Bracknell, located in the heart of Berkshire, is a vibrant town known for its modern amenities, green spaces, and excellent transportation links.  

In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about living in Bracknell, including amenities, attractions, employment opportunities, education, leisure and transport links.  

Is Bracknell a Nice Place to Live? 

Bracknell is a welcoming and dynamic place to call home. With its well-planned infrastructure, community spirit, and diverse range of amenities, Bracknell offers residents a high quality of life. The town is widely regarded as one of the best places to live within the London Commuter Belt.  

Bracknell’s strategic location, just 11 miles from Reading and 30 miles from London, makes it a great place to call home for commuters seeking a balance between city access and suburban tranquillity.  

Bracknell is well-suited for young families and professionals, and property here is cheaper than in many neighbouring towns and districts.  

What is it Like to Live in Bracknell? 

Bracknell is renowned for its modernity and efficiency, owing to its status as a post-war new town. The town’s infrastructure is well-planned, with a mix of contemporary architecture and green spaces.  

Despite its rapid development, Bracknell retains a strong sense of community, with numerous local events and initiatives fostering a strong bond among residents. 

Residents enjoy easy access to a variety of amenities, including shopping centres, restaurants, and leisure facilities, ensuring there’s always something to do. From retail therapy at The Lexicon to cultural experiences at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell has plenty to offer.  

The town is home to numerous supermarkets, healthcare facilities, and sports clubs, ensuring residents have everything they need within arm’s reach. Bracknell also boasts a thriving culinary scene, with a wide range of restaurants and cafes serving up delicious cuisine from around the world.  

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Different Areas of Bracknell 

Bracknell offers a variety of residential areas, each with their own characteristics and amenities. Here are some of the notable areas to live in Bracknell: 

  • Bracknell town centre: Perfect for those who enjoy urban living, with a great choice shops, restaurants, and entertainment options right at your doorstep.  
  • Warfield: A charming suburb known for its family-friendly atmosphere and excellent schools. It offers a variety of housing options, including detached houses and apartments, making it an attractive choice for families looking for a peaceful yet well-connected place to live. 
  • Binfield: Nestled in picturesque surroundings, Binfield provides a more rural setting with stunning countryside views while still being within close reach of Bracknell’s amenities.  
  • Forest Park: Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Forest Park’s proximity to green spaces like Swinley Forest and Lily Hill Park. This residential area offers a mix of housing types and a tranquil atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for those who love the outdoors. 
  • Easthampstead: Situated close to local amenities, schools, and parks, Easthampstead is a sought-after residential area offering a mix of housing types to suit various lifestyles.  
  • Great Hollands: Offering affordability without compromising on quality of life, Great Hollands is popular among first-time buyers and young families. With a range of housing options and good access to amenities, it provides a welcoming community atmosphere for residents. 

Transport Links 

Located near the M3 and M4 motorways, Bracknell offers convenient access to a vast portion of the UK. London is approximately an hour’s drive away, while Reading is less than a 25-minute journey. Additionally, journeys to the likes of Swindon and Southampton take around one hour. 

Bracknell benefits from two train stations: Bracknell and Martins Heron. Both stations are on the same line, offering frequent services to Reading and London. Reading is the nearest destination, only a 20-minute journey, while London Waterloo is approximately an hour away. 

Bracknell boasts an extensive network of bus routes, efficiently connecting the town centre to its outskirts. These services extend to destinations like Camberley, Reading, and Windsor, among others, catering to various travel needs. 

For international travel, Heathrow Airport is conveniently located just over 30 minutes away by car. 

Employment Opportunities 

Bracknell’s thriving economy is fuelled by its strong presence in the technology, pharmaceutical, and finance sectors. Bracknell is home to more than 20 global tech companies and is one of the UK’s main hubs for tech jobs.  

Major corporations such as Dell, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Honda, Vodafone and Waitrose have established headquarters in the town, providing ample job opportunities for professionals across various fields.  

Additionally, Bracknell boasts a growing startup scene, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to launch their businesses. With its diverse range of industries and growing job market, Bracknell offers plenty of opportunities for career growth and advancement. 

Education and Schools in Bracknell 

Families relocating to Bracknell benefit from access to a range of highly rated primary and secondary schools.  

