areas within Berkshire
| Ascot | Hungerford | Reading | Thatcham |
| Bracknell | Maidenhead | Sandhurst | Windsor |
| Crowthorne | Newbury | Slough | Wokingham |
other areas in UK
The county of Berkshire
The Royal County of Berkshire is one of England's oldest, and lies to the west of London in the fertile Thames valley; with Oxfordshire on its northern boundary, Hampshire to the south, Wiltshire to the west and Middlesex to the east. Berkshire has a population of approximately three quarters of a million and covers an area of some 500 square miles. The county has an undulating and wooded surface, and contains the major hills of the Berkshire Downs or White Horse Hills, where contrasting urban and industrial sprawls sit next to tranquil waterways and picturesque villages. The county town is Reading, with other key towns including Eton, Slough, Bracknell, Windsor and Maidenhead. Berkshire is renowned for its royal heritage of Windsor Castle, the Great Parks, the signing of the Magna Carta, Ascot Horse Racing, and the Henley Regatta. When it comes to stately homes and magnificent gardens Berkshire is quite remarkable - the houses include Highclere Castle, Cliveden, Stonor Park and Stratfield Save.
Historical facts
The county of Berkshire contains a number of towns and villages, with interesting historical backgrounds. Newbury was a prosperous wool town in the Middle Ages and is home to the 16th century 'wool' Church of St Nicholas. Hungerford enjoyed its heyday in the 18th century when the turnpike road from London to Bath was built, and subsequently continued to prosper with the opening of the Kennet and Avon Canal. Lambourn, situated up on the Berkshire Downs, is renowned for being the centre for the training of racehorses, and you can watch the horses going through their paces on the training gallops. Reading grew around its abbey which was built in 1121 by Henry I and became one of the most important religious houses in the country, and is where Henry I was finally laid to rest. Windsor has the largest castle (built by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century) in the country has been a royal residence for over 900 years. Situated just across the River Thames from Windsor is Eton. The town has grown up around Eton College, the famous public school, founded in 1440 by Henry VI, which was originally intended for the education of 70 poor and worthy scholars. Ascot was a small village until 1711 when Queen Anne moved the original Windsor race meeting and founded the world famous Ascot Racecourse.
Living in Berkshire
People who want to move out of London, and need to commute into the city, should consider looking at Berkshire property. It remains one of the most popular areas for the country house market as much of the area is pretty and within a comfortable commute of London; where property prices remain strong and look likely to increase. There is a cross section of property for sale in Berkshire ranging from period country properties along the banks of the River Thames, to ordinary family homes and brand new purpose built apartments in the centre of busy towns.
The jewel in Berkshire's crown is Windsor, whose massive castle is one of the Queen's official residences. Nearby is the 19 sq km (4800 acre) Windsor Great Park. Three kilometres (two miles) outside the town is Legoland, a major family attraction. Elsewhere in Berkshire, Slough is the major commercial centre, and the county town of Reading, which styles itself as the 'Capital of Thames Valley', while Maidenhead and Marlow are pleasant riverside towns on the banks of the Thames. The area has become linked with the computer industry and is known to many in England as 'Silicon Valley'. With its close proximity to London and the South Coast, Berkshire is an ideal location when considering buying a home.
If you are searching for an area to purchase property for investment purposes, then you might like to consider looking to buy property in Reading, which has been voted by Channel 4's Location Location Location as the sixth best place in the UK to invest in property. Reading is generally known for being the Thames Valley's boom town, with many IT companies such as Microsoft and Vodafone having set up shop here, attracting a high proportion of young professionals, many of whom prefer to rent. Young professionals will find the rental market is buoyant and can choose from a good selection of property to rent in Reading, including studio flats in purpose built blocks, maisonettes and conversion flats, through to Victorian houses. During the past few decades Reading has undergone improvements to its civic amenities, including new recreational and sporting facilities such as Rivermead leisure centre, cultural and arts centres, such as the Hexagon theatre, the world class Oracle shopping centre, a cinema village and a good selection of restaurants, cafés and bars.
