The Royal Berkshire Hotel is a fantastic base for a whole host
of attractions and events in Berkshire. Here are just a few to get
you started!
Dorney Court
Dorney Court
Dorney Court is one of the finest Tudor manor houses in the
country. Built in 1440, it has been lived in by the same family for
over 450 years, and is still lived in today.
The rooms are full of 15th and 16th-century oak and beautiful
17th-century lacquer furniture. The adjacent 13th-century church of
St James, with Norman front and Tudor tower, is also open to the
public.
Dorney is the ancient word for "island of bees" and the house is
famous for its production of honey. Curiously, the first pineapple
ever to be grown in England was grown here, and presented to
Charles II in 1661.
Please note: the house is open on both May bank holidays and the
preceding Sundays as well as the month of August.
Visitor Information
When: May 2011 (various dates)
Where: Dorney Court
Cost:£7.50, children £4.50
Opening Hours
3rd, 4th, 24th & 25th May: 1.30pm-4pm
Aug: Sun-Fri 1.30pm-4pm
Directions
Ten minutes from Windsor Castle and 5 minutes from Eton
College.
By Car: turn off the M4 motorway at Junction 7.
Mapledurham House and Watermill
Mapledurham House and Watermill
Mapledurham Watermill is the last working mill on the River
Thames and, along with the nearby stately home, is a popular
tourist attraction. Tours of the property are available throughout
the summer months.
Visitor Information
When: Apr - Sep 2011, Weekends only
(annual)
Where: Mapledurham House and Watermill
Cost: House & Mill £7, children £3, under 5s
free
Opening Hours
Sat, Sun and bank holidays 2pm-5.30pm
Eton College
Eton College
Eton College was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI and has become
one of the most exclusive schools in the world. Tours of the
college include the cloisters, the chapel, the oldest classroom and
the Museum of Eton Life.
The school has taught 18 former British Prime Ministers,
including the Duke of Wellington, Walpole, Pitt the Elder,
MacMillan and Douglas-Home. Boys still have to wear black tailcoats
and waistcoat plus pin-striped trousers, a uniform which dates from
the 1850s.
Exact opening times and dates can vary throughout the season due to
special functions and private events so be sure to check the Eton
College website for up-to-date information before your visit.
Visitor Information
When: Mar - Oct 2011 (annual)
Where: Eton College
Cost: Tours: £6.20-£10.50; concessions £5.20
Opening Hours
Tours: 25 Mar-20 Apr: daily 10.30am-4.30pm; 21 Apr-2 July: Wed
& Fri-Sun 1.30pm-4.30pm; 3 Jul-7 Sep: daily 10.30am-4.30pm; 9
Sep-3 Oct: Wed & Fri-Sun 1.30pm-4.30pm
Directions
By Train: to Windsor & Eton Central
Maidenhead Farmers' Market
Maidenhead Farmers' Market
Those of you who are yet to be convinced about the merits of
farmers' markets should visit Maidenhead Farmers' Market, held on
Groves Road. It's one of the town's most reliable addresses for
fresh, locally produced treats and savoury delicacies.
All of the produce here has been reared, cooked, baked or
matured in farms near Maidenhead. Omnivores can choose from a host
of pork, chicken, beef, lamb, venison and deliciously fresh
seafood. There are also rich cheeses, fresh bread and pressed
juices available should you work up a thirst while you shop.
Visitor Information
When:8 - 23 May 2011 (monthly)
Where: Groves Road Car Park
Opening Hours
10am-1pm
Directions
The market takes place every second Sunday of the month in
the Grove Road car park behind the town hall. Free parking is
available in the adjacent Town Hall car park.
Maidenhead is on the A4, off the A404.