Are you looking for fun family days out near Reading with the kids or an adventure suitable for babies? Look no further! From indoor activities like soft play centers and museums to outdoor attractions like castles and theme parks; below you can find great days out around the county of Berkshire. No need to panic search ‘things to do near me’ while the kids are screaming “I’m bored’. I’ve got you covered.
The below map of local attractions are all around an hour and a half drive from Reading, Berkshire. These have all been recommended by mums and dads active in the NCT Reading Facebook Group so you know you’re in for a great family day out.
Each location on the map is tagged to one of the below categories so you can quickly find something that takes your fancy. Simply click on the marker and it will bring up a box with the post code and link to the attractions website. To keep track of what’s happening at each of the attractions you can follow all their Instagram feeds by adding your favourites from my Instagram following.
Castles NEAR READING
- Donnington Castle: Explore the historic ruins and climb the tower for panoramic views.
- Warwick Castle: Step into a medieval world with exciting shows and knightly adventures.
- Windsor Castle: Be enchanted by the grandeur of the King’s official residence, filled with royal history.
English Heritage
- Stonehenge: Marvel at the ancient stone circle and unlock the mysteries of prehistoric Britain.
Farms NEAR READING
- Bocketts Farm: Enjoy hands-on animal encounters and outdoor play areas for the little ones.
- Bucklebury Farm: Discover a vast farm with tractor rides, animal encounters, and a delightful playground.
- Finkley Down Farm: Experience a fun-filled day with farm animals, play zones, and daily activities.
- Grays Farm Pick Your Own: Have a berry good time picking your own fruits and vegetables.
- Green Dragon Eco Farm: Delight in eco-friendly adventures and meet a variety of farm animals.
- Lockey Farm: Embrace a traditional farm experience with animals and a charming farm shop.
- Mead Open Farm: Engage in interactive farm fun, from animal encounters to adventure play.
- Miller’s Ark Animals: Enjoy a petting zoo experience with friendly animals for all ages.
- Millets Farm Centre: Explore a diverse farm with a garden center, animal attractions, and a maze.
- Odds Farm Park: Treat the family to a day of animal encounters, indoor play, and outdoor adventures.
- The Bucks Goat Centre: Get up close and personal with adorable goats and other farm animals.
Museums NEAR READING
- Beaulieu Motor Museum: Experience the world of automobiles through fascinating exhibits and vintage cars.
- Chiltern Open Air Museum: Step back in time with historic buildings and hands-on activities.
- Crofton Beam Engines: Discover the power of steam engines in a picturesque setting.
- Dicot Railway Centre: Take a journey through railway history with vintage trains and interactive displays.
- Farnborough Air Sciences Trust: Ignite aviation enthusiasts’ curiosity with a collection of aircraft and memorabilia.
- Mercedes-Benz World: Explore the world of luxury cars and enjoy thrilling driving experiences.
- Milestones Living History Museum: Travel through time with interactive exhibits and period settings.
- Museum of Berkshire Aviation: Uncover the region’s aviation history with displays of aircraft and artifacts.
- National Museum of the Royal Navy: Dive into maritime history with captivating exhibits and naval artifacts.
- Oxford Story Museum: Immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling with interactive exhibits.
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History: Encounter fascinating specimens and exhibits showcasing the natural world.
- River & Rowing Museum: Blend history and riverside life with engaging exhibits and family activities.
- The Look Out Discovery Center: Spark curiosity with interactive science exhibits and outdoor adventures.
- Winchester Science Centre and Planetarium: Explore the wonders of science and astronomy through hands-on displays.
National Trust
- Avebury: Wander among ancient stones and explore the largest stone circle in the world.
- Basildon Park: Stroll through elegant rooms and gardens of this Georgian mansion.
- Buscot Park: Discover a tranquil estate with picturesque gardens and an impressive art collection.
- Cliveden: Experience the splendor of this historic mansion and its stunning gardens.
- Coombe Hill (Chiltern Hills): Hike to the top for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
- Greys Court: Roam through a charming Tudor house and its delightful gardens.
- Hinton Ampner: Enjoy the beauty of gardens and explore a stylish Georgian mansion.
