Fun, family-friendly summer holiday activities in Berkshire

Need some inspiration for fun kid-friendly days out in Berkshire with your family this year? Here’s my local guide to the best summer holiday activities in Berkshire to help you make some beautiful memories together this season.

The summer holidays are fast approaching and it feels like this year, more than ever, there’s a need to have a bit of a plan in place. With everyone opting for a ‘staycation’ rather than abandoning ship and skipping off to hotter climes, booking your days out in advance is definitely going to be the key for 2021. With so many venues planning on keeping their numbers limited, our days out in Berkshire will need a little bit of forward-thinking, especially if we’re trying to avoid the unnecessary stress and disappointment involved with having a carload of kids and no plan in place!

Of course, as well as making memories together as a family this summer, how about capturing them?! As a Berkshire Family Photographer, I offer sessions designed specifically with your children in mind, keeping them as relaxed and natural as possible. Providing you with soulful imagery to be treasured for years to come. It’s the perfect opportunity to press pause for a moment and just enjoy being together as a family. Click below for more information about the different photography sessions that I offer.

Here is a rundown of my best summer holiday activities and family days out in Berkshire. Of course, please feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments below, I’m always looking for new places to explore myself!

(Please note that due to the current situation, I would recommend checking the up to date opening times and details before making arrangements or travelling)

Best Family Days Out In Berkshire

Windsor Castle, https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle –

• Opening times – 10am until 5.15pm (peak times), closed Tuesday & Wednesdays. Check the website for full details as some areas are closed at different times.
• Parking – no on-site car parking at Windsor Castle. However, there is a short stay car park in the town centre, or 4 long stay, cheaper car parks within a 10-minute walk from the Castle. Romney Lock, King Edward VII, Alma Road or Alexandra Gardens.
• Price – Adult = £23.50, children (5-16) = £13.50, children under 5 = free
• Facilities – disabled access, on site cafe/restaurant, toilets, gift shops

Of course, I just had to start with the jewel of the crown, quite literally!!

Did you know that Windsor Castle is the oldest & largest occupied castle in the world! And is still one of the 3 official residences of The Queen, in fact, it’s apparently her favorite home, which she visits most weekends.

Windsor Castle really is such a fantastic day out for the kids! My Auntie only lived down the road, so me and my sister visited loads growing up. And now I get to share the joy with my girls, who also love it! Plus, you’ll feel like your winning at parenting as they are learning too!! Bonus!!

You’ll get to explore the state apartments and semi-state rooms, all filled to the brim with historic works of art from The Royal Collection. I would definitely recommend a visit to the world’s most famous dolls house, complete with running water and electricity! Or why not pop across to St George’s Chapel to see where Prince Harry & Meghan Markle got married in May 2018. (Please check the website for up to date information following the advice on COVID-19 and which areas will be open).

If you fancy a visit, please note that tickets must be booked in advance.

Beale Wildlife Park, https://bealepark.org.uk/

• Opening times – 10am to 5pm (summer timings)
• Parking – large on-site car park, free of charge
• Price – adults = £15.50, children (2 to 15yrs) = £12.20, children (under 2) = free
• Facilities -picnic tables, the Peacock Restaurant and Honesty Café, toilets, disabled facilities

Beale Wildlife Park has definitely been a firm family favourite of ours over the years. Set amongst 40 acres of land and nestled alongside the River Thames, it was originally created to care for endangered birds and mammals and still to this day, is home to a massive variety of animals.

Not only will you be able to visit the zoo & farmyard, but the park is also filled with a huge variety of play areas including the adventure playground, the zip wire, the massive bouncy pillow, the rope play, the paddling pool and the sandpit. There’s even the Toddler’s Village for the younger ones filled with cars & trikes for them to burn some of that extra energy off!

Again pre-booking tickets is essential.

Go Ape, Bracknell, Swinley Forest, https://goape.co.uk/locations/bracknell –

• Opening times – 10am to 5pm (in high season)
• Parking – large on-site car park, with charges
• Price – Treetop Challenge = £33, Treetop Adventure Plus = £25, Treetop Adventure = £20
• Facilities – dogs permitted, on-site cafe/restaurant, picnic tables, toilets

Perfect for our little thrill-seekers, Go Ape is a high-ropes adventure course that takes place high amongst the treetops. As you make your way along the obstacle course embedded into the forest canopy, you’ll find that each section comes with a new challenge, navigate the precarious crossings and wobbly bridges before ending with an exhilarating zip-line back down to the forest floor.

