The Berkshire countryside has the ability to transport you to another world. From roving countryside to palatial manor houses, the county truly is steeped in history.

It therefore isn’t surprising that some of the most beautiful, historic and famous manor houses in England are planted right on Berkshire sole and ready for a visit on your next day out.

We rounded up the manor houses throughout Berkshire for your next explore in the countryside.

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Ashdown House

This Newbury house is a Dutch-style 17th century house perched on the Berkshire Downs and famous for its association with Elizabeth of Bohemia, otherwise known as the Winter Queen.

The house was used as military base in World War II and was given to the National Trust in 1956.

With access to the roof you will be able to see the stunning view over three counties. If you visit in the summer, the quiet woodlands and walking trails are a perfect way to relax away from the buzz. The woodland is open from Dawn till dusk

Prices: Adult - £6, Child - £3, Family - £15

Opening times: See National Trust website beforehand.

 

Basildon Park

The Palladian mansion was built in 1776 – 1983. It is notable for it’s original elegant staircase and octagon room.

Although the house fell on hard times, it was soon restored to it’s former glory by Lord and Lady Lliffe and are currently restoring the trails through the parkland that surrounds the mansion. This manor house sits on Lower Basildon in Reading.

The beautiful property is now owned by the National Trust who have preserved the 18th century interiors and the 1950’s house that the Lliffe’s restored.

The house is said to have an usual juxtaposition and quite a few interesting aspects that couldn’t be missed. If you are a fan of the artist Graham Sutherland who created the ‘Christ in Glory’ tapestry at Coventry Cathedral, then you are in for a treat. An entire room at the house is filled with his drawings for the tapestry.

When visiting the house, there is an uphill climb from the parking area and passing through gorgeous woodlands to reach the house itself.  Tour guides are sometime available on the less on-demand days.

Prices: Adult - £15, Child - £7.50, Family - £37.50

Opening times: See National Trust website

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Englefield House

Another Reading mansion is the Elizabethan Englefield House with 19th century remodelling. It was immortalized in a famous painting by John Constable in 1932.

The unique point about Englefield House is that it has one of the last surviving deer parks in Berkshire. The grounds include 19th century forme gardens, a water garden and several smaller garden area in addition to a woodland.

The mansion is also a popular location for film, TV and photography. With it’s stunning grounds and gorgeous interior many TV programmes and films have been shot here. This includes Netflix Close, Jingle Jangle and Black Mirror.

 

Highclere Castle

This majestic castle, set in the centre of Highclere park in Newbury is a property that should be on everyone’s day out list. Seen in numerous films and television episodes over the years, the Castle came to the publics attention when it was used as the setting for Downton Abbey.

The Georgian mansion has been revamped over the last few years and is now ready and waiting for visitors to walk through it’s doors to experience a little piece of history.

The house also contains an exhibition of Egyptian artifacts and opulent state rooms to explore.

Throughout the summer, the castle is hosting many guided tours and specialised afternoon teas. The most interesting one is the Castle Tour, Egyptian Exhibition & Champagne Afternoon Tea.

This manor house truly is one not to be missed and should be on everyone’s bucket list this summer.

Opening times and prices can be found on the website.

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Shaw House

Shaw house is one of the best-preserved Elizabethan manors in England. Since it’s building in 1581 it has welcomed Royalty and was at the centre of a major civil war battle.

When visiting, most of the major rooms are available to including a museum which outlines the history of the civil war at Shaw House and mementos of Shaw School.

Although not as opulent as the other, Shaw House allows you to see the history and architecture of the building.

The manor house has a programme of events that happen though the Spring and Summer. For details and opening times head over to their website