Bracknell is a big town and civil parish found in Berkshire, England. The town was originally a market village and was part of the Windsor Great Forest before it experienced rapid growth and development in the mid-20th-century when it became a new town. The town is sandwiched between the amazing Swinley Woods and Crowthorne Woods which are among the many attractions in the larger region. The town of Bracknell has appeared in popular TV shows and films such as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Time Bandits, Buddy’s Song and The Offence. So if you’re coming to Bracknell alone, or with family or friends, make sure to check out this list of best things to do in Bracknell, the UK.
1. Let your toddlers have fun at Whoosh Play Centre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Whoosh on Friday, January 20, 2023
Treat your children to a fun time at Whoosh Play Centre. This indoor playground in Bracknell is a soft play centre and is considered one of the best children’s playgrounds in the area. Here, your children can enjoy sliding down to the ball pit, climbing and crawling through the playhouse, and many more. On top of being a playground, Whoosh Play Centre is a party venue meaning you can also have your child’s birthday here so that they can celebrate and play with their friends.
All children up to the age of 11 are welcome to play here. The starting price is 0.50 GBP (0.62 USD) — this is for children under the age of one — while the rate for five-year-olds and above is 8 GBP (9.86 USD).
Whoosh Play Centre
Address: Sports Centre, Bagshot Road, Bracknell
Website: Whoosh Play Centre
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 3:15pm; school holidays: 9:30am - 5pm
Price: From 0.50 GBP (0.62 USD)
2. Treat yourself to a delicious meal at Blue's Smokehouse Bracknell
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Want to have a fine-dining experience but still feel full after eating your meal? Then you should grab a bite from Blue’s Smokehouse Bracknell.
Blue’s specialises in American smokehouse favourites, so its menu is predominantly made up of pork dishes, burgers, steaks, and southern specials (such as mac ‘n’ cheese and barbeque chilli). What if you don’t eat meat? There’s no need to worry because there are actually vegan dishes served here.
Blue’s is also a bar, so you can order cocktails to go with your steaks and burgers. If you’re eating out with friends, you can order bottomless drinks so that happy hour never ends.
Blue's Smokehouse Bracknell
Address: High Street, Bracknell
Website: Blue’s Smokehouse Bracknell
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 5pm - 10pm; Wed - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 9am - 10pm; Sat: 9am to 11pm; Sun: 9am - 9pm
3. Revel in creativity at South Hill Park Arts Centre
Undoubtedly, South Hill Park Arts Centre in Bracknell is the one-stop-shop of creativity in Berkshire. The centre features two theatres, a dance studio, a creative studio, and a cinema all nestled in the compound of a historical 18th-century mansion house in Bracknell. Many visitors from different walks of life visit the arts center every year to be part of the art experience. These include artists and non-artists who come to enjoy the several shows, events, workshops and films offered here. A mix of pure entertainment and fun from renowned comedians, popular ballet companies, and quality drama are always on offer also. Plus, there is a wide range of courses in arts and crafts, drama, and dance for art enthusiasts eager to learn something new. Bring your family, friends or perhaps your soulmate to immerse themselves in a pool of creativity.
South Hill Park Arts Centre
Address: Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12, England, United Kingdom
Website: South Hill Park Arts Centre
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4. Shop and dine at The Lexicon
At The Lexicon, there is always something for everyone. From an amazing shopping experience with all the fashion clothing to a 12-screen cinema and practically everything between, your day will be all fun until the last moment. There are many fabulous eateries, ranging from pizza places to burger spots. For a proper dining experience, you will find fine Italian or even Japanese restaurants. Walk into any of the cool pubs for a much-needed glass of something at the end of your shopping spree. The Lexicon, without a doubt, is the ideal place to shop, dine and mingle with everyone else.
The Lexicon
Address: Bracknell RG12 1BD, United Kingdom
Website: The Lexicon
5. Go on adventure at Go Ape Bracknell
Are you so adventurous that you’re wondering where or how to get some real adventure? Well, Go Ape Bracknell has you covered. All you need to do is present yourself and all the fun will be rolling in. Once here, you will experience a thrilling adventure exploring forest canopy through a treetop rope course. There is also a double Tarzan Swing and many more. Just pick your favourite, let yourself loose, and let the fun flow. Having an adventure through the Swinley Forest will be an experience to remember for many days to come. Bring the whole family on a perfect day out and let everyone enjoy the thrills.
Go Ape Bracknell
Address: Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW, United Kingdom
Website: Go Ape Bracknell
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 2pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
6. Come with your family to Look Out Discovery Centre
Have you built a den recently? Great fun in the forest at The Look Out.
Posted by The Look Out Discovery Centre on Tuesday, 20 August 2019
At The Look Out Discovery Centre, everything purely shouts science. Embrace hands-on science activities to bring out the fun that can be enjoyed by the whole family. There are more than 90 recreational activities where all children can participate in, enjoy and ultimately learn something new. Activities include checking out the hydrogen rocket launch, playing with boats in the indoor stream, or house-building with their friends. Also, there is a wonderful outdoor play area that features an all-access section. With a perfect picnic area and an amazing coffee shop, you can stay as long as you wish or just when the young ones finally get exhausted.