Primary schools in Bracknell include: 

  • St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School (ages 3 to 11). Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 
  • Sandy Lane Primary School (ages 3 to 11). Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 
  • Crown Wood Primary School (ages 4 to 11). Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 
  • Fox Hill Primary School (ages 3 to 11). Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 
  • King’s Academy Oakwood (ages 4 to 11). Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted 
  • Binfield Church of England Primary School (ages 4 to 11). Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 

Secondary schools in Bracknell include: 

  • Ranelagh School (ages 11 to 18). Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted 
  • Garth Hill College (ages 11 to 18). Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 
  • Cressex Lodge School (ages 11 to 18, Independent school). Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 
  • King’s Academy Easthampstead Park (ages 11-18). Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 

Other schools include: 

  • Kennel Lane School (ages 3 to 19, Special school). Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 
  • King’s Academy Binfield (ages 3 to 19). Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted 

The town is also home to Bracknell & Wokingham College, offering further education and vocational courses to students of all ages. Bracknell is also within close proximity of leading universities such as the University of Reading and Royal Holloway, University of London, providing residents with access to world-class higher education opportunities.  

Attractions in Bracknell 

There are many attractions and leisure opportunities available to Bracknell’s residents, which contribute to the town’s high standard of living. 

The Lexicon  

The Lexicon is a vibrant hub of retail, leisure, and community activities. This modern shopping and entertainment complex offers an array of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.  

Lily Hill Park 

Lily Hill Park is one of Bracknell’s most popular green spaces. Within the expansive 23-hectare landscape lie 56 acres of meticulously restored heritage parkland, complemented by formal Edwardian water gardens. The park also has an animal tracks trail, a brass rubbing wildlife trail, and England’s longest picnic bench! 

South Hill Park 

South Hill Park is one of Bracknell’s biggest attractions. This converted 18th-century mansion has an excellent cinema which shows the latest blockbusters as well as shorter films. South Hill Park is a vibrant arts hub too, offering a plethora of entertainment options, and a comprehensive program of over 250 courses and workshops, catering to aspiring artists of all ages. With two theatres on site, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances including musicals, dramas, live music, and more. 

Westmorland Park 

Westmorland Park, spanning 8 hectares, offers expansive open spaces and diverse play areas. The park’s pavilion is available for rental, accommodating activities such as aerobics and Tai Chi. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy three tennis courts, multiple football pitches, a baseball diamond, and a basketball hoop. There are also dedicated play areas designed for younger children too. 

Some of the other attractions in and around Bracknell include: 

Restaurants and Eateries 

Bracknell boasts an array of dining, drinking, and entertainment options. From popular chains like Zizzi, Las Iguanas, T.G.I Fridays and Bill’s to independent eateries, the town caters to diverse culinary preferences and offers something for everyone. 

For an upscale drinking experience paired with fine dining, consider The Yorkshire Rose. Boasting a spacious beer garden and ample parking, it’s an ideal destination for a leisurely Sunday lunch.  

For a laid-back meal bursting with authentic American flavours, try Blue’s Smokehouse. Their menu, featuring burgers, hot dogs, and smokehouse classics, caters to all tastes, including generous vegan options. 

For drinks and delicious pub fare, stop by the Market Inn. Situated near the train station, it’s a favourite spot for sports enthusiasts, offering a big screen and six TVs throughout the pub. 

Bracknell also hosts an outstanding annual ale and cider festival, a highlight for both locals and tourists. This event promises a delightful array of beers, gins, and ciders, complemented by live music across two stages and a tempting selection of delectable food offerings. 

Other popular eating spots in Bracknell include: 

  • The Real Greek – A modern restaurant with a menu of classic and updated dishes 
  • The Peacock Farm – A pub and restaurant in a former farmhouse, with an ample menu of global food as well as snacks 
  • Shahi Restaurant and Bar – A simple restaurant serving delicious Indian and Nepalese food 
  • Giggling Squid – Easy-going Thai restaurant specialising in seafood 
  • The Boot Italian Gastropub – A homely pub with cask ales and global spirits as well as a beer garden. British fare and Sunday roasts are also served 
  • Prince of Wales Thai Restaurant – Authentic Thai food made to the highest standards 

Leisure Opportunities 

From leisurely strolls along the River Cut to adrenaline-fueled adventures at Go Ape Bracknell, the town offers an array of leisure activities to keep residents entertained.  

