The Best Things to Do in Berkshire in 2025

Known as the Royal County of Berkshire, this ceremonial area is home to Windsor Castle, Eton College, Ascot Racecourse and Legoland.

Berkshire’s major towns include Reading, Newbury and Windsor and, with London on its doorstep, it’s a hugely popular destination for tourists. Berkshire’s laid-back vibe and beautiful scenery offer a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of the big smoke.

Berkshire offers a wealth of exciting events and activities along with pretty riverside villages, bustling towns, historic buildings, beautiful gardens and fantastic places to eat.

Whether you’re up for exploring the grand town of Windsor, relaxing on a boat on the Thames, attending a foodie festival or enjoying a night at the musicals, Berkshire has something for all tastes.

Keep reading to discover our pick of things to do in Berkshire in 2025.

Sing Along at a Night at the Musicals

Donnington Grove, located in Newbury, hosts an imaginative range of events throughout the year.

On 28th February and 1st March, Creative Minds Collective will perform two showstopping evenings of live musical entertainment.

Experience a seated cabaret, a two-course meal during the interval and party the rest of the evening away with songs from Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Wicked, Mamma Mia, and many more!

Donnington Grove, Newbury, 28 February, 1 March 2025, 7.30 pm, £40 per person. Email events@donnington-grove.com to book tickets and for more information.

Celebrate Mother’s Day

On Sunday 29th March, treat your Mum to a delicious afternoon tea or a hearty Sunday roast in the historic setting of the Donnington Grove restaurant and bar.

Celebrating Mother’s Day in Berkshire will be one of the best things to do in 2025. Our stylish country house hotel offers an elegant and refined dining experience, the perfect treat for Mother’s Day.

Donnington Grove, Newbury, 29 March 2025, Afternoon Tea £25 / Sparkling Afternoon Tea £32, Sunday Roast Two Courses £25, Three Courses £30. Email events@donnington-grove.com for more information.

A crowd watches a vibrant fireworks display at night, with orange and white streaks illuminating the dark sky as smoke lingers in the air. Some people hold up phones to capture the moment.

Experience Newbury Summerfest

The annual Summerfest spectacular combines attractions, impressive arena demonstrations, a huge fairground, airshows, music and live entertainment for the whole family.

Enjoy live musical tribute bands, hop into a helicopter or monster truck for a ride to remember, admire the hot air balloons and fireworks and try your hand at the circus skills workshop.

Newbury Showground, 6 July 2025. Click here to book tickets.

A marching band of guards in red uniforms and black bearskin hats plays brass instruments during a ceremonial event near a grand palace gate.

Watch the Changing the Guards Ceremony

The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor Castle was built by William the Conqueror in around 1070. The Castle was converted into a palace by Henry II in the late 12th Century and has been home to 40 monarchs.

The castle is open year round and hosts a packed event calendar including exhibitions and history weekends. If you can, time your visit to the castle with the world-famous Changing the Guards ceremony. Taking place on Thursdays and Saturdays throughout 2025, the guards arrive at the castle just before 11 am, and has quickly become one of the most popular things to do in Berkshire. Schedules can change so we advise checking the British Army website for details.

Windsor Castle, Windsor, open 1 January - 29 December 2025. Click here to book tickets.

Close-up of three racehorses wearing bridles and white nosebands, standing side by side in a row, with riders partially visible in the background.

Spend a Day at the Races

Home to three world-famous racecourses; Newbury, Windsor and Ascot, Berkshire is well known for its high-quality race meetings and top-class trainers. The UK’s most prestigious flat race, Royal Ascot, takes place over 5 days in June each year.

Regular race meets occur at all racecourses year-round. Make sure to visit the bustling towns of Newbury, Windsor and Ascot and enjoy their restaurants, bars and shops after the racing.

Royal Ascot, 17-21 June 2025, Ascot Racecourse. Click here to book tickets.

Enjoy the Great British Food Festival

Taking place in the grounds of Dinton Pastures Country Park, this fabulous festival is a food-lover’s dream. The mouthwatering festival combines gastronomic delights, guest-chef demos and talks, live music and, most importantly, a wide range of food and drink stalls to tantalise your tastebuds.

There’s plenty for everyone to enjoy with free interactive workshops and traditional fairground rides.

Dinton Pastures, Reading, 21-22 June 2025. Click here for more information.

Visit Donnington Grove

Whether you’re searching for a romantic weekend away, a family break or a birthday treat, Donnington Grove offers a range of luxurious accommodations to suit your requirements. Book a stay in the grand main house with its rich tapestries and fine decor or choose a tranquil and calm lake-view lodge.

Enjoy dining in our bar and restaurant which offers lunchtime bites, delectable afternoon teas and evening meals.

Set in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, we are proud to offer a range of activities including golf, fishing and clay pigeon shooting, along with a range of exciting events throughout the year.

Take your pick of things to do in Berkshire in 2025 and enjoy a stay at Donnington Grove, ensuring splendour, comfort and the warmest of welcomes.

Click here to view our current offers, we look forward to meeting you.