Go Ape really does cater for all levels of experience with 3 courses to choose from; Treetop Adventure for the younger ones, Treetop Adventure Plus for those 1.2m or higher and the Treetop Challenge for anyone taller than 1.4m, although adults can choose the easier options or accompany their children should they wish.

And if flying through the trees attached to a harness is not your thing, don’t worry, there’s plenty of ground-based activities at Swinley Forest, including the Segways, the bike trails and their coffee shop.

Bucklebury Farm Park, https://buckleburyfarm.co.uk/ –

• Opening times – 08.30am to 4.30pm
• Parking – large free on-site car park
• Price – Adults = £11.45, children (2 & over) = £10.75, seniors = £10.75, children under 2 = free
• Facilities – on-site cafe/restaurant, picnic tables, toilets

You’ll find Bucklebury Farm nestled in the stunning Pang Valley in Berkshire, just outside of Bucklebury Village. This 70-acre working farm is also home to Pygmys, Berkshire Pigs, Alpacas, Donkeys, Anglo-Nubian goats, Shetland Ponies, Lambs and Chickens! With a full year-round programme of activities, every season offers a different adventure, from bottle feeding the baby lambs in Spring, to meeting the newly arrived piglets in Autumn or just pop by to have a cuddle with the rabbits & guinea pigs.

Bucklebury Farm is also home to a huge deer herd including four different breeds and offers frequent tractor rides up into the fields so you can get up-close and learn a little more about them and their behaviours.

There’s also plenty of outdoor adventures to be had with their bouncy pillow, go-kart track, playground, obstacle course and zip wire.

Bucklebury Farm was always one of our favourite days out when my girls were younger, I would also highly recommend purchasing the season ticket if you think you’ll visit a few times as they are currently available at £60 per adult and £54 per child which we easily made the most of over the year.

Legoland, Windsor, https://www.legoland.co.uk/ –

• Opening times – 10am to 5pm
• Parking – large on-site car park, chargeable but save 18% if you book in advance
• Price – Adults = from £29 if booking at least 1 day in advance (further ticket options available)
• Facilities – full disabled access, 11 cafes/restaurants on-site, picnic area, toilets with changing facilities, gift shop

I couldn’t possibly write a blog post about family days out in Berkshire without mentioning Legoland in Windsor! Our Berkshire-based theme park is full to the brim with Lego-themed rides and attractions, ideal for children between the ages of 3 and 12.

Set in 150 acres of parkland with 12 themed lands, you’ll have the choice of 55 interactive rides, live shows throughout the park, Lego building workshops and there’s even a driving school!

Legoland really does have something for everyone, there is just so much to do, plus if you do think you’ll need longer than one day at the park, you can always book a nights stay at one of their 2 Legoland Hotels!

As a side note though, the park can get very busy during peak times, so if you can visit off-peak and avoid the weekends, bank holidays, and special park events, you’ll find it a lot easier and will face far fewer queues! Or failing that, I would suggest either starting early and getting there as the gates open or even go later to stay until the end. I would just avoid the middle of the day. Plus I would highly recommend downloading the app as it’s an absolute godsend when it comes to checking out the queue times so you can pick and choose depending on the wait.

Wellington Country Park, https://wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/ –

• Opening times – 9.30am to 5.30pm (high season)
• Parking – large free on-site car park
• Price – Adults & children (3 and above) = £15.95, children under 3 are free (these are peak season prices, low season starts at £12.95)
• Facilities – disabled facilities, cafe/restaurant on-site, picnic area, toilets with changing facilities, gift shop

Set in 350 acres of stunning parkland, Wellington Park is found between Basingstoke and Reading, along the A33 and is an ideal day out for families and children 8 and under.

There is just so much to do here, in fact it’s the biggest outdoor play area in Berkshire! I know, impressive!!

Wellington Park is made up of several different adventure areas positioned around the site’s lake and it’s here you’ll find everything to keep your little ones entertained! Including an animal farm where they hold daily petty sessions, a miniature railway that takes you on a 5-minute loop around the park, a huge jumping pillow, the perfect way to get rid of any extra energy! Plus there’s splash zones, sandpits, water play, wellie wheels the lost dinosaur immersive zone, an adventure playground …. and the list keeps going!!

There are also several nature trails through the woods and around the lake, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for any animals, birds, or insects that you might encounter along the way!!

