January is a bleak month? Not here as there are plenty of places to visit for some new year rejuvenation, perfect for the whole family
Berkshire and Buckinghamshire are counties that come alive in the winter months with their charming villages, scenic landscapes, and historic sites. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for cosy winter activities, they offer something for everyone.
Things to Do This Winter in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire
Windsor Great Park
Windsor Great Park, a sprawling 5,000-acre parkland, is one of Berkshire’s most iconic outdoor destinations, and winter is an especially magical time to visit. During the colder months, the park’s serene atmosphere, with its frost-covered trees and quiet pathways, makes for perfect winter walks. The long, wide avenues lined with ancient oak and chestnut trees offer panoramic views of Windsor Castle, which looks stunning against the backdrop of a crisp winter sky.
Winter is also a fantastic time for wildlife enthusiasts. Windsor Great Park is home to an array of wildlife, including deer, pheasants, and a variety of bird species. The quieter, colder weather means that the animals are often easier to spot. The park also offers designated walking routes that take you through the historic Savill Garden, where the winter gardens can be explored for their beauty. A gentle stroll through the park is ideal for those looking to enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by nature.
Windsor Castle
While you are at the Great Park… No winter visit to Berkshire would be complete without experiencing Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and most famous inhabited castles in the world. Steeped in history and grandeur, the castle is even more enchanting when draped in winter’s chill. The official residence of the British royal family, Windsor Castle opens its doors to visitors throughout the winter months. During this time, the castle’s interiors – decorated with festive touches – are especially welcoming.
Going into January, the State Apartments are often adorned with Christmas trees, wreaths, and other seasonal decorations, providing a warm and regal setting. A visit to the castle during winter allows you to explore its centuries-old architecture and learn about the royal family’s rich history. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, a quintessential royal experience, is a spectacle that can still be witnessed in winter, though it takes place less frequently than in the warmer months.
After touring the castle, be sure to wander through the quaint streets of Windsor town, which are often beautifully lit up for the Christmas season. The surrounding shops and cafes create a charming atmosphere perfect for winter shopping and dining.
Berkshire Downs
For those who prefer winter hikes, the Berkshire Downs offers a stunning, peaceful landscape for walking and exploring. The Downs are a series of rolling hills that stretch across the southern part of the county, offering panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. While the summer months see many walkers and cyclists on the trails, the winter brings an element of tranquility and solitude to this beautiful region.
A hike on the Berkshire Downs in winter offers spectacular views of frost-kissed fields and distant, misty hills. Popular walking routes include the Ridgeway, an ancient path that has been used for thousands of years, and the South Berkshire Loop. These trails take you through charming villages, ancient woodlands, and open farmland. In winter, the terrain can be quite muddy and slippery, so it’s important to dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear, but the peaceful landscape and the chance to spot wildlife like winter birds and deer make it well worth the effort.
For those looking to take their winter exploration to the next level, the Berkshire Downs are also home to several cosy pubs where you can unwind after a long walk. These rural inns often feature roaring fires and hearty, comforting meals—perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s day.
Chiltern Hills
The Chiltern Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is one of Buckinghamshire’s most scenic locations. This rolling, tree-lined landscape is perfect for winter hiking, offering miles of trails and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. In winter, the Chilterns take on a serene, quiet beauty, with frost-covered fields, misty valleys, and the crisp winter air that makes walking even more refreshing. One popular walk in the Chiltern Hills includes the Ivinghoe Beacon, which offers spectacular views over the Vale of Aylesbury. The region also boasts charming villages like Turville and Hambleden, where you can enjoy peaceful strolls through cobbled streets, lined with traditional English cottages and cozy country pubs. These villages, dusted with snow, offer the perfect setting for winter exploration.
Winter is also a great time for wildlife spotting in the Chilterns, as deer, foxes, and various bird species are more visible in the colder months. For a truly magical experience, visit the hills on a frosty morning when the landscape is blanketed in mist, and the only sound is the crunch of your boots on frozen ground.
Waddesdon Manor
Waddesdon Manor, a stunning French-style château set within a 6,000-acre estate, is a must-visit in Buckinghamshire during the winter season. The manor is not only an architectural marvel, but also home to beautiful gardens that transform during the colder months. Waddesdon’s Winter Light Festival is a particularly popular event, where the mansion and its surrounding gardens are illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights, creating a magical, festive atmosphere.
The rich history of the Rothschild family, who once owned the estate, is evident throughout the house, and there are fascinating exhibits and art collections to explore. The winter months are also an excellent time to visit the house’s renowned wine cellars, where you can take part in seasonal tastings of local wines and spirits.
After touring the house, take time to stroll through the expansive grounds. The gardens, while quieter in the winter, still offer breathtaking views, particularly in the late afternoon when the soft winter light casts long shadows across the landscape. For those looking for a bit of winter warmth, the manor’s cafés and restaurants offer hearty seasonal dishes, including mulled wine and mince pies.
Wendover Woods
Wendover Woods sits at the highest point in the stunning Chiltern Hills, and is home to three exciting high ropes experiences for adventurers of all ages. Treetop Challenge is for adults and secondary aged children, featuring crossings through the canopy that climb higher and higher above the forest floor before zipping back to the ground.
Youngsters under six years or looking to build their confidence will love Treetop Adventure, beginning their experience on a low loop before heading to the tree tops. Explorers over six years and 1.2m can test their skills on Treetop Adventure Plus, a recent new addition.
Bletchley Park
Bletchley Park, famously known as the home of the codebreakers during World War II, is a fascinating and historically rich destination that is even more atmospheric during the winter months. The estate, set in 60 acres of parkland, is an exceptional place to visit year-round, but the winter months add an air of mystery and intrigue as you explore the former codebreaking hub.
In winter, the site is quieter, allowing visitors to explore the huts and buildings where the codebreakers worked, including the famous Hut 8, where Alan Turing and his team cracked the German Enigma code. The site’s exhibitions are fascinating, showcasing not only the wartime history but also the impact of Bletchley Park’s work on modern technology and computing.
During the winter, the surrounding grounds, with their historic trees and frost-covered lawns, provide a perfect backdrop for a leisurely walk or a photography session. The on-site café offers hot drinks and seasonal fare, ideal for warming up after exploring the estate.
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