If you’re tiring of your current social circle and think your friends are all a bit ‘riff raff’ for your liking then where else should you head but Berkshire? Home to Prime Ministers and Royals, bankers and fund managers Berkshire has been turning out young toffs n Tories (as well as the royal family), since the 11th century. From the world famous college town of Eton and its even more famous public school to Windsor Castle, favourite residence of the Queen, Berkshire is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Great Britain.
Even the most ardent Republican can’t fail to be impressed by Windsor Castle with its traditional and much-loved ceremony of the changing of the guard, the opulent and fabulous state rooms and the ancient and romantic architecture. Indeed history is everywhere in Berkshire, one of England’s oldest counties which has been around since King Alfred established the county boundaries. From the Iron Age Walbury Hill Fort to the Old Granaries of Charles II in Newbury and from the Roman history (documented in the impressive museums and archaeological sites of Reading) to tours of Eton College, founded in 1440 and one of the oldest schools in the country; from the Clivenden Estate (home of the Astor family) to Wellington Country Park, from Ashdown House at Lambourn to Highclere Castle it seems that every nook and cranny of Berkshire features something historic.
For those looking for a more modern experience Reading is an exciting and bustling city with a young student population and a great arts and culture scene. For nature lovers Berkshire has untold riches, from the River Thames to the Ridgeway National Trail and the downs and from Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre to the Living Rain Forest. It is not just the Royal Family but also the unrivalled scenery that led to the county being referred to as ‘Royal Berkshire.’
Ascot Racecourse, AscotThere are very few events in the sporting social calendar that can compete with Royal Ascot. For nearly 250 years, this prestigious event is set at Ascot Racecourse, one of the most picturesque in Britain. Attracting some of the finest horseracing in the world, Royal Ascot mixes tradition with fashion and style, and has to be on the list of must-visit sporting events.…
Hexagon Theatre, ReadingEnglish author, presenter and stand-up comedian Dave Gorman takes his stories of extreme adventures and experiences to theatres across the length of the country. Born in Staffordshire, Dave first performed live at the 1998 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and soon went on to write and star in hit TV shows including The Mrs Merton Show, Reasons to be Chearful, and Dave Gorman's Better World. Among his listed ambitions are to appear as captain on the quiz show Call My Bluff!…
Joan Rivers is a talk show host and comedian who is also a fashionista. She is well known for hosting red carpet shows at award shows. She started her TV career in 1965 on the "Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson. She started off with a comedy act. In 1967 she landed a job at Candid Camera as a gag writer for the show. She landed a couple TV spots such as: "That Show with Joan Rivers" which only last 2 seasons from 1969-1972. Her first big screen debut was in Burt Lancaster's "The Swimmer" in 1968. After her show ended in 1972, she in many variety shows that headline Vegas. Also in the 70's she b…
Hexagon Theatre, ReadingJason's original twist of intelligent comedy has seen him win several accolades, including a Perrier Award Nomination in 2001 and more recently the 2007 Perrier Newcomer Award Nomiation. The first ever comedian to sell more than 25,000 tickets at the Edinburgh Festival, he is a comedic force to be reckoned with. His brand new live show, Cirque Du Byrne tours the UK in the autumn of 2011.…
At 24 years of age, Kevin Bridges is one of the most popular up and coming comedians in the country. His big break came at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he won the 'So you think you're Funny' competition. Bridges has since gone on to appear on Michael McIntyre's Comedy Road Show and 'Live at the Apollo'. He is currently touring Scotland and N. Ireland and has released 'Kevin Bridges: The Story so Far ...Live in Glasgow' on DVD this year.…
Hexagon Theatre, ReadingDescribed as Britains First Lady of Song, Joan Armatrading has been nominated for a Grammy Award on no less than three occasions. Possessing an extremely unique voice and strong rhythmical acoustic guitar, she is touring again in concerts that will delight audiences with her hits such as Love and Affection, Drop the Pilot and Lovers Speak.…
Funny man Jimmy Carr has become known and loved for his deadpan delivery and observational comedy. His humour is often dark yet hugely appealing as his success on TV and the live stand-up stage keeps on growing. In 2006 he became the first big name to perform in the virtual reality world 'Second Life'. He hosts TV's '8 Out of Ten Cats' and has guest presented 'Have I Got News for You'. Carr is an established writer also creating material for the likes of Frank Skinner, Bo Selecta and Lily Savage.…
Devlin Live at Liquid WindsorFriday, 22 June 2012Liquid - Windsor Liquid Windsor is a unique 3 scene venue with views of Historic Windsor and state of the art sound & lighting systems, excellent smoking facilities and unrivalled entertainment. James Devlin, better known by his surname Devlin,
Other concerts, music and gigs in Berkshire are:
Marvellous 1220 Jul, RiseleyHighclere Castle Battle Proms Concert4 Aug, HighclereReading Festival24 Aug, ReadingThe Big Festival Reading Festival24 Aug, ReadingReading Festival25 Aug, ReadingJumpin Jack Night in Sunningdale7 Sep, SunningdaleSingers Wanted in Reading16 Sep, ReadingSinging Auditions in Reading16 Sep, Reading
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Sport in BerkshireHexagon TheatreOur spotlight theatre/performing arts centre of the week is Hexagon Theatre, located in Reading. See what shows and performances are on this week at Hexagon Theatre.
Other theatres and performing arts venues in Berkshire are:
Reading Concert HallThe Theatre Royal Windsor
Museum of English Rural LifeThe Museum of English Rural Life was founded by the University of Reading in 1951 to reflect and record the changing face of farming and the countryside. It houses Designated collections of national importance that span the full range of objects, archives, photographs, film and books. Opening …Location: Reading
Some other fun family days out in Berkshire are:
West Berkshire MuseumBeale ParkLook Out Discovery CentreBeale ParkLegoland WindsorCalleva Roman MuseumPendon MuseumBeale ParkBracknell Ski CentreIsland Farm Donkey Sanctuary
Mapledurham HouseAway from the distractions of town, business or busy hotels, Mapledurham is an oasis of peace, natural beauty and history. Mapledurham House, still the home of the descendants of the original family, is an Elizabethan Manor House situated beside the Thames and sheltered by the Chiltern Hills, visit…Location: Mapledurham
Some other notable historic attractions in Berkshire are:
ClivedenMuseum of English Rural LifeWindsor CastlePendon MuseumBasildon ParkHighclere CastleLook Out Discovery CentreThe Living RainforestWellington Country ParkWest Berkshire MuseumCalleva Roman MuseumFrogmore House
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Britain's Best Historic CastlesWith a long history of bloody, violent clashes and battles, castles were originally designed as territorial fortresses and used as symbols of wealth and power by kings, queens and lords through the ages. We take a look at some of Britain's best castles to visit.
Britain's prettiest inhabitied placesFrom chocolate-box villages of quaint thatched cottages, to old medieval churches steeped with history, it's no surprise that Britain has some of the prettiest places in the world. Tourists flock from all corners of the globe to see picturesque villages such as Castle Combe, St Ives, Clovelly and Portmeirion. BritEvents' Lucy Middleton has the tough job of whittling down the prettiest inhabited places in Britain.
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Visit London, visit the worldLondon is one of the world's most ethnic cities, and it's possible to visit the world in a city in the space of a day. Take a trek through London's districts with our guide to the city's vibrant ethnic communities.
