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	The Rose of Hungerford Boat Trip

You are here: Home > See and Do > Things to do in the Royal County of Berkshire

Things to do in the Royal County of Berkshire

This county of countryside, canals and castles gets royal approval for being home to Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s weekend residences.

It’s likely near the top of your list of things to do in Berkshire. After all, there’s more than 900 years of royal history to explore - from the turbulent first years of William the Conqueror’s reign to the fairytale wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at St George’s Chapel.

More intrigue lies beyond the castle gates. Join Tours2Order for an insightful tour of the town and Eton College, where 19 British Prime Ministers studied. Or head to West Berkshire Museum in Newbury and learn about the region through stories and artefacts related to its people, industries and popular pastimes. Shaw House, nearby, is an Elizabethan mansion - once the home of a rich local merchant.

For those keen to get back to nature, a narrow boat trip might be just the ticket. The red and green Rose of Hungerford runs trips along the serene Kennet and Avon Canal. Alternatively go on a gentle towpath walk, stopping for breaks at the charming cafes along the way.

Berkshire’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some leisure activities, too. You could dress up for a day at the races at Newbury Racecourse. Or take a trip to Alder Ridge Vineyard for wine tasting in a spectacular setting - the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. Or treat yourself to an afternoon tea at The Tutti Pole in Hungerford - a quaint cafe steeped in the traditions of the town’s spring Hocktide celebrations.

For family fun, don’t miss LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. Great for younger kids who’ll love splashing about on a Pirate Falls Treasure Quest, flying The Dragon through the treetops and making their own LEGO® models. Or for something active - try a mountain bike ride on the trails at Swinley Forest. Go to Swinley Bike Hub for bike hire.

For more things to see and do in the Royal County of Berkshire, take a look below.

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River Thames

The River Thames is the longest and most well-known river in England. It is navigable for 215 miles starting as a small trickle in the Cotswolds; flowing through nine English counties; right through the centre of London; past the Thames Barrier out through the Thames Estuary to the North Sea.

National Trust around Berkshire and Thames

Discover National Trust properties around Berkshire and the River Thames along the Great West Way.

West Berkshire Brewery
West Berkshire Brewery is an independent brewery nestled in the heart of Berkshire with over 23 years of brewing experience. With our new state of the art brewery and packaging line we proudly produce traditional cask ales and innovative craft beers.
1. 1 Jan 202531 Dec 2025
2. 1 Jan 202531 Dec 2025