Bracknell is also home to major IT companies and multinational organisations such as BMW and Syngenta. Families with children who are searching for houses for sale in Bracknell will discover that, as well as benefiting from excellent transport links, Bracknell is surrounded by countryside and woodland. The town has a vast selection of sports and leisure facilities, and one of the countries largest art centres in Bracknell Forest. The Point leisure complex has a 10 screen cinema, a bowling alley, bars and restaurants. Coral Reef Waterworld has a leisure pool and facilities for children. Residents also benefit from a pedestrianised shopping centre which has many of the high street retail outlets, as well as superstores that are situated on the outskirts of the town and surrounding areas.
Other towns of note include Newbury, home to the award-winning Newbury Racecourse and the annual Royal County of Berkshire Show. Newbury is also renowned for its arts scene, and is where Vodafone chose to relocate its headquarters. With a high population of under 25s in and around Newbury, a new six-screen multiplex cinema has become a major project for the town's renaissance plan, which will complement other leisure activities such as ten-pin bowling in neighbouring Thatcham (the seventh fasted growing town in the UK). We suggest you look at the estate agents in Berkshire to research the towns and variety of property for sale in Berkshire.
Travel and transport links in the county of Berkshire
Berkshire's geographic position and excellent transport links have made it a natural location for trade and commerce. Most of West Berkshire is within 75 minutes of London, making it popular with people who commute. By road, the M4 motorway provides a direct route to Wales and the West Country, the M25, Heathrow and London. Further south, the M3 provides a link to the south coast and to the north the M40 gives access to Birmingham, the M1 and M6. The county is also well served by major rail routes. There is an Intercity rail link from Reading mainline railway station to London Paddington which takes just 30 minutes, and all the major towns in Berkshire are served by regular rail services into London and other parts of the country. Most of the major airports in southern England are within easy reach, including Gatwick, Heathrow, Luton, Stansted and Birmingham.
view the 10 most recently added properties for sale in Berkshire
2 bedroom flat in Chalvey Grs, Slough, Berkshire - From £144,950
A beautifully presented two double bedroom first floor maisonet located on the out scuirts of Slough Town Centre. The property comes fully double glazed, gas central heating, private rear garden.... view full details
3 bedroom house in Fane Way - Asking price of £275,000
A 3 bedroom extended semi detached property comprising a re-fitted kitchen/breakfast room, a wet room and an enclosed rear garden. Viewings recommended... view full details
4 bedroom house in Lambourn, Berkshire - Asking price of £499,995
A well presented and spacious barn conversion finished to a high standard and situated in the heart of the vilage. Four bedrooms three bathrooms sitting room study ktchen / breakfast room ...... view full details
4 bedroom house in Lambourn, Berkshire - Asking price of £470,000
A well presented and spacious barn conversion finished to a high standard and situated in the heart of the vilage. Four bedrooms three bathrooms sitting room study ktchen / breakfast room ...... view full details
1 bedroom flat in Armstrong Way, Reading, Airfield, Berkshire - Asking price of £149,950
A really lovely ground floor corner maisonette in a popular cul-de-sac on the Airfield development within walking distance of local bus stops, schools, shopping and recreational amenities....... view full details
2 bedroom house in Palmerstone Road, Reading, Earley, Berkshire - Asking price of £300,000
A highly unique and most interesting bay fronted detached chalet style home in a non estate location set conveniently between Woodley and Earley and providing easy access to Reading Town Centre...... view full details
3 bedroom house in Ullswater Close Thatcham - Asking price of £175,000
From Chancellors : This spacious three bedroom home provides ample room for the growing family. With an integral garage and driveway space.... view full details
5 bedroom house in Ashmansworth, Newbury, Berkshire - Guide Price of £725,000
A delightful cottage, overlooking farmland and countryside, within easy access of good schools and communicationsThurston Cottage is situated in Ashmansworth, a conservation area, and with... view full details
4 bedroom house in Great Common, Inkpen, Hungerford, Berkshire - Guide Price of £750,000
A delightful family house in a private yet accessible location, with glorious views over the surrounding farmland towards Coombe GibbetInkpen Cottage was built in a period style in 1990, w... view full details