Those who like to keep fit can take advantage of the state-of-the-art facilities at Bracknell Leisure Centre. The facility boasts a gym with 120 stations offering top-notch cardio and resistance equipment, plus diverse group fitness classes. Three pools cater to both competitive swimming and instructional sessions, providing plenty of options for aquatic exercise. Additionally, there’s a sports hall and outdoor pitch for sports like football, badminton, and netball. And for relaxation, there’s an on-site spa. 

Other gyms in and around Bracknell include Pure Gym Bracknell, Absolutely Fitness Bracknell, Village Gym Bracknell, Base Gym and CrossFit Bracknell. 

Downshire Golf Complex, near Bracknell, offers an 18-hole championship course suitable for all levels of golfers. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned player, there’s something for everyone. The complex features a nine-hole pitch and putt course and a 30-bay floodlit driving range for practice too. 

Tennis enthusiasts can choose between Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club and Westmorland Park Lawn Tennis Club. The latter, a smaller club, utilises Westmorland Park’s facilities, welcoming players of all levels. Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club, near Lily Hill Park, features five courts with LED floodlighting and offers coaching for juniors. 

Other sport clubs in Bracknell include: 

  • Bracknell Athletic Club 
  • Binfield Cricket Club 
  • Bracknell Bowling & Social Club 
  • Bracknell Bytomic Taekwondo 
  • Bracknell Hockey Club 
  • Bracknell Cobras 
  • Whitegrove Football Club 

Here is a full list of sport clubs in Bracknell 

Also, as alluded to, Bracknell is a town with ample green space to enjoy. In fact, in the wider Bracknell Forest area, there are more than 150 parks and countryside areas. 

As well as the likes of Lily Hill Park and Westmoreland Park, Bracknell’s residents are within easy reach of Crowthorne Wood and Swinley Forest too. 

Cost of Living in Bracknell 

The cost of living in Bracknell is not prohibitive, and it compares favourably to other areas of Berkshire such as Reading, Ascot and Windsor and, of course, London. 

Average cost of some services and everyday items at the time of writing are: 

  • Three-course meal for two people at mid-range restaurant: £55 
  • Apples (1kg): £1.50 
  • Bananas (1kg): £1.38 
  • Potatoes (1kg): £1.27 
  • Basic utility bill (electricity, gas, water in 85m2 apartment): £184 

These are average figures taken from Numbeo. If you are thinking about moving to Bracknell, please check the cost of everyday items in Bracknell. 

Broadband Information 

The average broadband speed in Bracknell is 115 MBPS. The cost of broadband ranges from around £18 for the cheapest deals to £34 for the most expensive.  

Crime and Safety in Bracknell 

The overall crime rate in Bracknell in 2022 was 71 crimes per 1,000 people. Compared to Berkshire as a whole, this is 13% lower than the rate of 82 crimes per 1,000 people.  

Pros and Cons of Living in Bracknell 

Pros 

  • Excellent transport links: Bracknell’s proximity to major transport routes, including the M3 and M4 motorways, facilitates easy commuting to nearby cities such as Reading and London. 
  • Green spaces: Residents can escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and unwind in the town’s numerous parks and nature reserves, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. 
  • Diverse community: Bracknell’s multicultural population fosters a welcoming and inclusive community atmosphere, where residents from all backgrounds can feel at home. 
  • Job opportunities: The town’s burgeoning economy offers a wide range of employment prospects, particularly in the technology and finance sectors, providing plenty of opportunities for career growth and advancement. 

Cons 

  • Cost of living: While relatively affordable compared to neighbouring areas like Reading and London, Bracknell’s cost of living may be higher than in other parts of Berkshire, particularly in terms of housing prices and rental rates. 
  • Traffic congestion: The town’s growing population has led to increased traffic congestion during peak hours, particularly on major routes such as the A322 and A329. 
  • Limited nightlife: While Bracknell offers a variety of dining options, its nightlife scene may not be as vibrant as larger cities, with fewer options for entertainment and socialising. 
  • Schooling competition: Competition for school places in Bracknell can be fierce, particularly in areas with high demand, making it challenging for parents to secure a place at their preferred school for their children. 

Are You Thinking of Moving to Bracknell?  

Bracknell offers a quality of life that strikes a smooth balance between urban convenience and rural tranquillity. With its wealth of amenities, employment opportunities, and green spaces, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this vibrant town home.  

Here at Chancellors, we can help to make a move to Bracknell a reality. Our Bracknell estate agents offer a range of services to buyers and renters, as well as those looking to sell or let out property in the area.