English Counties, Berkshire, A Whistle Stop Tour

After leaving Wiltshire, we're soon in the Royal County of Berkshire and we come to the town of Hungerford where we can see the narrow boats on the Kennet and Avon Canal passing through, or browse the many antique shops there.

Picture by Michael Webb

As we head towards Newbury, we stop off north of the town to see the remains of Donnington Castle; attacked in 1644 during the Civil War by Oliver Cromwell and his Parliamentarian army while Col. John Boys held the castle for the King.

Picture by Paul Hilton

Just off the town centre, we can enjoy a walk along the canal tow path at West Mills.

Picture by Edward Lever

Adjoining Newbury is the town of Thatcham; the oldest continuously inhabited village in England. Former gravel pits have been made into the Discovery Centre we can have a walk around for all the various birds that live or stop off here, arriving from as far north as Norway or from South Africa in the south, on their travels.

Picture by Paul Hilton

As we head towards Reading, we pass by where England's first petrol station opened in 1919 near Aldermaston station, and Aldermaston wharf nearby.

Picture by Paul Hilton

We arrive at Reading; a major town on the River Thames that has anything from Norman history of Reading Abbey to modern shopping centers to see; Madjeski football stadium, home of the Reading Royals FC, and in 2012 will be under going a £400 million rebuilding of the train station area.

Picture by Olga Shevchenko

Following the Thames, we'll come to the village of Bray; noted for it's film studios and countless Hammer horror films been made there; the odd famous celebrity living there, and one of the best resturants in the world.

Picture by Hans

And we arrive at Windsor which must have the best known attraction in Berkshire, Windsor Castle; home of Kings and Queens since the time of William the Conqueror.

Picture by Paul Hilton

And just like Buckingham Palace, we can watch the changing of the guard, from Windsor barracks. Soldiers of the Irish Guards at Windsor will soon be leaving for a 6 month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Picture by Mae Duangdeeden

And while we wander around Windsor, maybe we'll spot the occasional Royal family member--check and see if the Union Jack is flying when the Queen is there----we might find the odd celebrity too, such as magician Paul Daniels with his wife, Debbie McGee.  Windsor is also featured in the film, Carry On Loving---not to mention one of our families former houses, near the end.

Picture by David Vernon