Fancy a great way to see the best of what Berkshire has to offer and work off that Christmas dinner? 

T'is the season to wrap up in your winter warmers (scarf, hat, gloves and all) and maybe even catch some snowflakes.

We have put together a list of some of the best pubs by popular walking spots and hiking trails in our area. 

Cookham and Cock Marsh walk

A recommendation from the National Trust, which says this hour-long walk will take you along riverside paths, through lush meadows, and over chalk grassland slopes to enjoy panoramic views across the Thames Valley.

The nearby White Oak pub is a TripAdvisor recommendation for 2024 - and has 983 reviews with a 4.5 out five average rating. 

One review from this month said: "Friendly atmosphere. Very fair pricing. Our third visit but first since it changed ownership this summer.

"Still one of favourite places to bring good friends and family, confident we will be treated well."

"Beautiful area for a country walk, plenty of parking, happy days."

Greenham Control Tower

Walk through history this Boxing Day with a visit to this 1950's Military Control Tower.

It has been restored into a volunteer-run visitor centre and community cafe with an observation deck and stunning views over the Newbury countryside.

Once you've enjoyed your winter walk, you may want to stop off at the Swan Inn in Newtown.

The pub has a four star rating across 651 reviews on Trip Advisor. 

A review from this month said: "Absolutely love this pub.

"The pub itself is a beautiful building. The food was excellent with a good range of menu choices. The service was fantastic and the staff were really friendly. We will definitely be back."

Another option could be the Two Watermills near Monks Lane, Newbury.

It also has a four star rating thanks to 581 reviews. 

One recent visitor said; "Amazing service with a friendly and homely feel. Fast and good food. Would definitely recommend if looking for a good meal with family or friends."

 

The Long Walk

The Long Walk at Winsor Great Park should be on your to-do list this festive season if it's not already.

Start at the George IV Gateway at Windsor Castle and end up at the striking Copper Horse statue in this three-mile-long tree-lined stroll.

Discover all about its history and you can even try to spot some Red Deer since the 500 of them roam freely around the Deer Park enclosure.

As for nearby pubs, The Two Brewers in Park Street has a four star average rating over 687 reviews on Trip Advisor. 

One recent reviewer said: "This is a beautiful, dark, and intimate pub. It checks all the boxes for what I was looking for in a classic English public house.

"Excellent food and ambience.

"It can fill up fast as it’s not that large of a space so get reservations if you can."

 

Balmore Walk

Get some fresh air after a little too much indulging on Christmas day with a stroll in Balmore park.

The 2.15 acres looks over Caversham and there are also great views over Reading from Early to Prospect Park.

The Last Crumb in Prospect Street has more than 500 reviews on Google - giving it an average rating of 4.5 stars out of five. 

A recent reviewer said: "Great selection of beer, fantastic pizzas and lots of outdoors space. Fantastic beer garden on a nice day. Inside is decorated in a cool vibe too."