Luxury holidays in Berkshire

This Thameside county – within easy reach of London – presents a meandering riverine landscape of wholesome villages such as Cookham and historic towns like sporting Ascot, studious Eton and stately Windsor, home to the 11th-century castle and royal residence to the Queen. Scenic walks snake the riverbank and timber-beamed pubs make for fine finishing posts.

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Areas in Berkshire

When to go

The summer months of June, July and August are the most reliable in terms of the ever-unruly British weather. But frankly, a fresh spring morning, colourful autumn afternoon or crisp winter’s day are just as appealing in this swathe of southern England.

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Getting there

  • Planes

    The nearest hub is London’s Heathrow’s airport – around a 45-minute drive from Berkshire – and Gatwick’s also within an hour’s reach.

  • Boats

    It’s easy to hire boats along the river – Cliveden even has its own – and it’s one of the best ways to admire this Thameside county, where life play’s out on the water.

  • Trains

    From London Waterloo, there are frequent services to Windsor and Reading; Reading also has national links to Edinburgh, Swansea, Oxford and Bristol, among others. Paddington station also offers good connections with Berkshire stations.

  • Automobiles

    It’s handy to hire a car to tour Berkshire’s towns and villages. The area is popular with weekending Londoners, though, so roads can be busy on Friday and Sunday afternoons.

  • Taxis

    Some of the smaller towns have limited taxi services. Your best bet is to get your hotel to sort out there-and-back drop-offs and pick-ups.