Enjoying family days out in Berkshire

We love a day out whether it’s just a weekend day popping out somewhere, or a day out while on holiday.  I’m reliving my childhood visiting around the UK, near home and further away, and love sharing it with N. So if you’re looking for days out in Berkshire, you’re in the right place.

This series of days out posts are based on round ups of places we’ve loved on our travels.  Hopefully it’ll make them easier for you to find, especially if you’re looking for recommendations for places to visit. I’ll also be including recommendations from other bloggers, because if you’re looking for guidance on where to go you want to hear from local people as well as visitors to an area.

Museums, culture and history

Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell – alongside woodland with outdoor play areas, there’s plenty to explore inside the centre. Good value

National Trust

Cliveden and Cliveden in Winter – beautiful gardens and look out for any trails for children

Basildon Park, Pangbourne – lovely gardens, but no playground for children

Wildlife and nature

Lambourn open day – racing stables open annually for this event which gets really busy. Definitely worth a visit to meet some of the famous race horses around the different stables at Lambourn, with a fun country ‘fete’ afternoon suitable for all the family.

Living Rainforest, Newbury – small collection of rainforest plants and animals, good for small children with a little park outside.

Bucklebury Farm Park, near Newbury – great for young children to see the animals, with some outdoor getting close to nature style activities for older children. Good for a full day out

Nature discovery centre, Thatcham – walks and getting close to nature in the reserve. Run by BBOWT (I used to be a member as a child – great to get kids involved with nature)

Welford Park, near Newbury – a private home, so check opening times before heading there. Perfect for snowdrop season

Other

Legoland, Windsor – classic theme park great for all age, with a Lego theme. Agree beforehand how much you’ll spend in the shop, take swimming gear for the splashzones, and look out for cheap 2 for 1 deals. Be prepared to queue.

Dinton Pastures Country Park, near Wokingham – lake and outdoor play areas to explore. 2 cafes on site.

Windsor – suggestions for things to see and do in Windsor – not forgetting there’s the castle, great playgrounds, feeding the ducks by the river, family days at the racecourse and walking over the river to Eton

Jurassic Golf, Wokingham – dinosaur themed mini golf

Where to stay

Legoland hotel – stay overnight and get into the park ahead of everyone else.

Where else do you enjoy visiting in Berkshire?