The best things to do in Berkshire, England

It’s a rare accolade to have: the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. But Windsor Castle is rare in every sense. Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, this storied castle has been the family home of 40 British monarchs over its staggering 1,000-year history. Spend the day exploring the state apartments, which are still used for official visits. Fall silent in St George’s Chapel, a breathtaking flourish of gothic architecture and host to countless royal weddings – including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s in 2018. Eye up Henry VIII’s battle armour for size while you’re there. And definitely admire some of the world’s greatest masterpieces on display. Whichever route you choose inside, trust us when we say there’s only one way to make your approach: down the spectacular tree-lined Long Walk, stretching over two miles right up to the castle entrance. If the weather’s nice, you could even take the footbridge over the Thames into Eton, replete with quaint shops (including the cherished Eton Antique Book Shop), cafés, and pubs.

15-minute drive from Coworth Park

Windsor, SL4 1NJ

Springing into resplendent bloom from the very heart of Windsor Great Park is Savill Garden, a sprawling 35-acre celebration of native and tropical plant species. A haven of beautifully designed gardens and woodland weave and interconnect, allowing you to discover a new botanical sanctuary with every turn. Wander through the Hidden Gardens, Spring Wood, and Summer Gardens, then follow your nose through to the New Zealand Garden, The Glades, and Winter Beds. On your way out, you may even spot little thatched wooden treehouses – that’s Adventure Play, a charming hand-crafted playground, hidden in ancient woodland. There, your little ones can scurry along rope bridges, zip down slides, and go giggling down the treetop walkways. 

10-minute drive from Coworth Park
Wick Lane, Englefield Green, TW20 0UJ

Our guest experience team is happy to arrange your Adventure Play session, as tickets must be booked in advance.

What child doesn’t dream of becoming a knight, a racing driver, or a pirate? Let your little ones enter their fantasy world on over 50 rides and attractions, where they’ll fly through the treetops to escape fearsome dragons, drive through a magical underwater adventure, and ride the water rapids with a Viking fleet. 

15-minute drive from Coworth Park
Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY

Enjoy this space as it was originally intended, as a royal pleasure ground. The two-mile lake bordered by tree-line pathways sits at Windsor Great Park’s southern edge, just a few minutes’ stroll from Coworth Park. If you take the full 5.25-mile circuit round the lake’s perimeter, you’ll delight in the abundance of wildlife that call this lake home. Even on gentler jaunts, there’s so much to delight in and cherish, including a 30-foot waterfall called the Cascade and a 19th-century folly built from recovered materials from the ancient Roman city of Leptis Magna (in modern-day Libya). 

2-minute walk from Coworth Park
Blacknest Road, SL5 7SB

Quite possibly the most beautiful shooting ground in the country, there are few places more picturesque to take your shot – especially your very first. Founded in 1895, Bisley’s award-winning grounds offer everything from caddied sessions and simulated game days for seasoned shooters to instructor lessons for beginners and young shot events. And when you need a break from the action, step into nostalgia waiting in its charming Victorian clubhouse.

25-minute drive from Coworth Park
The Council Club, Bisley Camp, Brookwood, Surrey, GU24 0NY

Undoubtedly one of the prettiest villages in Berkshire, this charming riverside parish dapples the banks of the Thames between Windsor and Maidenhead with its charming frontage. Walking through the village, you’ll pass a Saxon church mentioned in The Domesday Book, a row of 15th-century foresters’ cottages, and luxury day charters docking back into the marina. An experience our adventure-seeking guests always enjoy is watersports on the picturesque 50-acre Bray Lake. You can take your pick of stand-up paddle boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, dinghy sailing, and open water swimming, with special activities for little ones during the school holidays.

20-minute drive from Coworth Park
Monkey Island Lane, Windsor Road, Bray, Windsor, SL6 2EB

A former royal hunting ground, now Berkshire’s largest vineyard – this is a winery where you sip and explore. On one of its much-loved wine tours, you’ll visit the Stanlake winery housed in the Grade II listed Reformation barn and end in the wine shop, located in a lovely Victorian greenhouse overlooking the 16th-century walled garden behind.

30-minute drive from Coworth Park
Stanlake Park Wine Estate, Waltham Rd, Twyford, Reading RG10 0BN

Just as Henry VIII eclipses his fellow members of the Tudor dynasty, so too does Hampton Court overshadow some of Britain’s finest Tudor residences; top of that list is Dorney Court. You may recognise this manor house as one of the many splendid filming locations in Bridgerton, The Personal History of David Copperfield, or Kenneth Brannagh’s All is True; even if you don’t, you’d be hard-pressed not to feel the pull of this Grade I-listed splendour. Resplendent with all the charm and allure so typical of Tudor architecture, your imagination will run away with you as you pace round this demi-palace. Gaze up at its priceless oil paintings or patter round the manicured gardens. It’s no wonder the Palmer family have called Dorney Court home for over 14 generations. 

30-minute drive from Coworth Park
Dorney Court, Court Ln, Dorney, Windsor SL4 6QP

You may never have dreamed of eating your sandwich at the longest picnic bench in England, but at Lily Hill Park, that dream can easily become a reality. To work up your appetite, you can follow the animal tracks trail, tracing the paths the animal visitors leave for little guests to find. Or you could simply potter through the historic parkland, ancient woodland and Edwardian water garden. With 56 acres of restored heritage parkland and gardens to explore, the one thing you won’t want to do is rush.

15-minute drive from Coworth Park
Lily Hill Park, Lily Hl Rd, Bracknell RG12 2RX

Anyone who knows polo knows the Guards Polo Club – one of the most renowned clubs in the world. Though a private members club, a select number of Guards’ 600 annual matches are open to non-members throughout the club’s season (between April and mid-September). These sought-after events include the Cartier Queen's Cup and Royal Windsor Cup.

10-minute drive from Coworth Park
Guards Polo Club, Smiths Lawn, Windsor, Egham TW20 0HP