Sunningdale is one of the most desirable places to live in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. This is an impressive accolade given the borough’s exclusivity, but somehow Sunningdale manages to set itself apart from the rest.
The top-performing schools, coupled with the strong community atmosphere, continue to attract families to the area. For the young professional, a direct train service to London Waterloo and Southampton promises an easy commute, as do the nearby M3 and M25 motorways. The village is also close to several world-famous outdoor attractions, including the esteemed golf courses of Sunningdale and neighbouring Wentworth & Foxhills.
Those relocating from the capital are often captivated by the idyllic expanses of greenery. Windsor Great Park is only a short distance away, as is the scenic Virginia Water lake. Other nearby places of interest include the glamorous Ascot Racecourse, as well as the shopping centres and cultural sights of Windsor and Woking.
Another reason for Sunningdale’s great appeal is its impressive property portfolio. With its legacy for attracting London’s rich and famous, Victorian-era houses and mansions offer a glimpse into the area’s opulent past. It adds to the feeling of exclusivity and provides plenty of choice for those looking to call Sunningdale home.
Transportation in Sunningdale
Sunningdale promises an easy commute to the capital thanks to the half-hourly trains to London Waterloo. The direct service takes approximately 47 minutes, while Reading can be reached in 33 minutes. Sunningdale station also serves nearby towns and villages such as Bracknell, Ascot and Winnersh.
Those travelling by car have the convenience of the nearby M3 and M25 motorways, which lie to the south of Sunningdale. They provide quick access to Southampton, as well as the major hubs around central London. For the frequent flyer, Heathrow Airport is a short 14-minute drive, while Gatwick can be reached in 39 minutes.
Things to do in Sunningdale
Sunningdale’s close proximity to Windsor, Ascot and Bracknell makes it a versatile location with plenty to see and do, from prestigious sports clubs to historic treasures. Here are some of the highlights:
- Sunningdale Golf Club
- Charters Tennis
- Guards Polo Club
- Windsor Great Park
- Ascot Racecourse
- The Royal Landscape
- ODEON Bracknell
- New Victoria Theatre
- Thorpe Park
What is Sunningdale Like?
Resting right on the edge of Berkshire, less than an hour from London, and enjoying vast stretches of beautiful countryside, Sunningdale offers village charm with strong connections to the city.
With famous residents including Brian Blessed, Gary Lineker, Agatha Christie, and Anna Friel to name a few, Sunningdale is a stunning village with highly-desired homes. Known for its fabulous golf courses, its wide, tree-lined roads, and the beautiful surrounding countryside, Sunningdale is one of a number of picturesque villages resting in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
It’s an area that’s home to everything you need from family entertainment to enormous green spaces. From Ascot Racecourse to Thorpe Park, Great Windsor Park to Chobham Adventure Park, there’s so much on your doorstep that you’ll feel spoilt for choice. And the excellent transport links that you’ll find it easy to get to work too.
Transport Links
Sitting close to the M3 and the M25, you’ll find a large amount of London is within easy reach. The M3 provides an easy route to Basingstoke (32 minutes away), Winchester (52 minutes), and Southampton (just over an hour). Nearby Reading is just 45 minutes by car too. And Heathrow Airport is a mere 20 minutes away, perfect for international travellers or regular holidaymakers.
For those looking to travel by rail, Sunningdale offers regular services to London Waterloo that see you in the city in less than 55 minutes. In the other direction, the service will take you as far as Reading in 31 minutes, stopping at Ascot on the way.
Schools in the Area
The number of fantastic schools in the area make Sunningdale an excellent place to raise children.
Parents of younger children will be drawn to schools like Holy Trinity CofE Primary School, which was rated ‘good’ by Oftsed and the nearby Valley End CofE Infant School was found to be ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.
At a secondary level, Charters School is the main school serving Sunningdale. Converted into an academy in 2012, the school had previously been rated as ‘outstanding’ due to its excellent levels of education and provision for its pupils. It hasn’t been rated by Ofsted since its conversion, but it’s well-liked by both parents and pupils and continues to achieve good results.