- Hughenden: Uncover the secret wartime history of this Victorian mansion.
- Lacock Abbey: Step into the past with the enchanting abbey and village scenes.
- Mottisfont: Admire the impressive house, gardens, and art exhibitions in this historic setting.
- Stowe: Wander through landscaped gardens and iconic temples in this 18th-century estate.
- The Vyne: Explore Tudor history and stroll through beautiful gardens in this National Trust property.
- Waddesdon: Be captivated by the elegance of the Rothschild’s French-style château and gardens.
- West Green House Garden: Immerse yourself in the beauty of this charming 18th-century garden.
- Winkworth Arboretum: Enjoy a peaceful walk among rare trees and vibrant foliage.
Parks & Gardens NEAR READING
- California Country Park: Relax by the lake, go for a nature walk, or let the kids play in the adventure playground.
- Dinton Pastures Country Park: Experience the outdoors with lakeside walks, birdwatching, and water activities.
- Swinley Forest: Embrace nature with walking and biking trails in this expansive forest.
- Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre: Connect with nature through wildlife exhibits, trails, and lakeside views.
- The Long Walk & Deer Park: Enjoy a leisurely stroll in Windsor along the iconic Long Walk with deer roaming freely.
- The Savill Garden: Immerse yourself in a stunning royal garden with diverse plant collections.
- Virginia Water: Explore the scenic landscape, woodlands, and the picturesque lake.
- Wendover Woods: Delight in outdoor adventures with trails, play areas, and treetop experiences.
Play Parks NEAR READING
- 4 Kingdoms Adventure & Farm Park: Experience a blend of adventure, animals, and play zones for all ages.
- Beale Wildlife Park: Discover wildlife, gardens, and play areas in this family-friendly park.
- Hobbledown: Enter a magical world with themed play areas, animals, and an enchanted maze.
- Jakes Indoor Soft Play & Mini Farm: Let the little ones enjoy indoor play and meet adorable farm animals.
- Wellington Country Park: Have a fun-filled day with adventure play, nature trails, and lakeside picnics.
- Wonder Woods at Stonor: Immerse children in a woodland wonderland with engaging play structures.
Theme Parks
- Chessington World of Adventures: Experience thrilling rides, encounters with exotic animals, and family-friendly fun.
- Diggerland: Enjoy a unique adventure with real construction machinery and fun rides.
- Legoland: Dive into a world of LEGO-themed rides, attractions, and creative experiences.
- Paultons Park & Peppa Pig World: Delight in family rides and meet beloved Peppa Pig characters.
- Thorpe Park: Get your adrenaline pumping with thrilling roller coasters and water rides.
Zoos
- Bird World: Explore an array of bird species and enjoy interactive exhibits.
- Cotswolds Wildlife Park & Gardens: Encounter a diverse collection of wildlife in beautifully landscaped grounds.
- Crocodiles of the World: Discover the fascinating world of crocodiles and reptiles.
- Longleat Safari Park: Embark on a safari adventure and explore the stately home and grounds.
- Marwell Zoo: Get close to a wide range of animals and enjoy interactive exhibits.
- Whipsnade Zoo: Roam through expansive enclosures and witness a variety of wildlife.
- Woburn Safari Park: Drive through safari areas and explore animal exhibits in this expansive park.
Best of the rest
- Bekonscot Model Village & Railway: Step into a miniature world with charming model villages and trains.
- Blenheim Palace: Marvel at the grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site and its stunning gardens.
- Little Street Children’s Role Play Centre: Ignite young imaginations with interactive role-playing environments.
- The Hellfire Caves: Venture into mysterious caves with a fascinating history and guided tours.
- The Living Rainforest: Explore a lush rainforest environment with diverse plants and free-roaming animals.
Let me know what you think of these fun family days out near Reading. Did you enjoy the house at Basildon Park National Trust, the deer at Bucklebury Farm or Cinnamon the sloth at the Living Rainforest? I’d love to hear!
I’m always looking for new places in Berkshire to add to the list so if you find a new fun thing to do at the weekend comment below and I’ll get it added for others to enjoy.
If walking is more your thing then keep an eye out on my blog for photo walks around Berkshire or follow #PhotoWalksBerkshire on Instagram.
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