Discover Bracknell | A Visitor's Introduction to Bracknell, Berkshire

Why is Bracknell Worth a Visit?

Bracknell is worth visiting for its combination of modern conveniences and access to nature. The town is home to The Lexicon, one of Berkshire’s premier shopping and entertainment complexes, and is surrounded by beautiful parks and nature reserves, such as Swinley Forest and South Hill Park. Bracknell is also conveniently located near popular attractions like Legoland Windsor and Windsor Castle, making it a great base for exploring the wider region. Whether you’re looking for an active day in the forest, a cultural experience at South Hill Park, or a day of shopping and dining, Bracknell has much to offer.

Bracknell Highlights: Things to See and Do in Bracknell

1. The Lexicon
Bracknell’s town centre has been transformed by The Lexicon, a state-of-the-art shopping and entertainment complex. With over 100 shops, including high-street favourites like Fenwick, H&M, and Marks & Spencer, The Lexicon is a shopper’s paradise. There are also plenty of dining options, from casual eateries like Wagamama and Nando’s to sit-down restaurants like Bill’s. The complex also features a Cineworld cinema, making it a great spot for an evening out. The Lexicon brings a fresh, vibrant atmosphere to the town, offering a great mix of retail, leisure, and dining.

2. Swinley Forest
Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Swinley Forest, a vast expanse of woodland located just outside Bracknell. The forest offers miles of walking and cycling trails through beautiful pine forests, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The Swinley Bike Hub is a popular spot for mountain biking, offering graded trails for riders of all abilities. There’s also a Go Ape treetop adventure park, where visitors can tackle rope courses, zip lines, and treetop crossings. Swinley Forest is a perfect place for families, cyclists, and hikers to spend a day in nature.

3. Coral Reef Waterworld
One of Bracknell’s top family attractions is Coral Reef Waterworld, a large indoor water park that promises fun for all ages. Recently refurbished, Coral Reef features a range of exciting water slides, including the thrilling Aqua Splash and Storm Chaser. There’s also a lazy river, a pirate ship play area for younger children, and an adults-only spa area with a sauna and steam rooms. It’s a fantastic destination for a family day out, offering both relaxation and adventure.

4. South Hill Park Arts Centre
For a touch of culture, South Hill Park Arts Centre is Bracknell’s creative hub. Housed in a beautiful 18th-century mansion surrounded by landscaped gardens, the centre hosts a variety of cultural events, including theatre performances, art exhibitions, live music, and cinema screenings. The venue’s two theatres, the Wilde Theatre and the Studio Theatre, offer a wide range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary performances. South Hill Park is also home to a popular café and restaurant, where you can relax with a coffee or meal before or after a show.

5. The Look Out Discovery Centre
Located on the edge of Swinley Forest, The Look Out Discovery Centre is a hands-on science and nature centre perfect for families with young children. The centre features over 90 interactive exhibits where kids can learn about science, nature, and the environment in a fun and engaging way. Highlights include the Water Zone, the Build It! construction area, and the Light and Colour Zone. After exploring the exhibits, visitors can head outside to enjoy the adventure playground or take a walk in Swinley Forest. The Look Out Discovery Centre is an ideal destination for a day of learning and outdoor fun.

6. Lily Hill Park
For a peaceful escape into nature, Lily Hill Park is a beautiful 56-acre historic park located close to Bracknell’s town centre. This Grade II-listed park features a range of walking trails, formal gardens, wildflower meadows, and a stunning Victorian picnic bench that seats up to 30 people. The park is perfect for a relaxing stroll, a family picnic, or simply enjoying the scenic views. Keep an eye out for the park’s impressive trees, including a rare Wellingtonia avenue, which is one of the tallest tree species in the UK.

7. Mill Park
Another lovely green space, Mill Park is a popular spot for families and nature lovers. This peaceful park features a large lake where you can feed the ducks or enjoy fishing. There’s also a children’s play area and plenty of open space for picnics and games. The park’s circular walking route is perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, making it a great option for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.

8. Bracknell Ski Slope & Ice Rink
For a year-round adventure, head to Bracknell Ski Slope & Ice Rink. The centre offers an indoor ice rink and a dry ski slope, perfect for practising your skiing or snowboarding skills regardless of the season. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a complete beginner, lessons are available for all ages and abilities. The ice rink is open to the public for skating sessions, and they also offer special events such as Disco on Ice, making it a fun outing for families, groups, or anyone looking to try something different.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There:
Bracknell is conveniently located between London and Reading, making it easily accessible by both car and public transport. By train, Bracknell Station offers regular services to and from London Waterloo, with a journey time of around one hour. The town is also well-connected by road, located just off the M3 and M4 motorways. If travelling by car, Bracknell is around 30 miles from central London and a 20-minute drive from Reading.

Parking:
There are plenty of parking options available in Bracknell, particularly around The Lexicon shopping centre. Princess Square Car Park and The Avenue Car Park offer convenient access to the town centre, with reasonable hourly rates. Many of the town’s parks, including Swinley Forest and Lily Hill Park, also offer free or affordable parking, though it’s a good idea to check for specific charges ahead of your visit.

Dining:
Bracknell offers a wide range of dining options, with something to suit every taste. The Lexicon is home to several popular restaurants, including Zizzi, PizzaExpress, and Las Iguanas, which serve everything from Italian to Latin American cuisine. For a traditional British pub experience, The Golden Retriever in Bracknell Forest is a popular choice, offering hearty meals in a cosy setting. If you’re after something more upscale, Blue’s Smokehouse serves mouthwatering barbecue dishes, while The Bull at The Royal Foresters offers contemporary British cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Shopping:
The Lexicon is Bracknell’s main shopping destination, offering a great mix of high-street stores, boutiques, and department stores. Popular brands include Fenwick, Next, H&M, and Skechers, among others. The centre also hosts regular events, such as markets and seasonal pop-ups. For a more boutique shopping experience, nearby towns like Windsor and Ascot offer independent shops and unique finds, just a short drive from Bracknell.

When to Visit:
Bracknell is a great destination year-round, with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy in every season. Spring and summer (April to September) are ideal for exploring the town’s parks and green spaces, with Lily Hill Park and Swinley Forest offering beautiful walks in good weather. Winter is a great time to visit Coral Reef Waterworld, the ice rink, or enjoy a cosy meal in one of Bracknell’s many pubs. If visiting in December, Bracknell’s town centre is also home to a small Christmas market and festive decorations.

Local Events:
Bracknell hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including outdoor cinema screenings at South Hill Park, food festivals, and seasonal markets. South Hill Park also runs a packed calendar of performances, from theatre productions to live music and comedy. During the summer months, Swinley Forest hosts outdoor activities and family-friendly events, while winter brings festive celebrations, including ice-skating and Christmas markets in The Lexicon.

Exploring Beyond Bracknell:
Bracknell’s location makes it a great base for exploring nearby attractions. The historic town of Windsor, home to Windsor Castle and Legoland Windsor, is just a 20-minute drive away. Ascot Racecourse, known for its famous Royal Ascot horse racing event, is also nearby, offering a touch of British tradition. For those who enjoy countryside walks and historic sites, Windsor Great Park and Cliveden House provide stunning grounds to explore, both within easy reach of Bracknell.