Look Out Discovery Centre
Address: Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7QW, United Kingdom
Website: Look Out Discovery Centre
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Adults: 8 GBP (10 USD); Children: 5 GBP (7 USD)
7. Dive into cool waters at Coral Reef Water World
The coral reef is one of the beautiful creatures nature has provided to us. So named after such natural beauty, expect to experience unparalleled fun at the center of this really bewitching place. Coral Reef Water World is famous as one of the largest interactive water worlds in England that provides a wide range of unique ways to have fun with water. Every other activity here is enjoyable, making it a perfect place to be active and to experience total fun all day long. The thrilling waterslides, an erupting volcano, a pirate ship, and many others are available for everyone ready to get wet all in the name of fun. Adults can enjoy wellness treatment at the Coral Spa area as well.
Coral Reef Water World
Address: Nine Mile Ride, Bracknell RG12 7JQ, United Kingdom
Website: Coral Reef Water World
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 8:45pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 5:45pm
8. Visit Lily Hill Park
Lily Hill Park, which is located near downtown Bracknell, features lots of acres of refurbished heritage parkland and beautiful meadows for you to discover, explore and enjoy. The park boasts of a large network of well-maintained pathways for easy access to every corner of the park. Gather your friends or family and head to the beautiful park to enjoy the picture-perfect views and the stunning park features that were also enjoyed by the Victorians more than 160 years ago. The park takes pride in its beautiful woodland, formal gardens, Green Man sculpture, and carved historical picnic bench.
Lily Hill Park
Address: Lily Hill Rd, Bracknell RG12 2RX, United Kingdom
Website: Lily Hill Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Slide down the snow-covered slopes at Bracknell Ski Centre
Are you a skiing enthusiast? If yes, then you are at home in Bracknell Ski Centre. This is a perfect family destination for all snow sports on a magnificent slope complete with an Olympic-size ice rink. The center is an ideal spot for skiing, snowboarding, and snow-tubing, among others. The center also boasts the longest artificial slope in the whole of southeast region. Plus, it is situated only 45 minutes from London. The center also has magnificent rails and practically everything that you will need for perfect snow sports. Peak Fitness Gym and Snooker Hall call the center home.
Bracknell Ski Centre
Address: John Nike Way, RG12 8TN, Bracknell, Berkshire, United Kingdom
Website: Bracknell Ski Centre
Opening hours: Mon: 10am - 9pm; Tue - Fri: 10am - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 6pm
Price: 42 GBP (52 USD)
10. Explore South Hill Park
South Hill Park is located south of Bracknell town center. It is a park open to the public and consists of beautiful gardens, magnificent lakes and woodland with a historical building converted into an arts center standing among all the beauty. The amazing South Hill Park has been maintained and practically restored back to its former glory through the help of a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund. Travel back in time and marvel at the original features including a Yew Walk and Italian Garden within the park.
South Hill Park
Address: Ringmead, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12, England, United Kingdom
Website: South Hill Park
11. Learn pottery painting at Lili Pottery
Lili Pottery is located at the spectacular Fernygrove Farm and welcomes you to spend relaxing moments painting their pretty pottery. You can wind up your visit to the farm café with a delicious meal or perhaps just a cup of steaming coffee. Here you are allowed to test your creativity in painting before the pieces are glazed and finally put into the fire at a 1,000 degrees centigrade (1,832 degree Fahrenheit) — all to make them into awesome pieces that will forever interest you. The glazing and firing are done within a week after you complete them and will be ready to wait for your collection.
Lili Pottery
Address: 3, Fernygrove Farm Hawthorn Hill Warfield Bracknell RG42 6HN GB, Hawthorn Ln, Warfield, Bracknell RG42 6HN, United Kingdom
Website: Lili Pottery
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 3pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 10am - 2pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
12. Enjoy your lunch or dinner at Bill's Bracknell Restaurant
Maybe you are out shopping at The Lexicon Shopping Center or just exploring Bracknell Town Center when hunger pangs start biting. Don’t worry, just head to Bill’s Bracknell Restaurant nestled at The Lexicon Shopping Centre. The restaurant is open all throughout the day and well into the night so your daytime or evening dining needs are well-covered. Try their beetroot Wellington, mojo-marinated chicken skewers, Bill’s fish pie or perhaps the buttermilk chicken burger.
Bill's Bracknell Restaurant
Address: 20 Braccan Walk, The Avenue, Bracknell RG12 1BE, United Kingdom
Website: Bill’s Bracknell Restaurant
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 8am - 9:30 pm; Wed - Thu: 8am - 10pm; Fri: 8am - 11pm; Sat: 8:30am - 11pm; Sun: 9am - 10pm
Bracknell awaits you with goodies
Bracknell is no stranger when it comes to playing host to a variety of guests — couples, families, groups of friends, and perhaps loners. The beautiful town is jam-packed with many fun activities you can choose from. So make use of this list to ensure you do not miss out on any of the best things to do during your vacation.
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