Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-nbsp">WHY?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Seven Michelin stars for starters! Bray is a totally unique culinary village boasting two of the nine three-star restaurants in the UK. It&#8217;s home to Heston Blumenthal&#8217;s <a aria-label="The Fat Duck (opens in a new tab)" href="https://thefatduck.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fat Duck</a> and his one star gastropub <a aria-label="The Hind's Head (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-hinds-head/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hind&#8217;s Head</a>, plus Alain Roux&#8217;s <a aria-label="The Waterside Inn (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-waterside-inn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Waterside Inn</a>. But it&#8217;s more than its gastronomic constellation. We love the pretty chocolate box cottages, traditional pub, and half-timbered shops set against the backdrop of the River Thames. If you want to sample the goods, book in at <a aria-label="Bray Cottages (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/bray-cottages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bray Cottages</a>. A Muddy Award winning pet friendly, boutique stay with concierge service.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/TheCrown-Xmas23-0862.jpg" alt="the crown at bray" class="wp-image-66246" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/TheCrown-Xmas23-0862.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/TheCrown-Xmas23-0862-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/TheCrown-Xmas23-0862-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/TheCrown-Xmas23-0862-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Crown at Bray</figcaption></figure>



<p>We love the Michelin star treatment, but there are low-key options. Gastropub <a aria-label="The Hind's Head (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-hinds-head/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hind&#8217;s Head</a> may have a Michelin twinkler but you can pop in for a drink, snacks or loosen your waistband for a three-course thriller. Alternatively, <a aria-label="The Crown at Bray (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/the-crown-at-bray/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crown at Bray</a> is a lovely local, serving top quality pub food. Elsewhere, <a aria-label="Caldesi In Campagna (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/caldesi-in-campagna/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caldesi In Campagna</a> serves exceptional Italian food, the warmest of welcomes, and they run a brilliant cookery school. It&#8217;s like having your very own slice of Italy on your doorstep. </p>



<p>Just down the road in Holyport, our Muddy Award winner for Best Destination Pub, <a href="https://thebelgianarms.com/">The Belgian Arms</a>, is well worth a visit in all its gastronomic glory. We’re also fans of the <a aria-label="Monkey Island Estate (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monkey Island Estate</a> &#8211; a swish riverside hotel with a brasserie and bar. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>It&#8217;s not a shop &#8217;til you drop kinda place, but <a href="https://www.storyinbray.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Story at Bray</a> is a lovely independent gifts and homewares shop we like. Slap bang in the heart of the village, stop by at award-winning <a href="https://braycured.com/">Bray Cured</a> – a gorgeous charcuterie bar and deli selling the finest cured meat alongside artisan food goodies from the area&#8217;s best producers. Head into nearby Windsor or Maidenhead for bigger high street names, plus the on-trend eco shop called <a aria-label="Filling Good (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.fillinggood.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Filling Good</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/02/cecily-spa-1.jpg" alt="Cecily spa Windsor" class="wp-image-61836" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/02/cecily-spa-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/02/cecily-spa-1-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/02/cecily-spa-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/02/cecily-spa-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Cecily Windsor</figcaption></figure>



<p>Head to nearby Maidenhead for all your top to toe services. There&#8217;s a doctors surgery, a number of hairdressers including <a href="https://www.haringtons.com/find-a-salon/maidenhead-hair-salon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harringtons</a>, and tons of nail bars. Eton is your go to for the ultimate boutique gym experience at <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle-2/wellbeing-lifestyle-2/review-personal-training-class-at-vi-training-studio-eton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vi Training Studio</a> which offer small group personal training sessions. <a href="https://www.leisurefocus.org.uk/our-centres/braywick-leisure-centre/">Braywick Leisure Centre</a> is a one-stop shop for your gym, swimming pool, indoor cycling, sports, and astro, plus state-of-the-art Padel courts will be opening soon. </p>



<p>Detox time? <a href="https://www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk/pages/spa.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monkey Island Estate</a> has its very own floating spa on a moored barge boat (the first of its kind) where you can enjoy a selection of specially curated massages and facials. <a href="https://www.taplowhouse.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taplow House</a> is also in striking distance for a good spa day, as is the exclusive <a href="https://www.cecilywindsor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cecily Windsor</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>The historic <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Brayvillagehall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bray Village Hall</a> is the beating heart of local happenings. Expect a number of fab, neighbourly events like preloved sales, wine tastings, and markets. This year, there was an 80th D-Day Anniversary Supper and Party, the Bray Village Fete is in September, there will be a Halloween Spooky Spectacular Trick or Treat Trail, and in December, a Christmas Fayre. You&#8217;ll find the community regularly rallying together to raise money for the local hospice too.</p>



<p>Just outside the village, head to neighbouring Holyport for their annual Village Fair. It&#8217;s a tradition that began in 1945 on the village green and sees all classic fair games you&#8217;d expect. Sporty type? Join the Holyport Cricket Club for men and women of all ages and abilities. Over in Maidenhead, there&#8217;s also the annual family-friendly <a href="https://www.fifest.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fi.Fest</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-watersports.jpg" alt="bray lake watersports" class="wp-image-66229" style="aspect-ratio:1.3333333333333333;width:640px;height:auto" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-watersports.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-watersports-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-watersports-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/05/bray-lake-watersports-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bray Lake Watersports</figcaption></figure>