Best Water Activities for kids in Berkshire

Lagoona Park, Reading – https://lagoonapark.com/ –

• Opening times – 10am to 7pm, closed Tuesdays
• Parking – large free on-site car park
• Price – £15.00 per person
• Facilities – changing facilities with showers, toilets, lockers, the Bar & Grill upstrairs, the Snack Shack by the beach.

If you have any energetic thrill-seekers, this is definitely the place for them!! Lagoona Park is home to one of the world’s largest aqua parks, found on their 25-acre freshwater lake just outside of Reading.

Within your 50-minute time slot, you’ll get to challenge yourself by negotiating the many inflatable slides, climbing walls, and various obstacles. Be prepared to fall in the water though, after all, it’s part of the fun, and for this reason, I would definitely recommend taking your own wetsuit or hiring one from the activity centre (at £6), that water is extremely cold!!

If you fancy something a little less challenging, the activity centre also hires out paddleboards and paddle boats and have qualified instructors on-site ready to help with all levels of ability.

And if this is still all too energetic, it’s great to find yourself a little spot on the sandy beach, grab a coffee from the Snack Shack and watch your family from the shoreline (as long as your children are 8+, any children 8 or under will need to be accompanied by an adult).

As an important side note, I would definitely recommend making sure you have filled out all the necessary waiver forms prior to arrival, doing it there is frowned upon and can delay your start!!

Coral Reef Waterworld, Bracknell, https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/coral-reef-waterworld/ –

• Opening times – 10.30am to 8.45pm
• Parking – a chargeable car park on site
• Price – Adult, 16+ = £15.80, Juniors, over 8 = £11.20, Juniors, under 5 = free. Family tickets available = £46
• Facilities – changing facilities, toilet, shop, cafe/restaurant

Coral Reef (having recently underwent a massive £13 million refurbishment) is proud to say they are one of the largest interactive water worlds in the world!!! And we’re lucky enough to have it right on our doorsteps!

The swimming pool itself is pretty impressive featuring a bubble pool, rapids, fountains, the Little Coral’s children’s area plus we can’t forget about the famous pirate ship which has always been a firm favourite with both of my girls. They also have a selection of 5 giant water slides suitable for all levels making it perfect for both family & children, from the gentle Aqua Splash through to the thrill-seekers choice, the Storm Chaser.

Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst, https://www.dinton-pastures.co.uk/ –

• Opening times – 9am to 5pm
• Parking – a chargeable car park on site
• Price – day pass = £10, afternoon pass = £6
• Facilities – changing facilities, toilet, shop, cafe/restaurant

Dinton Pastures should be high up on your to-do list if you’re looking for some water-based family activities this summer, with a full range of adventurous options available. Including boat hire, dinghy sailing, paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking. Recognised as a fully affiliated training centre by the Adventurous Activities Licensing Authority, the Royal Yachting Association, British Canoeing and Ofsted, this is the place to come to if you’re looking to try out a new potential hobby!

Plus, if messing around on the lakes is not you’re thing, pop on over to the California Country Park, which recently opened in April 2021 and is divided into 2 areas, the Sensory Gardens; designed for younger children to immerse themselves in creative play with a variety of imaginative water play activities, and the Wild Wood; which is more for the older children & teenagers, with 3 different treehouses all of the varying heights & challenge levels, including a zip wire, rope and pole agility course and a climbing pyramid. The whole area has been designed to help children play and connect with nature and is open all year round.

Whilst you’re here I would also strongly recommend visiting Jackson’s Café where they serve fresh, homemade and locally source food, which is just gorgeous!!

(Unfortunately, they have taken the decision to keep the paddling pool closed for now due to COVID-19 restrictions, but are planning on re-opening this for the summer holidays).

Windsor Duck Tour, https://www.windsorducktours.co.uk/ –

• Opening times – The Swan Splash Road & River Duck Tour = 10am, 11am, 2.40pm, 5.10pm. The Mallard Splash Road & River Duck Tour = 12.10pm & 15.50pm (up to date timings are available on the website)
• Parking – no on-site car parking. However, there is a short stay car park in the town centre, or 4 long stay, cheaper car parks within a 10/15-minute walk from the pick up/drop off points. Romney Lock, King Edward VII, Alma Road or Alexandra Gardens.
• Price – adults = £23, children (2 – 14) = £15, children under 2 = free
• Facilities – an english speaking guide

If you’re looking for something a little different, a Windsor Duck Tour is a must!! My girls and I firmly believe this is the best way to see the sights of Windsor!!

