Location

A new town, officially designated for development in 1949, it nevertheless has a fascinating history that dates much further back in time. On the site of the old village of Easthampstead, Bracknell can claim to be in the location of not only a much-favoured royal hunting lodge and the residence of Catherine of Aragon (when she was banished until her divorce was finalised), but also the coaching inn where Dick Turpin used to drink.

These days, Bracknell is a town on the cusp of regeneration. The 1960s designed town centre may be in need of some refurbishment, but it nevertheless contains all the amenities that any resident might desire. Completely pedestrianised, with much under-cover shopping around Princess Square, Charles Square and Broadway, it boasts ‘out of town’ shops, a multi-screen cinema and ten-in bowling complex at the Peel Centre.

There are still some historical gems amidst the urban fabric. The Old Manor public house, for example, is a 17th century brick manor house featuring a number of priest holes, while South Hill Park, a mansion dating from 1760, now houses a large and vibrant arts centre. The Wilde Theatre was opened here in 1984, named after Oscar Wilde who created the character ‘Lady Bracknell’ in his play “The Importance of Being Earnest”.

Beyond the town centre, there are more temptations. Quite apart from the verdant countryside and the vast expanse of Swinley and Crowthorne Woods, the neighbouring towns offer many diversions. Windsor, just nine miles away, boasts tourist attractions aplenty, from the ancient history imbued within the walls of the castle itself to the gleaming spires of Eton. Just a couple of miles down the road, you can have a flutter on the ponies in the newly refurbished state-of-the-art racecourse at Ascot. And if spectator sports aren’t as appealing as the real thing, there are golf courses, gyms and modern leisure and recreation centres all around – including an ice hockey club and a ski and snowboard centre.

With two railway stations at Bracknell and Martins Heron on the main line between London Waterloo and Reading, Bracknell is perfectly situated for commuting in either direction. London is just 36 miles away, so you can be there in under an hour. The town is also well served by road and is midway between Junction 3 of the M3 and Junction 10 of the M4 motorway – ensuring that Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports are effortlessly accessible.