Happy TravellerWelcome to Bracknell, a thriving town located in the county of Berkshire, England. Known for its rich history and beautiful surroundings, Bracknell is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s past, immersing yourself in nature, or simply enjoying the vibrant local culture, there’s something for everyone in Bracknell.
Originally a market village and part of the Windsor Great Forest, Bracknell experienced a period of huge growth during the mid-20th century when it was declared a new town. Planned at first for a population of 25,000, Bracknell New Town was further expanded in the late 1960s to accommodate a population of 60,000. Today, Bracknell Forest has an estimated population of around 113,205 (Census 2021) and is a commercial centre and the UK headquarters for several technology companies.
One of the oldest buildings in the town is the Old Manor public house, a 17th-century brick manor house featuring a number of priest holes. Next door once stood the Hinds Head coaching inn, where it is said Dick Turpin used to drink. It is believed that there were once tunnels between the two, along which the famous highwayman could escape from the authorities. Other surviving old pubs are the Red Lion and the Bull, both timber-framed and dating from before the 18th century.
If you’re looking for some outdoor adventures, Bracknell has plenty to offer. The town is surrounded by Swinley Forest and Crowthorne Woods, providing ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and exploring nature. To the north-east of the town, in the suburb of Quelm Park, is the Quelm Stone, a standing stone, and to the south-west, just over the border in Crowthorne, is Caesars Camp, an Iron Age hill fort. There are also two lakes at South Hill Park that are perfect for fishing or a relaxing picnic.
In recent years, Bracknell has undergone a major transformation with the regeneration of its town centre. The new town centre, known as The Lexicon, opened in 2017 and features 600,000 sq ft of new retail space, a 12-screen cinema, restaurants and cafes, completely new paving and public realm, and 1,300 parking spaces. The scheme won the Best of the Best award at the Revo Awards 2018 and has helped elevate Bracknell to number 29 in the retail rankings. A second retail centre, the Peel Centre, also includes stores such as The Range, Sports Direct, and New Look.
Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or modern amenities, Bracknell has something to offer everyone. Come visit this charming town and discover its many treasures for yourself!
