Jul
Summer is the perfect time to explore the vibrant Thames Valley region, which offers many activities for families and individuals alike, with many to entertain the little ones during summer holidays.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a place to relax and enjoy nature, the areas around our aparthotels and serviced apartments in Reading, Newbury, Basingstoke, Bracknell, Farnborough, and Camberley have something for everyone.
Here are some top summer activities to enjoy:
1. Explore the Great Outdoors
The Thames Valley has stunning natural landscapes, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Basildon Park (near Reading): This National Trust property boasts an 18th-century Palladian-style mansion house and a 400-acre park with four waymarked walks, World War Two Nissen Hut remains, historic trees and views of the house. Families and dogs are welcome to enjoy walking trails, picnicking on the grounds, and exploring the wild play areas for children.
The Living Rainforest (near Newbury): Welcoming around 100,000 visitors each year, including 25,000 children on school trips. Visitors can experience the sights, sounds and smells of a lush tropical rainforest environment – and explore how plants, animals, human needs, economies and cultures are all linked. The centre is home to over 800 species of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species of global conservation value.
Wellington Country Park (near Basingstoke and Reading): An award-winning destination for a family day out with adventure play areas, animal farms, and nature trails, Wellington Country Park is perfect for a family day out. Kids will love the miniature railway and splash zone during the summer months.
Walks on your doorstep: Our team collated a series of our favourite walks in Reading, Basingstoke, Bracknell, Camberley, Farnborough, Newbury and Maidenhead. The walks vary in length and difficulty, providing an ideal selection. Most also end close to a pub for a well deserved drink and bite to eat! Click here to view our ‘best walks in’ series of articles and select your location to plan and begin!
2. Dive into History and Culture
Discover the rich heritage of the Thames Valley with visits to historic sites and cultural attractions.
Highclere Castle (near Newbury): Famously known as the filming location for “Downton Abbey”, Highclere Castle offers tours of the grand house and its beautiful gardens, as well as regular public events. It’s a great spot for history buffs and TV fans alike.
Milestones Museum (Basingstoke): Step back in time and explore this living history museum, which features a network of streets depicting life in Hampshire from the Victorian era to the 1940s.
The Look Out Discovery Centre (Bracknell): This interactive science and nature centre has over 90 exhibits and is perfect for curious minds. The surrounding Swinley Forest also offers excellent walking and biking trails that attract mountain bike riders from afar.
3. Enjoy Water-Based Activities
Make the most of the warm weather this summer by engaging in water activities in the Thames Valley.
Kennet & Avon Canal (near Newbury): Hire a canal boat or take a guided tour to explore this picturesque waterway. It’s a peaceful way to spend the day surrounded by the beautiful countryside. At 87 miles long, it links London with the Bristol Channel and passes through some spectacular landscapes including Wiltshire and the rolling Cotswolds.
Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre (near Camberley): Located close to Camberley, this centre offers a variety of water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking. There are equipment options making it ideal for those looking to try something new or perfect their skills.
Thames River Cruises (Reading): Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the River Thames with various routes and themed trips available. It’s a delightful way to experience the river and its surroundings, with food and drinks available to purchase. The House of Fisher and T A Fisher teams enjoyed these trips as our summer parties in 2019 and 2017.
4. Family-Friendly Attractions
For a fun-filled day with the family, visit some of these popular attractions.
LEGOLAND Windsor (near Bracknell): LEGOLAND Windsor is a must-visit for families with children. The park features thrilling rides, interactive exhibits, and impressive LEGO displays, making it extremely popular and attracting large numbers of visitors every day. At this amusement park, you will find more than 55 rides, attractions and live shows, restaurants, bars and shops.
Coral Reef Waterworld (Bracknell): One of the largest interactive water parks in England, Coral Reef offers water slides, a pirate ship, and a relaxing spa area. It’s a great place to cool off, have fun or relax.
Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum (Farnborough): Aviation enthusiasts will love exploring the exhibits and aircraft at this fascinating museum. It’s educational and entertaining for all ages and follows the globally recognised FIA2024 world-leading airshow that took place 22-26 July.
5. Relax and Unwind
Sometimes, the best summer activity is simply relaxing in a beautiful setting.
California Country Park (Finchampstead, near Wokingham): California Country Park covers 40 hectares and is set within 100 acres of ancient bogland and lowland heath. This lovely park offers a tranquil setting with scenic walking trails, a lake, wildlife watching, fishing and a paddling pool for kids. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely family day out.
West Green House Garden (near Basingstoke): Enjoy the stunning garden rooms, water features, and summer concerts at this charming estate. It’s a peaceful retreat that offers beauty and culture with mesmerising open gardens until 27th October.
Virginia Water Lake (near Camberley and Bracknell): Originally conceived as a Royal pleasure ground, the 2-mile-long lake is a popular destination for families, walkers and wildlife lovers. In addition to tree-lined shores and vistas, its highlights include The Cascade and The Leptis Magna Ruins. A full circuit of the lake is a bracing 5.25 miles, but the Cascade and Leptis Magna Ruins are a much shorter stroll.
A day at the races (Newbury, Ascot and Windsor): This summer offers a host of race meetings across these three local, popular race courses. As well as dressing up smartly and enjoying a flutter on horses, there are many activities to accompany the day, from kids rides to world-class singers and bands. Click here for our guide to this summer’s upcoming race days.
Stay with House of Fisher this summer
House of Fisher apartments are conveniently located across the Thames Valley and near these many popular summer attractions. They are perfect for enjoying a day out and then returning to relax in our beautifully furnished and fully serviced apartments.
Our apartments can be found in six different locations; Reading, Newbury, Bracknell, Basingstoke, Camberley, and Farnborough, all of which offer useful transport links via the M3 and M4 motorways, and train links to London and/or Windsor.
We always encourage you to book directly through our website and advanced booking engine, or call our reservations team on 01189 514151. Click here to read the wealth of benefits from doing this, and remember booking directly with House of Fisher is the only way to guarantee you will pay the lowest price.
We look forward to welcoming you this summer.