THINGS TO DO OUTDOORS

Seeking some of that glorious Berkshire fresh air? Out you go to this beautiful Horticultural Workshop at Malverley’s Farm in Newbury. With head gardener Mat Reese as your green-fingered guide, you’ll enjoy a garden lecture on creating stunning white gardens using shape, texture and contrast with plants. There will be tea, coffee, lots of cake, plus a delicious lunch had in the farm kitchen. Yum. £150pp.

Grab the whole family and head to Windsor. The Summer Sensations Family Nature Trail around the Great Park kicks off on 30 Jul – 2 Aug and is a sensory journey around the wild wood and marvellous meadow, with mindful activities at every turn. The trail takes approx two hours and is suitable for all ages 4+. £5 per child.

Shop ’til you drop! Reading’s Indie Market at cool Blue Collar Corner is back with a bang. On Sun 21 Jul, enjoy the best of Reading’s artists and handmade businesses with stalls, street food and a full bar (obvs). Kids and dogs welcome. Totally free entry.

Things to do in Berkshire this summer Newbury Summer Fest, Newbury Showground things to do in Berkshire July

So many fabulously fun things to do in Berkshire this summer, and Newbury Summer Fest has it all. Expect thrilling monster truck displays, live music (including Gareth Gates), hot air balloons, helicopter flights, parachuting, fireworks, falconry displays, an inflatable park, workshops, and one huge fairground. Phewwww. That should keep the kids busy for five. Taking place at Newbury Showground on 20 Jul.

Head to the lovely lawns of Shaw House on 21 Jul and browse more than 60 craft stalls showcasing the work of local makers. Hot food and drink will be available too plus live music, craft activities, performances from Mr Muddle the Magician and Shetland pony rides. There’s also a dog show so remember to bring along your four legged friend! It’s £2 for adults and £1 for children over three years, 11am – 4pm.

The National Garden Scheme’s Open Gardens are a great opportunity to nose around gardens that rarely open. Get some inspiration for your summer planting, or just chose the ones that serve tea and cake. Check out Oakland on Sun 21 Jul, and 13 Broom Acres on Sun 21 Jul. If you fancy travelling further afield, there are lots of fabulous options near Berkshire. And don’t hold back on the tea and cake, it’s all for charity! See our full guide to gardens here.

The annual Royal Swan Upping will be taking place this year on 15 – 19 Jul. This historic event dating from the 12^th century takes place every year down the River Thames to keep a census of the area’s swan population and aid conservation efforts. You’ll catch the scarlet-clad swan markers making their way up stream via traditional rowing skiffs, trying to scout out the King’s royal birds to collect data and assess the swans and cygnets for injury. A great educational experience for children – they will be able to get involved, ask lots of questions, and see the cygnets up close.

Things to do in Berkshire this summer Windsor and Eton En Plein Air, Windsor, 20 Jul

If you’re looking for things to do in Berkshire this summer, how about watching over the shoulder of 90 talented artists as they go head to head in the Royal Borough’s largest outdoor painting competition. With The King’s express permission, find them dotted all over the grounds of Windsor Castle as they create their masterpieces within six hours. Windsor and Eton En Plein Air takes place on 20 Jul.

Sing it loud and proud, baby! Bracknell Forest Pride 2024 takes place on Sat 20 Jul for a full day partayyy. The parade starts at 11.45am outside Easthampstead House, there’s giant letters in Princess Square, visit MAC in Union Square for free MacXimal Lip or glitter touch-up, and catch live performances in Bond Square, hosted by the vibrant sassy Drag Queen Bunny Gallore. Free face painting and glitter for all.

Stretch your legs! It’s summer after all. Get your steps in and learn something new on the guided town walk of Newbury (30 Jul). The pace is leisurely as a local history expert guides you around the historic streets, delving into its fascinating past.

man and young girl looking at horse in parade ring ascot racecourse Berkhsire

It’s summer which means the racing across Berkshire’s fabulous racecourses is hotting up. At Ascot, the King George VI Weekend takes place 27 Jul. Meanwhile head to Windsor for Soul & Motown (22 Jul), and An Evening With Queen event (29 Jul). Fun, fun, fun.

FESTIVALS IN BERKSHIRE

When in Berkshire, get boozey. Foodie festivals incoming! Slip your hoppy trousers on and head to Vansittart Estate in Windsor for a festival all about beer. Windsor Beer Fest, (26 – 28 Jul) is across three whole days and your entry fee includes a novelty glass and welcome drink, then, the world’s your oyster. Expect local craft brews, delicious food, live music, and one fantastic atmosphere. A single day ticket is £15, the weekend pass is £40.

