Best Berkshire country walks
October 6, 2020 4:11 PM Subscribe
I'm in the UK for the foreseeable future, caring for a sick parent. Help me stave off cabin-fever (by going outside).
With Covid concerns doubled (I reallllly don't want to expose parent to any bugs while they're in a fragile state), I'm avoiding pubs, museums, public transit and most of the indoor activities that I usually busy myself with on visits. What are the best outdoor walks, parks, gardens and historical sites (I love a good Roman ruin) within a few hours' drive of Newbury/Reading? (I do have a car.)
With Covid concerns doubled (I reallllly don't want to expose parent to any bugs while they're in a fragile state), I'm avoiding pubs, museums, public transit and most of the indoor activities that I usually busy myself with on visits. What are the best outdoor walks, parks, gardens and historical sites (I love a good Roman ruin) within a few hours' drive of Newbury/Reading? (I do have a car.)
The National Trust is worth a look. You'll have to pay for entry to some places, but here's their page for Berkshire, and you can do a search by location that might take in other places within your radius. If you think you'll go a lot, you can get membership.
There have probably been some changes with covid, but it does say that 135 of their gardens and parks are open.
posted by penguin pie at 5:08 PM on October 6, 2020
There have probably been some changes with covid, but it does say that 135 of their gardens and parks are open.
posted by penguin pie at 5:08 PM on October 6, 2020
I rather like the National Rose Garden, which is not only in your distance constraint but quite close. It might have a few weeks left to it.
England has lots of churches and a fair few cathedrals; they're mostly old and there are some architectural gems in there. I don't know the specifics of your area but that would be a straightforward place to start. They are completely welcoming to random tourists with no specific religion, though do check that they have the doors open (village churches are more likely to be locked up, but there's no hard and fast rule; in this day and age they probably all have websites).
I can't name one, but I guarantee there are coffee table books on the subject, likely even in your local library (which may have book pick up arrangements, assuming you can lay hands on a library card), which would help find the more interesting ones.
If you want a 'I don't know where this will take me' pursuit, geocaching is still going strong last I checked. Geocachers tend to pick out areas worth walking around and it gives you something to do while you're at it.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:51 PM on October 6, 2020
England has lots of churches and a fair few cathedrals; they're mostly old and there are some architectural gems in there. I don't know the specifics of your area but that would be a straightforward place to start. They are completely welcoming to random tourists with no specific religion, though do check that they have the doors open (village churches are more likely to be locked up, but there's no hard and fast rule; in this day and age they probably all have websites).
I can't name one, but I guarantee there are coffee table books on the subject, likely even in your local library (which may have book pick up arrangements, assuming you can lay hands on a library card), which would help find the more interesting ones.
If you want a 'I don't know where this will take me' pursuit, geocaching is still going strong last I checked. Geocachers tend to pick out areas worth walking around and it gives you something to do while you're at it.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:51 PM on October 6, 2020
I love the Pocket Mountains series of books for country walks in Scotland, where I live. I see they have a book with walks in the Chilterns - around where you are.
posted by cincinnatus c at 12:32 AM on October 7, 2020
posted by cincinnatus c at 12:32 AM on October 7, 2020
Join your local section of the Ramblers Association or buy their maps. Whether you believe you are one or not, there is usually excellent emotional and physical support available through the local carer's association.
posted by parmanparman at 12:40 AM on October 7, 2020
posted by parmanparman at 12:40 AM on October 7, 2020
I rather like the National Rose Garden
If you're thinking of the National Gardens of the Rose near St Albans, I'm sad to say (and to discover) they're permanently closed, having gone into administration in 2017.
However, St Albans is still well worth a visit - it's got a ruined Roman theatre and some bits of wall, plus a very splendid cathedral.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 7:05 AM on October 7, 2020
If you're thinking of the National Gardens of the Rose near St Albans, I'm sad to say (and to discover) they're permanently closed, having gone into administration in 2017.
However, St Albans is still well worth a visit - it's got a ruined Roman theatre and some bits of wall, plus a very splendid cathedral.
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 7:05 AM on October 7, 2020
Reading is pretty close to both the Ridgeway, and the Thames Path. And not too far from the North Downs Way, and the Kennet and Avon canal. Should be plenty to keep you going.
The Ridgeway in particular is stuffed with Neolithic sites. Also agree about checking the National Trust and English Heritage websites and seeing what grabs you.
posted by tinkletown at 9:45 AM on October 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
The Ridgeway in particular is stuffed with Neolithic sites. Also agree about checking the National Trust and English Heritage websites and seeing what grabs you.
posted by tinkletown at 9:45 AM on October 7, 2020 [1 favorite]
Regarding country walks in particular, the Thames passes through Reading, so you might like to investigate the Thames Path national trail. There's also the Ridgeway, another east-west national trail, which cuts across just a few miles further north.
... on non-preview, I see I'm seconding both recommendations!
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 10:01 AM on October 7, 2020
... on non-preview, I see I'm seconding both recommendations!
posted by ManyLeggedCreature at 10:01 AM on October 7, 2020
You’re near Watership Down (the actual place that the book is based on), which is a rather pleasant place for a walk.
posted by gnimmel at 1:59 PM on October 7, 2020
posted by gnimmel at 1:59 PM on October 7, 2020
« Older How do I build an off-the-grid cabin? | How to come to grips with favouritism from... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
But assuming you mean in your general part of England (i.e. within an hour): Blenheim Palace.
posted by caek at 4:35 PM on October 6, 2020