Berkshire Car Hire

Guide to Berkshire

Geography

Berkshire is a county in the region of South East England that is both geographical and ceremonial. Thames and Kennet valleys to the west of London are home to the county's physical boundaries. As a ceremonial county, Berkshire is a non-metropolitan county and does not have its own county council. Instead, it is split into unitary authorities, each with its own mayor and council.

Climate in Berkshire

The county has a temperate maritime climate, with pleasant summers and chilly to cold winters that aren't too extreme. Berkshire is a year-round destination because of the area's low incidence of severe weather. In Reading, Berkshire, the warmest month in summer is July, while the coldest month in winter is January. December is the wettest month of the year, while July is the driest month on average.

Culture

The Maidenhead Heritage Centre in Berkshire is a museum devoted to the history of the area going back to the Romans. To celebrate Berkshire's rich history and cultural accomplishments, at the centre, you'll find high-definition images and detailed narratives of the men and women who struggled for freedom in the last century.

Things to do in Berkshire

Bet on a racecourse horse

Newbury Racecourse is a terrific place for a little fun and healthy wagering no matter what time of year you're on vacation. There are a number of activities that are open to the public and allow you to watch the show while sipping a refreshing beer. Over the last 200 years, Newbury has been the racing capital of Berkshire, and the Newbury Racecourse has been a premier racetrack for more than a century. Make Newbury Racecourse part of your vacation plans since there are dozens of famous races each year, from flat to chase and hurdles.

Discover a historic manor

Cliveden Estate is one of the best spots to spend a few days when visiting Berkshire. Historic English manor house known as Cliveden House has been a landmark in the area for more than 350 years. As a hotel, it's still open to the public to see the beautiful gardens and the stone clocktower's architecture that have enticed tourists for decades.

Traverse into the tropics

The Living Rainforest in Hampstead Norreys, Berkshire, allows visitors to experience the rainforest without having to go to a tropical environment. Tourists may witness the natural environment of wildlife and plants and how they can grow at The Living Rainforest, which promotes rainforest conservation initiatives. Fun for kids and people of all ages, The Living Rainforest is full of monkeys and birds as well as reptiles and all kinds of creepy-crawlies.

Stroll through a serene garden

The Savill Garden has been giving tranquillity and delight to visitors for more than 90 years now. The hidden beauty of Windsor Great Park is the interconnecting gardens, which go beyond what is normally thought of as a botanical garden. Each portion of the garden has a distinct theme based on British or foreign plants. Depending on the season, you may see paintings and sculptures in each garden part, and some feature bridges that give you a bird’s eye perspective of The Garden.

Eating out in Berkshire

From upscale dining to street cuisine, all of Berkshire's restaurants provide delightful delicacies. The Woodspeen Restaurant prepares locally sourced meat and garden-grown vegetables in a modern dining space. This restaurant's service and food are both excellent. Make a point of trying the venison and cod. The Coach & Horses MIDGHAM's famous fish and chips is a must-try English institution. However, for a really spectacular lunch, dine on fillet mignon in the outside garden. The Beehive Restaurant & Tavern is a red-brick village tavern with modern, country-chic décor and a beer garden offering classic British fare. Order the Bavette Steak and combine it with the best handmade onion rings for a meal that will have you licking your lips for hours.

Transport in Berkshire

Airport

Berkshire's closest airport is London Heathrow (LHR), which is 34.5 miles away.

Getting Around Berkshire

Visitors visiting Berkshire may travel via bus, rail, car hire, or coach. Reading Buses and First Buses operate local bus services across Berkshire. There are routes to Reading, Newbury, Windsor, Ascot, Slough, Maidenhead, Bracknell, and other nearby counties. Trains in Berkshire run throughout the county and beyond. Several mainline train lines serve the local and regional areas. Reading Station offers 30 minute departures to London Paddington, Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Oxford, London, Liverpool and Manchester. First Great Western, South West Trains, and Cross Country Trains operate train services in Berkshire. Other notable railway stations in the county are Newbury, Slough, and Windsor & Eton Central Stations. Many guests choose to hire their own vehicles since it gives them more freedom and flexibility than public transportation.