Berkshire sits between London and some of southern England’s finest open countryside, creating a county of two subtly different characters. Windsor, Ascot and Sunningdale have strong connections to the capital, while further west the Thames Valley, Berkshire Downs and Lambourn Valley offer a much more rural environment.
In the east, Windsor and Ascot combine prestigious addresses, excellent schools and substantial houses with easy access to Heathrow and London. Racing, polo and Windsor Great Park contribute to a particularly established country and sporting culture.
Further west, Pangbourne and the surrounding Thames-side villages provide a different proposition. The landscape becomes more open, with attractive villages, larger country properties and good access to the Berkshire Downs.
Beyond Newbury, the Lambourn Valley is one of England’s great equestrian landscapes. Its association with racing is immediately apparent, but the wider appeal lies in the rolling downs, extensive riding country and relative sense of space.
Hungerford and the western fringes of Berkshire feel increasingly connected to Wiltshire and the North Wessex Downs, suiting buyers who are prepared to travel a little further in return for a genuinely rural setting.
Berkshire’s exceptional independent schools — including Eton, Wellington College, Bradfield College and Downe House — add to its appeal, as do strong road and rail connections. For many buyers, Berkshire offers an attractive progression: the further west one travels, the more rural the lifestyle becomes without entirely losing London’s practicality.
Buying property in Berkshire
Explore our specialist services for buyers in Berkshire:
Property Search Agent Berkshire
