Only two medieval castles survive in Berkshire, out of an original total of nine; the world famous Windsor Castle, the largest fortification in the country and the oldest continuously occupied castle in the world, and the much smaller Donnington Castle, most of which was destroyed during the Civil War, though the fine, three floor gatehouse survives intact. There are no other significant ancient sites in the county, but a good range of nature reserves and natural lands, especially heaths and commons.
Castles Tall, twin-towered gatehouse and low curtain walls from a 13th century fortified manor house, mostly destroyed during the Civil War Rating: ★★★★★ |
Landscapes Large area of heath and woods, on mostly flat land, underlain by clay and sand; many plant and animal species Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Coniferous and broad-leaved woodland, part of Swinley Forest, including ponds and patches of heath Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Conifer plantation on an ancient woodland site, in a shallow basin, one mile across Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Flower-rich heathland, including a pond and a small bog, ringed by oak and birch woodland Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Meadows, copses and moist woodland alongside the River Pang Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Mixed habitats including wet and dry heath, peat bogs, ponds, and ancient woodland. Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Shallow, secluded pond lined by bog, heath and wet woods, between an old plantation and woodland commons Rating: ★★★★★ |
 Shallow, secluded pond lined by bog, heath and wet woods, between an old plantation and woodland commons Rating: ★★★★★ |