With 2 tours to choose from, both begin on the road as you drive along taking in some of the best sightseeing spots Windsor has to offer, before splashing into the water and joining the River Thames. Here you’ll get the opportunity to view the breathtaking views of the Castle by the river along with many more famous sights.

Both the ‘Swan Splash Road And River Duck Tour’ & the ‘Mallard Splash Road And River Duck Tour’ are an hour long and have a fun, live guide to educate you as you travel.

Best family beaches near Berkshire –

I’m literally obsessed with going to the beach, it’s my absolute perfect day out and definitely where I am at my happiest. And it doesn’t even matter about the weather! Obviously, you can’t beat a gorgeous sunset, but equally, I’m just as much in love with a dark moody day.

Being that we live in Berkshire, a bit of travelling is a must, so here are my favourite, not too far away favourites.

Lepe Country Park, https://www.hants.gov.uk/thingstodo/countryparks/lepe –

• Opening times – 7am to 10pm
• Parking – a chargeable car park on site
• Facilities – parking, dog friendly, toilets, the ‘Lookout’ cafe

You’ll find Lepe on the edge of the New Forest, just 9 miles south of Southampton with over a mile of beach overlooking the Solent and The Isle Of Wight.

With its pebble beach and country park, there is plenty to explore here making it a firm family favourite. Including a large children’s play area, the ‘Lookout’ cafe serving fresh, local produce all with a view of the Solent, a 5 mile marked coastal walk and a conservation area with a sensory cottage garden for the younger children.

Dogs are also welcome all year round, although only in certain areas through the peak season from April to the end of September.

There is also a large car park within the country park itself, just a few minutes walk from the beach.

Sandbanks Beach, https://www.sandbanksbeach.co.uk/ –

• Opening times – 9am to 5pm
• Parking – a chargeable car park next to the beach
• Facilities – parking, dog friendly (within certain areas), toilets, a café

If a golden, sandy beach is more your thing, then Sandbanks has to be on your list of nearby beaches to visit.

I always found this such an easy beach to visit on days when it was just me and the girls, especially when they were younger, as everything is so easily accessible. The car park is literally a few minutes walk away from the beach, plus the cafe and the toilets are right there.

If you fancy something a little more adventurous than sunbathing, there are loads of different water sports available for you to try your hand at; kitesurfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, ringo rides, kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding, all available with instructors or just to hire out on their own. Or why not hire out a bike for the day and ride across to Bournemouth, Poole Quay or to Old Harry Rocks!!

There is also plenty for the younger kids to do, including crazy golf and a children’s play area, both right next to the beach.

I would definitely recommend earlier rather than later when visiting as the parking can get a little crazy during the peak season.

Mudeford Quay, https://www.visit-dorset.com/explore/mudeford-p1148403 –

• Opening times – open 24 hours
• Parking – a chargeable car park next to the beach
• Facilities – parking, dog friendly (within certain areas), toilets, a café, a pub, water activities to hire

Ohhhh, another of my favourites, and again so different to the others I have mentioned above.

Mudeford is split into 2 areas, the Quay and the Sandbank. The Quay is definitely the hub of activity, popular for sailing, windsurfing and paddleboarding, there’s also a large green area which is great for picnics, or you can visit either the pub or café if you prefer, which both serve food daily (check with the pub & cafe directly if visiting out of season).

This is a really popular place for families, the crabbing being a highlight for kids. And don’t worry if you’ve forgotten the kit, you can buy the buckets, nets and bait from the shop at the end of the Quay.

If you fancy somewhere that’s a little more chilled, then head on over to the Sandbank. This is only accessible from the Quay via the ferry which runs back and forth every 15 minutes, from 10am through to 5pm (only from late March to late October). Here you’ll find their beautiful golden sandy beach and exclusive, colourful beach huts, known to be the most expensive in the UK. There’s also a beachside café on the Sandbank meaning you don’t need to travel back over to the Quay for lunchtime.

If you fancy it you can also take a walk from the Sandbank across to Hengistbury Head’s nature reserve and beach, which is another stunning spot on the south coast!

West Wittering Beach, http://westwitteringestate.co.uk/ –

• Opening times – 6.30am to 8.30pm
• Parking – a chargeable car park next to the beach
• Facilities – toilets, showers, parking and a café

If I was absolutely forced to choose just one beach as my favourite, it would have to be West Wittering. I just love it so much and have spent so much time here with my girls, whether it’s the most glorious of sunny days, or the windiest & wettest days, I really don’t care, I just absolutely love it!!

