Royal Berkshire Tourist Information

The county was given the title of 'Royal County' by Queen Elizabeth II 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 Thames, Chilterns and Downs, whereas Ascot Racecourse is a favourite with the racing fraternity and claims to have been founded in 1711 by Queen Anne.

Tourist towns

Newbury - historic market town with the Newbury Racecourse, River Kennet, Kennet and Avon Canal, Shaw House, Highclere Castle (Hampshire), Donnington Castle, Greenham Common and Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre to visit.

Pangbourne – a popular area, full of character, with Basildon Park near by

Windsor - Home to the Royal Castle, Royal Windsor Racecourse Windsor Great Park and The Savill Garden, and across the Thames Eton College

Official Tourist Websites

www.visitsoutheastengland.com/destinations/berkshire

Newbury Tourist website
www.visitnewbury.org.uk

Reading Tourist websites
www.visit-reading.com

Visit Windsor
www.windsor.gov.uk

Other Tourist information websites

Visiting Berkshire UK - an independent tourist information site
visitingberkshire.uk

Tourism Videos

Goring & Streatley click here from www.visitgoringandstreatley.co.uk

Windsor as a Destination click here from www.royal-windsor.com

AONB’s

Chilterns AONB www.chilternsaonb.org

North Wessex Downs AONB www.northwessexdowns.org.uk

Wildlife Trust & Nature

The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust www.bbowt.org.uk

For Attractions and Historic or architectural important Properties (Castles, Abbeys, Churches, Houses, Estates and Gardens) (English Heritage / National Trust / other) - see the other pages in the Berkshire section

Literary connections

Richard Adams - Watership Down

Jerome K Jerome - Three Men in a Boat

Oscar Wilde - The Ballad of Reading Gaol

Kenneth Grahame - Wind in the Willows

Michael Bond - Paddington Bear