Towns and Villages in Berkshire

Aldermaston is a quiet village in the Kennet Valley. the parish church boasts medieval wall paintings and the ornate Tudor memorial to Sir George Forster (1533). The Street features numerous attractive 17th and 18th-century worker's cottages, many of which are listed buildings. Keen gardeners will know that Aldermaston was the first place in Britain where the William pear variety was successfully cultivated, by the headmaster of the school.
Aldermaston, Berkshire, England

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Heritage Highlight: 13th century St Mary's church

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Often neglected by the hordes of tourists who descend upon nearby Windsor, Eton is only a short walk across the Thames from Windsor Castle, on the Berkshire side of the river. If you do take the time to explore Eton you will find an attractive town with numerous examples of well-preserved historic buildings. The most famous of these is undoubtedly Eton College, founded by Henry VI in 1440, and one of the most prestigious public schools in Britain.
Eton, Berkshire, England

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Maidenhead grew up around an ancient crossing on the River Thames. A wooden bridge was built here in 1280, to be replaced by a stone bridge in 1777. Modern suburbs now spread out into the surrounding countryside, but close to the river Maidenhead retains much of its historic charm; a charm that made it popular as a residence for London's actors and actresses in Edwardian times. Just outside town is Cliveden, a superb stately home once owned by William Waldorf Astor.
Maidenhead, Berkshire, England

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Reading is one of the largest urban centres in Berkshire, a university town, transportation hub, and market town. There was a settlement here in Roman times, and Roman artefacts are displayed in the Reading Museum on Blagrave Street. After the Romans departed there was a Saxon village here called 'Reada ingas' (people of Reada). The Danes sacked Reading in AD 871 and again in 1006. The Normans built a castle here, and in 1121 Henry I established a Benedictine Abbey at Reading.
Reading, Berkshire, England

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William the Conqueror thought that the high chalk bluffs at Windsor made a perfect spot for a castle. William's 11th-century castle at Windsor soon became a royal residence and has been the official home of English monarchs for over 9 centuries. There is a lot more to Windsor than the royal palace, however. Windsor Great Park is the last vestige of a huge royal hunting forest. Within the park is Frogmore House, and the mausoleum where Queen Victoria lies buried beside her beloved Prince Albert. Windsor's 17th-century Guildhall was built by Sir Christopher Wren.
Windsor, Berkshire, England

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