West Wittering Beach itself is so gorgeous, totally unspoilt and absolutely massive!! (especially when the tide is out), also known for its super clean waters (in fact it’s recognised as having Blue Flag status!) and amazing facilities, which makes it perfect for families. The beach is lined by sand dunes and colourful beach huts plus you’ll be able to see the spectacular views of Chichester Harbour and the South Downs.

There is a huge grassland area behind the sand dunes which is popular for those looking for the perfect picnic spot, or if not, The Beach Café is open daily. There is also a large car park behind the beach which is currently only available for pre-booking, I would highly recommend booking early as some weekends, especially in the school holidays, fill quickly and will close for bookings.

West Wittering Beach is also very popular with the windsurfers and kitesurfers, although this is limited to members of the West Wittering Windsurf Club only through March to September, but great to watch!!

Best Rainy Day Activities for families in Berkshire

KD Gymnastics, https://www.kdgymnastics.co.uk/ –

• Opening times – 9am to 7pm
• Parking – free car park on site
• Price – membershiop from £19.00/year + classes are extra
• Facilities – toilets

If you’re looking for something to do that has the added bonus of totally & utterly wearing your children out, then this has to be one of your top choices!!

Here the kids get to go wild whilst they explore all of the various gymnastic equipment all in a safe and positive environment. They offer a variety of different classes to suit all levels, from their open play drop-in sessions where the children roll, jump and swing whilst the adults watch on, to the more structured classes which cater for all ages, from pre-school (18months – 3 years), through to 16+. (Please note that a membership would be required before joining in any of the classes).

The Living Rainforest, https://livingrainforest.org/ –

• Opening times – 9.30am – 12.30pm and 1pm – 4pm
• Parking – free car park on site
• Price – Adult = £11.85, Child = £9.55, Children under 2 = free
• Facilities – toilets, café, car parking

This feels like such a little hidden gem and somewhere I have been taking my girls since they were little!

The Living Rainforest is the perfect place to discover and learn everything there is to know about a lush, tropical rainforest. Home to over 850 different species of rainforest animals and plants (also including some endangered varieties that are protected by the Global Conversation value). Here you’ll make your way through their three glasshouses with their interesting inhabitants and colourful, lush vegetation. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for Cinnamon The Sloth!!

Again pre-booking is a must and please note that this is not a full day out, but possibly an hour or 2 max!

Red Kangaroo, Reading, https://www.redkangaroo.co.uk/parks/reading/ –

• Opening times – 10am to 7pm
• Parking – free car park on site
• Price – £11.95 per person for the main sessions
• Facilities – toilets, café, car parking

This is always an amazing choice for a rainy day in the UK! The Red Kangaroo is jam-packed with trampolines, inflatables and slides all interconnecting so you can bounce your way around the entire room.

You’ll have access to over 100 trampolines, foam pits, tower jumps, power tower, half pipes, dodgeball, gladiator beams and slam dunk courts. There’s also tumble tracks, wall runs, a wipeout zone and ninja courses all adding a different challenge to the next. (Some may be closed due to COVID, make sure you call or check their website for more info).

Red Kangaroo offers a variety of different sessions depending on the children’s age & what you’re looking for. Starting with the Kanga Bounce which is the most popular and offers an hours worth of unlimited bouncing for anyone 4 and over. There is the Kanga Tots, which is designed for under 5 and offers a toddler-friendly session that does require an accompanying adult. The Kanga Family which is specifically for families with various aged younger children between the age of 2 and 12, keeping the teenagers out (again all children 4 and under would need to have a supervising adult) and lastly the Kango Calm which has been created for those that are happier with a quieter, more relaxed session, for children with anxiety, autism, or sensory needs.

There is also a café with a great viewing platform for any adults that are much happier enjoying a coffee and a book rather than a full-on workout!!!

A little bit about me!!

Hi, I’m Jennie, I’m a natural light photographer, a storyteller & a memory preserver providing real, soulful imagery for fun-loving families across the South of England and beyond!

Families are beautiful. They’re crazy, they’re silly, they’re unique and they’re goofy. There are hard times, sad times, good times and precious times. Intertwined with all those ups and downs are moments that we wish we could capture, bottle up and relive again and again!

If you’re looking for stylish – but not styled, relaxed – but not regular, precious but not posed family shots to keep forever, then maybe I am the photographer for you.