Berkshire: Windsor Castle and Long Walk, Eton Swan Sanctuary
Berkshire is one of England’s more affluent home counties, not far from London. It’s known for the beautiful town of Windsor (and its castle and long walk),and England’s main swan sanctuary, in the town of Eton.
There are plenty of charming riverside walks. Although not so ‘pretty’ is the busy urban town of Slough (featured in the TV comedy series The Office, with Ricky Gervais.
Mackenzie Crook (who played geeky Gareth) hates plastic, and says he would be a hedge-layer in another life. He recently used income from a film project, to buy his local woods, so nobody could build on them!
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
Windsor Castle and the Long Walk
Windsor castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle on earth, overlooking the River Thames. Walk through Great Park to see ancient oak trees and herds of red deer. The Long Walk, a straight path lined with trees leading to the castle, offers some of the best views in the county.
Dogs are usually allowed (check before travel). But must be well-trained and kept under control, and away from resident deer and other wildlife.
The Savill Garden in Windsor is England’s finest ornamental garden, with beech woodlands that lead down to the River Thames. Contrast this with Windsor’s other famous tourist attraction:
Legoland is as far away from taking children on a nature walk as you can get. Not only has the company reverted back to using oil to make the plastic bricks (only flirting briefly with recycled plastic bottles – one company makes bamboo bricks showing there are alternatives).
Reviews are not hot either, with complaints of hugely over-inflated prices for junk food, and lots of litter.
The town of Windsor is also nice, with cobbled streets and riverside walks, though you likely have to be very rich to live there!
Eton Swan Sanctuary: A Thames Hidden Gem
Eton is known for its posh school (past alumni include Royal Family sons and former Prime Ministers. Along with actors (Damian Lewis, Dominic West and Hugh Laurie). But the town is also home to one of England’s swan sanctuaries, which gives advice to help our graceful swans.
The seven-acre site on the River Thames houses Cuckoo Weir Island, a tranquil and peaceful location. It has 10 outdoor pens to house up to 180 swans needing help, with each one containing a pond, for a constant flow of river water.
The intensive care unit has 10 heated indoor pens for poorly swans, and a treatment room with various medical supplies, including a specialist ‘swan bath’ for swans covered in oil.
An easy way to raise funds is to sign up with easyfundraising (nominate Swan Lifeline, then anytime you buy things with shops or services, it donates a portion of profits, at no cost to you). You can if preferred donate anonymously, set up a giving account at Charities Aid Foundation.
Discover Tranquillity in the Berkshire Downs
The Berkshire Downs bring together rolling hills, open fields and wide skies. This chalk downland is perfect for hiking, horse riding or just enjoying a picnic.
The Ridgeway National Trail, known as Britain’s oldest road, runs through the downs. On a clear day, you can see for miles. The downs feel wild and open, with rare flowers and butterflies in summer.
Exploring Cookham’s Artistic Village
Cookham has inspired artists for centuries, including Stanley Spencer. Walk the same lanes and riverside paths that appear in his paintings. The village’s riverbank is a great spot for summer picnics, paddling or watching boats pass. Walk to the nearby commons and discover meadows full of wildflowers and birds.
