We have compiled a list of Historic Heritage Sites in Berkshire to visit during your stay. We hope the information about the history sites in Berkshire helps you with your holiday planning.
1. Donnington Castle - near Newbury, Berks, RG14 2LE
Donnington Castle was built by Richard Abberbury in 1386 under licence from Richard II. The impressive twin towered gatehouse is all that remains from this time as well as the earthworks that were constructed in a star shape around the castle at the time of the civil war when it was the focus of a long Parliamentarian siege.
2. Basildon Park - Lower Basildon, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 9NR
Basildon Park is a superb Georgian Mansion built in the 18th century and surrounded by wonderful parkland. It fell into ruin after WWII until rescued by Lord and Lady Iliffe who lovingly restored it and filled it with beautiful furnishings and paintings from the original time period. Today it is a grade 1 listed building owned by the National Trust who have an ongoing restoration plan for the pleasure grounds and run family events and talks.
3. Ashdown House - Lambourn, Newbury, Berkshire, RG17 8RE
Ashdown House was built in the 17th century and has spectacular views over the Berkshire Downs. It was thought to have been built for Elizabeth of Bohemia, sister of Charles I. Today it is owned by the National Trust who run restricted guided tours as it is tenanted. Ashdown House at National Trust Website
4. Runnymede - Old Windsor, Berks, SL4 2JL
Runnymede was the site where King John sealed the Magna Carta in 1215 and today set in beautiful countryside are various memorials to different times in world history, with regular guided tours run by the National Trust, marked trails and ancient woodland to explore.
5. Shaw House - Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 2DR
Shaw House is a magnificent Elizabethan Mansion built in 1581 by Thomas Dolman a Yorkshire man who settled in Newbury and made his fortune as a clothier. Several generations of Dolmans lie buried in Shaw Church adjoining the building. In 1721 the Dolmans sold the house to James Brydges, the 1st Duke of Chandos who is still remembered for his charitable work in Newbury. Today the building is grade I listed and owned by West Berkshire District Council who have renovated it and opened it as a visitor attraction.
6. Highclere Castle - Newbury, Berks, RG20 9RN
Highclere Castle is a wonderful Victorian castle and has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. The present house was built in 1842 by the 3rd Earl of Carnarvon and all the interiors were completed by the 4th Earl in 1878. Today you can see magnificent architecture, wonderful furnishings, art and antiquities as well as 1000 acres of stunning landscaped gardens and parkland.
7. Mapledurham House & Watermill - Mapledurham, Berks, RG4 7TR
Mapledurham House has a long history and was recorded in the Doomsday as two separate manors Mapledurham Gurney and Mapledurham Chazey. The larger manor was owned by Gerard De Gourney and it passed to several families through marriage before being bought by Richard Blount of Iver in 1490 whose family descendants it has remained with ever since. The Watermill also mentioned in the Doomsday is the only working watermill on the Thames producing stone ground flour today. Both attractions are open to visitors bank holidays and weekends.
