Things To Do This Winter In Berkshire

There is no shortage of things to this winter in Berkshire and no matter what you are looking for, there should be something that meets your needs and budgets. The main tourist attractions in the area are providing specialist events for the winter and of course, there are special events in time for the festive season. This is a guide to some of the most interesting and exciting winter events in Berkshire.

Windsor Castle

With Windsor Castle being recognised as the largest and oldest occupied castle in the entire world, it remains a fantastic place to visit. This is an attraction with a stunning history and of course, it remains the residency of Her Majesty the Queen. There is never a bad time of year to tour the castle and its grounds but many guests enjoy the crisp nature of viewing the castle and the grounds in winter.

Some of the specialist tours at Windsor Castle which are scheduled into the winter of 2016/17 include:

• The Military Knights' Tale
• Great Kitchen to State Apartments
• The King's Man – a tour commemorating the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death
• Painting Paradise

Ascot Racecourse

While many people associate horse racing with a warmer climate, there is a great deal to be said for the benefits and excitement of a winter meet. You certainly won’t feel the cold with so many great races and activities to warm you up at the Ascot Racecourse.

With respect to specialist winter programmes, the Christmas Racing weekend at Ascot Racecourse falls on the weekend of Friday the 16^th of December and Saturday the 17^th of December. This is the ideal time to enjoy a programme of racing alongside a festive and fun day out. If you are looking to enjoy what Ascot Racecourse has to offer but you’ve never found the time before, this is going to be the ideal opportunity to do so.

The Look Out Discovery Centre

The Look Out Discovery Centre offers a range of groups and classes at weekends and until the 3^rd of January 2017, The Brilliant Brain Show is the class of choice. This gives youngsters the chance to learn at how the human brain works and there is particular focus on optical illusions, imagination and memory senses while there will be a great selection of brain games to enjoy.

From the 14^th of January, the event switches to the Splash, Bubbles and Balloons Show where children will see water disappearing and can have fun with balloons and floating bubbles which manage to defy gravity.

Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre

Anyone with an interest in birds of prey will find that there are plenty of opportunities to indulge their interest and hobby at the Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre. Youngsters have the chance to spend an hour looking at and learning about owls while for slightly older children who are looking for a more engaging experience, there is a chance to spend four hours with a junior falconry class.

Pantomimes

For many people, the festive season doesn’t begin until they see a pantomime and there is no shortage of options in Berkshire this winter. These are some of the pantomimes that are sure to draw in a lot of people and interest:

• Sleeping Beauty at The Watermill Theatre from 17^th November to 1^st Jan 2017
• The Elves and the Shoemaker at Norden Farm Centre for Arts from 22^nd November to 30^th December
• Cinderella at The Corn Exchange from 25^th November to 31^st December
• Cinderella at Wilde Theatre from 30^th November to 3^rd January 2017
• Jack and the Beanstalk at Theatre Royal from 30^th November to 8^th January 2017
• Jack and the Beanstalk at Desborough Theatre from 14^th December to 18^th December

With many more pantomimes taking place in Berkshire this winter, there is no excuse for missing out on fantastic festive fun for all of the family.