Century Church and the amphitheatre. Lovely countryside views. Drinks and food at the Calleva in Silchester.

4. Kennet & Avon Canal

Reading England +44 1488 658886 [email protected] http://www.katrust.org/
Excellent
47%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 305 reviews

Kennet & Avon Canal

Reviewed By RosyU - Colombo, Sri Lanka

I have had peaceful walks along the canal. It is really nice to have such a view in the town area. very quiet and peaceful.

5. Shaw House

Shaw House Church Road, Newbury RG14 2DR England +44 1635 279279 [email protected] http://www.shawhouse.org.uk/
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 114 reviews

Shaw House

Built in 1581 by Newbury clothier Thomas Dolman this fine Elizabethan building was recently restored through a £6million project. The stories and characters from Shaw House’s varied past are bought to life in the new exhibition. An ideal day out for families; Wheelie Do activities are located throughout the house, with activities from designing the gardens to playing our Civil War board game. Exciting and varied events program. Open most weekends.

Reviewed By Dakles - Southampton, United Kingdom

We only discovered this place because our daughter was getting married and the registry office is located here. The building is a superb Elizabethan mansion situated in lovely grounds on the outskirts of Newbury. Sadly, the interior is now closed due to Covid but the cafe and toilets are still available. Under normal circumstances there are public opening times for a series of exhibition rooms where you can learn the story of the house and view art exhibitions and the like. Picnics are allowed in the grounds and there is a large car park.

6. Boulter's Lock and Ray Mill Island

Boulters Lock Island, Maidenhead SL6 8PE England http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/parks_ray_mill_island.htm
Excellent
50%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 349 reviews

Boulter's Lock and Ray Mill Island

Reviewed By 1975sarahb - Bracknell, United Kingdom

Took a trip over with my family, was a lovely place to visit we stood for a while watching the boats in the lock my children were fascinated of how it all works. If you walk down a little further and go over the bridge you will walk into Ray mill Island. Lovely walking area where your see lots of wildlife, and a animal corner of guinea pigs, birds. If you walk down a little further there is a weir. There is a cafe where they serve hot and cold drinks and ice cream etc, there is a small play area for the children, a lovely couple of hours spent.

7. Nature Discovery Centre

Muddy Lane Lower Way, Thatcham RG19 3FU England +44 1635 874381 [email protected] http://www.naturediscovery.org.uk
Excellent
54%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 227 reviews

Nature Discovery Centre

The Nature Discovery Centre is a visitor centre on a nature reserve on the outskirts of Thatcham, Berkshire. This fantastic visitor centre is packed full of interactive wildlife and natural history displays. There is a network of footpaths ranging from small family-friendly walks to longer paths for the more adventurous, and the bird hide offers a perfect opportunity to watch the world go by. We also have a Lakeside Cafe where you can enjoy hot and cold homemade food and drinks looking out over the lake.

Reviewed By Nettie_xo - Berkshire, United Kingdom

I’ve been coming here for a while now, even more so since my son has reached an age where he enjoys walks more than ever. It’s a great place to visit, easy parking available with charity donation parking machines. There is 2 parks, one for younger children and one for older children both of which are great! There is toilets at the entrance of the centre. From the moment you arrive you’re greeted by beautiful scenery and stunning views. There are all sorts of beautiful trees, at this time of year it’s full of daffodils and flowering cherry blossom trees. There are swans and different types of ducks, it’s really beautiful. Perfect picnic areas, perfect for families, couples and dog lovers!

8. Black Park

Black Park Road, Slough SL3 6DS England +44 1753 511060 [email protected] http://countryparks.buckscc.gov.uk/
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 517 reviews

Black Park

Reviewed By sarahlouallen - London, United Kingdom

Absolutely Brilliant day at Black Park with partner, friends and 11 children. It's always very busy at the weekends and the Half-Term holidays, but I think that adds to the excitement for the children. Usually we take a picnic to keep costs down but we chose to eat first at the cafe after walking round the lake and feeding the ducks. EVERYBODYS food was amazing. I had a Prawn Jacket potato, That was delicious, but most adults had burgers and said they was amazing! The kids equally loved the kids meals, and the food came out very quickly. As soon as we had eaten, The cafe became VERY busy so is a good option 2 eat first before play. Then onto the adventure park for a few hours which is well equipped with apparatus for children of all ages, then a LOVELY stroll back round the beautiful lake, back to the Car Park. I absolutely LOVE Black Park. The only thing I will say is that the Parking is quite expensive, especially during 'Peak' season, but this trip was just outside of peak so was only £4.50 for 4 hours, but goes alot higher during Peak. Will 100% go back again. It's a thoroughly enjoyable day for adults and Children alike.

9. South Hill Park Arts Centre & Wilde Theatre

South Hill Park Arts Centre, Ringmead, Bracknell RG12 7PA England +44 1344 484123 [email protected] http://www.southhillpark.org.uk
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 255 reviews

South Hill Park Arts Centre & Wilde Theatre

South Hill Park is truly the Creative Heart of Berkshire. Housing two theatres, a dance studio, creative spaces and a cinema within the grounds of an 18th century mansion house in Bracknell. The venue offers visitors over 300 shows, events and films each year, alongside a busy programme of over 250 courses and workshops. Visitors can expect a fairly eclectic mix of entertainment; from big-named comedians on their warm up tours to nationally renowned ballet companies, quality in-house drama and an annual pantomime. For those wishing to truly immerse themselves, there are a range of courses and workshops in arts and crafts, drama, dance and digital media.

Reviewed By U5M4N - Bracknell, United Kingdom

We went there in July for family photo shoot, really good clean and family friendly Area, I’ll say worth a visit on a good sunny day, Bar is slightly expensive ☺️

10. Caversham Court Gardens

Caversham Court Church Road, Reading RG4 7AD England +44 118 947 8930 http://home.fccg.org.uk
Excellent
57%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 128 reviews

Caversham Court Gardens

Reviewed By A3303XQpaulh - Huddersfield, United Kingdom

Victorian park that has been looked after well. Clàssic clues of its Victorian look huge gates , stone pillars and iron gates. Green metal benches, bandstand, cafe and toilets . Staff friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable and hard working. Play areas , statues and lots of walks.

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