Camp Hopson’s Favourite Attractions of Berkshire

If you’re on the verge of moving to Berkshire, or just beginning to consider it, then you’ll be pleased to know that is has many a beautiful attribute to savour. Known since the 19th century as the Royal County of Berkshire, it more than lives up to this grand appellation. True, Slough (which, owing to boundary changes, was transferred from Buckinghamshire in the mid-seventies) may be famously unloveable, an undignified fate in part caused by the famous John Bejteman poem published in 1937. But Berkshire is much, much more than that. It’s a glorious country, formed in 860, that incorporates Reading, Windsor, Maidenhead, Wokingham and more. It’s bordered by other Home Counties, including Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Greater London and Oxfordshire.

Among the things to look forward to once you’re a resident (or neighbour) of the county is, of course, Windsor Castle. Who doesn’t enjoy stepping back into the sweeping grandeur of yesteryear and sampling the informative audio-tour that points out features of interest and historical import? For many people, it’s their favourite landmark in the whole country, outdoing the other castles of this ancient isle. As an American tourist might be tempted to say, it’s ‘awesome’.

Reading isn’t everyone’s idea of a thriving hot-spot but give it a chance and it yields its treasures to you bit by bit. Among the highlights of the Reading calendar is, of course, the Reading Festival. You can camp there if you’re hardy but it’s also easy to just dip in for the acts you want to see and then dip out again. It’s close to the town centre and train station and brings together some of the best headlining acts known to man as well as hot up-and-comers. What a blast!

Have you got children? Then thank heavens for the Legoland Windsor Resort, a fun – if a little pricey – day out that all ages can enjoy, although for an optimal experience, it’s probably best for the 7-to-9-year-olds.

Let’s not forget Highclere Castle in Newbury, Snelsmore Common Country Park, the West Berkshire Museum and the Parkway Shopping Centre. And even then, we’ve barely scratched the surface. Berkshire’s a country that’s got it going on and then some.