Places of Interest

Here you can find some exciting things to do in the Berkshire area.

Eton College

As one of the oldest schools in the country, Eton College has been educating boys at their historical site in Eton, near Windsor, for over 650 years.

Founded by King Henry VI, the school has gone on to educate 18 British Prime Ministers and also members of the Royal Family.

The beautiful and historic buildings and surroundings of Eton have often been used for film locations. Movies including 'Chariots of Fire (1981), Mrs Brown (1997), Shakespeare in Love (1998) and more recently the James Bond film Casino Royale (2006).

Legoland, Windsor

Set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland, Legoland is a theme park with a difference. Children aged 3-12 will be thoroughly entertained with activities allowing them to take to the road, the sea and the skies! With over 50 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions, there is something for the whole family.

The Oracle, Reading

In the heart of Reading, The Oracle centre combines the retail nirvana of well known high street brands with chic and trendy restaurants, cafes and bars on its Riverside.

The Riverside is also home to Vue cinema, with its 10 'state-of-the-art' screens and a seating capacity of 1,800.

Magna Carta Tea Room, Runnymede

The Tea Room in Runnymede is set amidst an attractive area of riverside meadows, grassland and woodland, rich in flora and fauna. It was on this riverside site, in June 1215, that King John sealed the Magna Carta.

Under the care of the National Trust, Runnymede also offers a network of pleasant footpaths and guided walks. As well as the John F. Kennedy Memorial and various memorial trees, Runnymede also has an art gallery which runs exhibitions and art courses throughout the year.

Windsor Castle

As the largest inhabited castle in the world, Windsor Castle is the oldest royal residence to remain in continuous use by the monarchs of Britain.

Originally built by William the Conqueror, after the Norman Conquest of 1066, the Castle now covers an area of 26 acres including the palace itself, St George's Chapel and the homes and workplaces of a number of people involved in this magnificent working royal palace.

Windsor Castle also houses some of the greatest paintings and works of art from the Royal Collection and remains an important venue for ceremonial visits from heads of state of other countries.

Windsor Farm Shop

Located in the beautiful country surroundings of Old Windsor, Windsor Farm Shop was converted from some old Victorian potting sheds into a Farm Shop and a Coffee Shop.

The Farm Shop sells a range of produce from the Royal Farms and local specialist suppliers. The Coffee Shop is ideal for a spot of refreshment after visiting the shop. It overlooks the Home Park and serves a range of hot and cold food and drinks, including homemade sandwiches, cakes and pastries.

Thames Cruises

There is nothing more idyllic than a boat trip down the River Thames. Salters Steamers is a family firm who have been running River Thames boat services for over 150 years (est. 1858). There are a variety of cruises on offer, all winding through some of the most scenic areas of the region, including Windsor, Maidenhead, Runnymede and Staines.

Windsor Open-top Bus Tour

The best way to see Windsor is by open-top bus. City Sightseeing buses depart frequently from outside Windsor Castle and the tour takes you right past some of the best attractions including the Guildhall, The Long Walk and Eton College.

Open-top bus tours generally operate daily from Easter until November and your tour ticket enables you to jump on and off at any of the 11 stops along the way.

Runnymede Pleasure Grounds

This parkland is adjacent to the Thames and giving access to beautiful walks along the river. Boat trips also operate on certain days. The grounds are opposite Runnymede Meadow and the Magna Carta, John F Kennedy and Commonwealth Air Forces memorials. Refreshments are available, as well as a children's playground.

Thorpe Park

Situated in Chertsey, Surrey, Thorpe Park is one of the UK's most thrilling theme park with over 30 rides to get your adrenaline pumping.

Virginia Water

This huge 18th-Century artificial lake is surrounded by park, woodland and gardens, part of which has been designated a Site of Special Interest. There's a heather garden, a totem pole and a waterfall, plus some ruins that came from the Roman city of Leptis Magna (near Tripoli). The Valley Gardens are 250 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland - some of the most spectacular gardens views in the British Isles.

Windsor Great Park

For many years a royal hunting ground, it is now largely open to the public and is a popular recreation area. It includes a Deer Park, so look out for deer which can often be found roaming around in herds. The Long Walk stretches from Windsor Castle to the Copper Horse, a statue of King George III on horseback.