Looking beyond school, Sunningdale students benefit from a proximity to Reading and its prestigious university, which has not only been ranked 27th out of 84 UK universities but is also just 31 minutes from Sunningdale by rail.
Attractions in Sunningdale
Living in Sunningdale means you’ll have enormous green spaces to explore, as well as luxury for adults and activities for the kids too.
You won’t be able to see all of Windsor Great Park in one visit; there’s just too much to see and do. From the flower-strewn woodlands of the Valley Gardens to the astounding lake at Virginia Water, the tree-lined Long Walk & Deer Park and the Obelisk Lawn, you have a world of exploration on your doorstep.
Coworth Park is a late 18th-century country house converted into a luxury hotel that offers a local break of relaxation and indulgence on your doorstep. You can wander the wildflower meadow, or relax in the spa, which features a steam room, a swimming pool, and a fitness studio as well as a range of treatments.
Chobham Adventure Farm is located in nearby Chobham. It was designed as an active facility for the whole family, with an opportunity to interact with animals both big and small, as well as indoor and outdoor play areas for younger and older kids.
With Ascot Racecourse so close to Sunningdale, you’ve a day out to remember waiting on your doorstep. Welcoming over 630,000 guests a year, the racecourse is more than just horseracing. The 179-acre grounds also host events throughout the year, such as Luna Open Air Cinema, fireworks, and Christmas extravaganzas. Of course, Royal Ascot is the headline event, an astounding five-day event of horseracing, pageantry, fine dining, and fashion.
From royal racing to thrill-seeking, families will love being so close to Thorpe Park too, which is a mere 18-minute car journey away.
Bars, Restaurants and Nightlife
Fego Restaurant Sunningdale serves brunch, lunch and everything in between. The food is heavily inspired by South African cuisine, but that isn’t the only influence on the plate; the team has incorporated the best of street food from around the globe to create a diverse menu that you’ll want to work through.
If you’re in the mood for something Italian, you can’t fail with a visit to Pazzia Restaurant. A family-run restaurant for over 18 years, you’ll find authentic Italian dishes served with warmth and a smile in a cosy yet modern atmosphere.
Broomhall Hutt is a traditional pub and restaurant that’s enjoyed a recent refurbishment, and residents can now enjoy an outdoor courtyard in warmer weather or a cosy interior with a community feel.
The Belvedere Arms is a premium pub with its own restaurant serving astounding food with stunning views. With a wide selection of lagers, ales, wines, and spirits, you’ve plenty of choice when you want to sit back with a drink.
Leisure Centres and Outdoor Activities
If you’re ready to get your heart rate up, Sunningdale has some excellent choices for you.
Charters Leisure Centre has been serving the local community for over 20 years. You’ll find a gym equipped with high-quality cardio, functional and resistance equipment, as well as group exercise classes including aerobics and pilates. Personal trainers are available too. The centre also boasts two full-size all-weather pitches, outdoor courts for tennis and netball, as well as indoor courts for tennis, badminton, and tennis.
Sunningdale Golf Club offers visitors two 18-hole courses. The Old Course was designed by Willie Park Junior, twice winner of The Open Championship, and unveiled in 1901. The course is characterised by its large undulating greens and the designer’s fondness for diagonal and visual hazards that present a challenge to even the most seasoned of players.
In the early years of Sunningdale Golf Club, women were not allowed to play. One of the members had the idea to create a separate course that would give women a space to play golf, and thus was Sunningdale Heath Golf Club formed. That inclusivity extends to the modern day, with the club centred on a pledge to give everyone a safe, fun experience in golf. The course was also designed by Harry Colt, so it’s as challenging as it is fun.
For something a little more active, consider Guards Polo Academy. Welcoming anyone even if they’ve never played before (or never even sat on a horse before), you’ll benefit from comforting and expert tuition that will see you hitting the ball within an hour!