Ten Berkshire areas listed as 'best places to live in UK'

If you are a fan of Michelin star restaurants, fantastic commuter links, and having royalty as your neighbours then the royal county is the place for you.

The number of quaint villages across Berkshire that offer that touch of charm and beauty is outstanding.

Here are the different places in Berkshire that have been listed as the best places to live.

Caversham

The Reading suburb of Caversham is perfect for those not keen on countryside living but also want to be surrounded by a little touch of greenery.

The ideal spot for those looking for town, country, river, and rock ‘n’ roll.

Just a bus ride will take you into the centre of Reading where the Elizabeth Line awaits to commute into London for a quick visit.

The best kept secret of this little stretch of paradise is that John Lennon and Paul McCartney performed in the Fox and Hounds in Caversham. Not as The Beatles, but The Nerks.

When it comes to shops, Caversham is a haven of independents and bespoke retailers that you would never find on the high street.

This includes lifestyle shop, The Live Well, bespoke parfumiers Humos, and Griggs and MacKay for luxury furniture.

Sunninghill

This tiny village just off Ascot high street has been named one of the UK’s best places to live because of it’s proximity to world-famous sporting venues, thriving independent shops, and excellent schools.

It really is a playground for the rich and famous, including some of the world’s most famous celebs.

The average house prices flirt around £755,923, but detached properties hit an eye-watering £1,670,000 and Heathfield Avenue has one of the most expensive roads in the south with homes going for £3m+.

Sonning

Sonning is described as the most ‘fairy-tale little nook in the whole river.’ The riverside and stunning nature trails are something to behold when you come across them.

Attractions include the annual Sonning festival which takes place in May in the form of a regatta.

A house in Sonning also means that you will have a vineyard on the doorstep courtesy of Stanlake Wine Estate offering tours, a bar, and shop.

House prices within this gorgeous part of Berkshire can often match London prices. For this little piece of paradise the average property cost is £873,182, with detached houses costing an average of £1.2m.

Hungerford

Located in the North Wessex Downs this little village is a hidden gem of antique shops and quaint boutiques.

For all those fashionistas out there who adore one of a kind bespoke fashion, Hungerford’s Bridge Street has been described as The Bond Street of Berkshire.

Designer womenswear is available from Mojo & McCoy, White Coco, sexy smalls from Angela Knight Lingerie and elegant bridal gowns from Miss. 

Heading west to Hungerford and Newbury has been known to give you a little more bang for your buck.

Detached homes are an average £620,539, semis £360,752 and terraced houses £307,736.

Windsor

Have you ever wanted to live somewhere where the possibility of running into actual Royalty is extremely high? Then Windsor is the place to be.

It’s beautiful, cobbled streets and friendly atmosphere was once a common haunt for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with many business owners becoming well acquainted with the late monarch.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have recently taken up residence in the grounds of the Castle with their kids who have recently started at a nearby Ascot school.

Shops throughout the town give you a choice between bigger brands with a handful of independent shops peppered along the high street.

Official figures show average house price in Windsor is £578,211. The majority have been semi-detached homes costing on average £598,784, detached houses fetched £973,550 and flats £338,491. 

Wokingham

Wokingham is one of the biggest boroughs in Berkshire, with almost as many people as the capital town itself, however the town itself has been transformed in the last few years into a gorgeous market town.

It is known for it’s great schools and amazing transport links to Reading and east Berkshire.

The one thing that does set this town apart from other bigger areas is the number of independents and small chain shops, including it’s weekly market in the town centre.

Better than a lot of prime locations in Berks. Average house prices are £545,296 with detached homes going for £752,625, semi-detached £474,295 and terraced properties fetching £394,193.

Cookham

This rural village takes country life to the next level. With actual thatched roofed houses it is a common haunt for celebs wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of London.

The plentiful independent shops and community vibe make it a perfect home for families starting up or settling down.

The town is also famous for the Gravity Grand Prix soapbox race which draws people from all over Berkshire to watch this display of speed, engineering, and comedy.

Cookham’s best kept secret is that it is a hidden gem for the celebrity elite who are often seen around town.

Average house prices continue to climb with detached houses selling for an average £1,612,836, semis going for £696,466 and flats will set you back £328,204.

No wonder it’s a favourite for celebs and Michelin star restaurants.

Newbury

If you see yourself as somewhat of a foodie, then this bustling market town is the place to be. It is often seen as the main west Berkshire location with good transport links.

Newbury stands out for different reasons, including it being the birthplace of Downton Abbey and home to the late Queen’s favourite racecourse.

The average price is £394,731 which because it is slightly more west is less eye watering than other East Berkshire market towns.

Expect to pay in the region of £597,845 for a detached home, £396,551 for a semi and £323,807 for a terraced house.

Villages around Newbury may take you into higher numbers for their rural exclusivity and celeb living.

Yattendon

For those not from the Royal Borough, Yattendon may not seem like a popular location however t is actually a firm favourite among families leaving London for more tranquil living.

The village boasts a wide range of cocktail bars and pubs popular for a girls night out or a pint after an outdoor activity.

The average price for property is £590,00. Most of the houses in the town that come on the market are owned by the Yattendon Estate hence the hefty price tag and quick turn around for buyers and sellers.

Pangbourne

This beautiful river location boasts excellent schools and cosy pubs with fantastic links into London – 45 minutes to Paddington in total.

The features however will cost you.

On average house prices are £562,763. In 2022, detached properties have been selling for an average of £1,150,714.

Semis cost an average of £596,400, and terraced homes were £380,667.

Pangbourne has a beautiful literary connection also. DH Lawrence and Kenneth Grahame both lived here and EH Shepherd’s famous illustrations for The Wind in the Willows were inspired by Pangbourne. It’s also the birthplace of Led Zeppelin.