Berkshire Historic and Architectural Properties and Gardens
Castles, Abbeys, Churches, Houses, Estates and Gardens, Industrial Heritage attractions and museums (English Heritage / National Trust / others)
Along with the attractions listed on this page you may also find places of interest on the Berkshire Attractions and Nature pages. We suggest that you also visit the pages for the neighbouring counties to see what else there is in the area.
We support ‘Accessible Countryside for Everyone’ in providing a brief guide as to the access / facilities for the sites listed, where we have them.
Ashdown House - Unusual Dutch-style house on the Berkshire Downs - National Trust - Newbury - House not wheelchair accessible
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashdown-house
Basildon Park - The house you see today is a re-creation and restoration of the 18th-century mansion - National Trust - Lower Basildon, Reading - Disabled & Pushchair friendly, accessible toilets, baby changing - see website "Partly accessible grounds, loose gravel paths, slopes, cobbles. Braille and large print guides available. Induction loop
wwww.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park/
Cliveden - A country retreat on a grand scale, Cliveden’s magnificent gardens and breath-taking views have been admired for centuries - National Trust - Taplow, Maidenhead - "Gardens have hard gravel paths, some steep slopes, undulating terrain and steps. Suggested level access map around gardens available from Information Centre. Accessible toilets", wheelchairs available, Maze accessible to manual wheelchairs
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden
Donington Castle (ruin) - The striking twin-towered 14th-century gatehouse of this castle, later the focus of a Civil War siege and battle, survives amid impressive earthworks - English Heritage - Newbury - we have no disabled access info for this site
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Dorney Court - Home of the Palmer family for more than 450 years - Windsor - DVD tour of the upstairs rooms of the House, the ground floor of the House, and the Gardens, are fully wheelchair accessible, the route does incorporate some ramps and gravel paths, accessible toilets
www.dorneycourt.co.uk
Englefield House Gardens - The garden is open from 1st April to 31st October - Sir William and Lady Benyon - Theale - we have no disabled access info for this site
www.englefieldestate.co.uk/gardens
Highclere Castle - Home to the Carnarvon Family since 1679, Castle set amidst Lawns and Gardens of tranquillity and beauty - Earl and Countess of Carnarvon - Newbury - "Highclere Castle is a historic building but disabled access is possible for most areas. Wheelchairs are welcome around the Castle and in the Egyptian Exhibition. It is not possible to bring motorised wheelchairs into the Castle but they are welcome on the paths around the lawns. A limited number of manual wheelchairs are available"
www.highclerecastle.co.uk
Mapledurham House - House, Watermill and riverside picnic areas - The Eyston family - Reading - please see access statement on the website
www.mapledurham.co.uk
Shaw House - Shaw House was built in 1581 by Newbury clothier Thomas Dolman. This fine Elizabethan building was home to successive Dolman families, the flamboyant Duke of Chandos and the Andrews and Farquhar families - West Berkshire Council - Newbury - "Most areas of Shaw house are accessible to those with limited mobility. A hearing loop is available at reception", accessible toilets
www.westberks.gov.uk
Welford Park - Famous for its magnificent display of snowdrops during February - Newbury - we have no disabled access info for this site
www.welfordpark.co.uk
Windsor Castle - Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. It has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. It is an official residence of Her Majesty The Queen, whose standard flies from the Round Tower when she is in residence - Windsor - "Windsor Castle is fully accessible. It's at the top of a steep hill, and long distances have to be covered on site", "Mobility scooters can be used in the precinct areas, and are permitted inside the Castle provided they are compatible with the lifts", wheelchairs available, ramped access is available by entering the building via the Access Entrance in Engine Court, and lift access is available for access to the State Apartments and Semi-State Rooms, Accessible toilets (RADAR key required), induction loops, a multimedia tour is available, BSL tours on different aspects of the Castle run on selected dates
www.royalcollection.org.uk