<p>If you&#8217;re not about the food, then you&#8217;ll be seduced by the water. For those with deep pockets you can park your boat at Bray Marina or charter one for the day. All of the Champagne popping fun without the maintenance. For a down to earth vibe, <a aria-label="Bray Lake Watersports (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/bray-lake-watersports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bray Lake Watersports</a> offers paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing and wild swimming on a willow-lined lake. Have lessons or get social with other like-minded splash happy folk. Visit nearby <a href="https://dorneycourt.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dorney Court</a> and relive the <em>Bridgerton</em> honeymoon with the Duke. This Tudor showstopper doubled as the inn. In your head only, people&#8230; you&#8217;ll get arrested. <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/cliveden">Cliveden</a> isn&#8217;t far for more manor house swooning and National Trust gallivanting.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">CULTURE</h2>



<p><a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/norden-farm-arts-centre-maidenhead/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norden Farm</a> attracts top flight comedy as well as numerous shows, workshops, and events, meanwhile <a href="https://theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/">Theatre Royal Windsor</a> plays host to the big name touring productions. Also in Windsor, drop in for a cuppa with the Royals at <a href="https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle">Windsor Castle</a> (the late, great Queen&#8217;s final resting place) or catch the <a href="https://www.windsorfringe.co.uk/">Windsor Fringe</a> &#8211; on during the Autumn. <a href="https://www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Windsor Racecourse</a> is just a few minutes down the road too. If you&#8217;re looking for some added drama, arrive by boat.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Down 10% since 2021 so perhaps now is the time to strike. The average house price is £793,209. Detached properties, sell for an average price of £974,264 but riverside properties go for £3-£6m+. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/bray-copy.jpg" alt="bray houses for sale" class="wp-image-69297" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/bray-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/bray-copy-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/bray-copy-400x300.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/bray-copy-768x575.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A stonking <a href="https://www.knightfrank.com/properties/residential/for-sale/chauntry-road-maidenhead-berkshire-sl6/asc012327270" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">10-bed property</a> slap-bang on the riverside. But it comes with a hefty price tag. On the market with Knight Frank for £5.25m.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://littleme-preschool.co.uk/">Little Me &amp; Little Muddy Me</a> pre-schools are both rated excellent with Little Muddy Me being the first outdoor pre-school in Maidenhead, set within a beautiful enclosed wooded area at Bray Lake. <a href="https://www.nurseryfederation.co.uk/maidenhead">Maidenhead Nursery School</a> also has an excellent rating with a lovely outdoor play area and facilities. For other solid options, there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.brighthorizons.co.uk/our-nurseries/maidenhead-day-nursery-and-preschool">Bright Horizons Maidenhead Day Nursery and Preschool</a> and <a href="https://monkeypuzzlemaidenhead.co.uk/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=gmb&amp;utm_campaign=google_my_business_maidenhead">Monkey Puzzle Day Nursery</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Outstanding state schools in abundance. To name a few, <a aria-label="Boyne Hill CofE Infant school (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.boynehillschool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boyne Hill CofE Infant school</a>, <a aria-label="Braywick Court School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.braywickcourtschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Braywick Court School</a>, <a aria-label="Furze Platt Junior School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.furzeplattjuniorschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Furze Platt Junior School</a> and <a aria-label="Holyport College (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.holyportcollege.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holyport College</a>. Heading down the private route? You&#8217;re spoilt for choice: <a aria-label="St George's Windsor Castle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-georges-windsor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St George&#8217;s Windsor Castle</a>, <a aria-label="Upton House (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/upton-house-school-windsor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Upton House</a>, and <a aria-label="St John's Beaumont (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-johns-beaumont-old-windsor/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St John&#8217;s Beaumont</a> in Windsor. For seniors, traditional boys&#8217; school Eton College and the more modern <a aria-label="Claire's Court (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.clairescourt.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claire&#8217;s Court</a> are nearby. If you don&#8217;t mind travelling, <a aria-label="LVS Ascot (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/lvs-ascot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LVS Ascot</a>, <a aria-label="Heathfield School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/heathfield-school-ascot-berkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heathfield School</a>, <a aria-label="St George's Ascot (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-georges-ascot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St George&#8217;s Ascot</a>, <a aria-label="The Marist (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/the-marist-schools-ascot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Marist</a> and <a aria-label="Reading Blue Coat (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/reading-blue-coat-sonning/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reading Blue Coat</a> are worth considering.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>There&#8217;s no business like show business. While we love the fact that the late great Michael Parkinson was a much-loved local, we&#8217;re more excited about the film studio. Bray Studios is best known for being the home of Hammer Horror, but in recent times Tom Hanks was spotted filming scenes for Steven Spielberg&#8217;s WW2 Apple TV drama <em>Masters of the Air</em>, <em>The King&#8217;s Man</em> (2021) Rocketman (2019) and rumour has it, Richard Madden started filming the spy series <em>Citadel</em> at Bray Studio in Sept 2024.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Bray is a 10 min drive from Maidenhead station. From there, commuters can catch a speedy service and fly into Paddington in just 20 mins. There are 118 trains a day, average journey time is 35 mins and an annual season tickets costs from £3,868 (with travel card £4,928). It&#8217;s on the Elizabeth Line too which has been a game changer. If you&#8217;re hopping in your car, the village is 5 mins from J8/9 of the M4, and you can get to Heathrow in about 25 mins. So, excellent. </p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Bray

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