Guide to Berkshire

Ranking high for desirability, Berkshire is the royal county of choice right on London’s doorstep. 

Moving to Berkshire 

To the west of London, Berkshire is a county blessed with beautiful countryside charm, as well as fast trains and commuter hotspots. Its blend of rural qualities with a premium location near the capital means that Berkshire continues to be one of the most attractive places to live in the UK. 

Living in Berkshire 

Berkshire’s seamless transition from city to suburb and beyond means that there’s property here to suit every need. For commuters, the county’s proximity to the Capital makes for swift commutes, while the bustling towns means there is plenty of variety to choose from.  

Property prices currently average roughly £410,000 in Berkshire, however, this can vary significantly in the more popular commuter pockets. On your property search you will find large semi and detached Victorian properties, modest 19th century homes, as well as post-war suburban homes with generous gardens and spacious rooms.  

Even with its coveted countryside, Berkshire is still home to a selection of thriving towns; Newbury, Reading and Slough all have their own identities and boast incredibly short travel times to London – all under an hour, with Slough less than 20 minutes from London by rail. Find out more about living in Reading, living in Newbury and living in Slough. 

On the other hand, those seeking rural locations; Bucklebury, Eastbury and Yattendon are all popular places to begin any property search. The villages in West Berkshire offer the most rural locations while still offering plenty of transport links. The M4 runs through the heart of the county and its proximity to Heathrow airport makes Berkshire a popular destination for those who love to travel. 

Things to Do in Berkshire 

Berkshire is partly covered by the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, almost 700 miles of open vales, woodlands and rolling countryside. If you are seeking Berkshire’s picturesque side, explore by foot or bike to see the best of the county.  

Notably, Berkshire is home to one of Britain’s most recognisable properties, Windsor Castle. It is the largest inhabited castle in the world and home to the British monarchy. It is also right on your doorstep! Stop by for a tour or just to see the changing of the guard. Berkshire’s most famous landmark is one that justifies its prestige. 

While there is plenty of history to get started with, Berkshire hosts some prominent dates in the UK social calendar. For the musically inclined, Reading festival has been a cornerstone of the British festival scene for over 30 years. Moreover, one of the UK’s most prestigious events is held locally at Ascot Racecourse. Royal Ascot is the most famous horse racing meet and well known for its larger than life hats and grandeur each year. 

For children and families there’s Legoland Windsor, perfect for young children and filled to the brim with activities. The Lego replicas of world-famous landmarks are particularly fun to explore between times spent on the park’s rides.