Think you know gin? Feeling familiar with rum? Think again! The Gin & Rum Festival (27 Jul) in Reading offers more than 120 types – handpicked and often exclusive to the festival – to sample. There’s also sipping tequila, beer, cocktails and fizz (if gin’s not your thing). Meet the distillers and enjoy a dance to the award-winning DJ’s tunes too. Just make sure you’ve got your taxi booked so there’s no need to hold back! Tickets from £16 plus booking fee.

things to do in Berkshire July Smoke and Fire Festival

The UK’s largest BBQ and outdoor cooking festival is back and ready to turn the heat up to max. Smoke and Fire Festival comes to Ascot Racecourse on 20 – 21 Jul for family-friendly day of food tastings, booze tents, live music, and BBQ masterclasses from the likes of TV chef and BBC1 Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt. For kids, there’s fairground rides, bouncy castles, free circus workshops, and a thrilling bucking rodeo bull contest. Don’t miss the first-ever World Butchers Wars Challenge either. See 30 of the world’s finest butchers compete for the Butcher Wars World Champion title.

A crowd-pleasing festival of tribute acts playing homage to the greats. The family-friendly Marvellous Festival has been rocking Dinton Pastures Country Park for over two decades. Taking to the stage in 2024 are: Adele, Blondie, U2, Bon Giovi, and more. There’s also camping and glamping if you want to have a few Pear Ciders in the sunshine. On 19 – 21 Jul.

Pixie Lott Flackstock Flackstock, Pangbourne, 22 July

Following a hugely successful debut in 2022, Flackstock, celebrating the life of TV presenter Caroline Flack, is back at Englefield House in Theale on 22 Jul for a third year. There’s music, comedy and dance on offer but there’s more to it than that. The festival, organised by Caroline’s family and friends, is raising money for mental health charities – Choose Love, Mind, Samaritans and the Charlie Waller Trust. They’ve made an amazing £495k so far! Claim your guilt-free ticket today. Line-up includes Olly Murs, Tom Walker, New Dad, and Rebecca Ferguson.

Berkshire has no beaches you say? Think again. Maidenhead Festival is the biggest public event in Maidenhead that crops up every July with live music, a beach (with real sand), street food, funfair, and fireworks. The best part? It’s totally free. Join on 20 – 21 Jul in the heart of Kidwells Park for two days of pure, unadulterated fun.

KIDS

Sorry parents, I don’t want to be the one to remind you, but the Summer Holidays kick off this month and nope, there’s no escaping it. No need to fret. Pack them off on one of Life 101’s exceptionally brilliant wellbeing and resilience workshops that have been slapped with the Muddy seal of approval. Run by super couple Greig Trout and Jaime Thurston, the workshops are intended to help children thrive, master critical life skills, and find their superpower across two days of fun. See why we approve here. Their next Wellbeing Workshop takes place on 29 – 30 Jul in Wokingham so book now.

Got energy to burn? Enjoy a week of incredible circus skills and performing. Learn to walk on stilts, ride a unicycle, walk the tightrope and perform on a trapeze at Norder Farm’s Circus Week (30 Jul – 2 Aug)! Suitable for ages 7 – 13 years, the day starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm. Kids can stay and watch a movie from 4.15pm until 5.45pm.

Once they’ve mastered that, they’ll be ready to take centre stage. Reading Rep’s Summer on Stage programme kicks off on 29 Jul, finishing on 2 Aug. For ages 5 – 8 years, your budding Julia Roberts will embark on a fun-filled week of acting, singing and dancing. They’ll craft props, whip up costumes, and unleash their inner stars. Then at the end of the week, a performance for friends and family brings the curtain to a close. £150pp.

Their one-week Musical Theatre Summer Camp for 9 – 16s takes place the same week (29 Jul – 2 Aug) where they will work with professional West End Stars, Amy Ambrose and top Musical Director Patrick Stockbridge on a professional performance on Reading Rep’s main stage. £150pp.

For the sporty types, Ultimate Activity Camps have it all. A great option for balls of energy aged 4-14, they offer everything from archery, swimming, arts and crafts, and even life skills like first aid. It has various locations in our hood (St Gabriels Newbury, Reading Blue Coat, LVS Ascot, St. Bernard’s Prep School Slough, Crosfields Reading, and Wellesley Prep School Hook). Prices start at £46 per day. Start dates vary with some schools starting 15 Jul.

Berkshire’s crowning jewel, Windsor Castle have got a load of free activities for children during the summer holidays. Summer Knights takes place Sat 27 Jul – Sun 1 Sep where the little ones can learn all about knights, design a Coat of Arms, colour Garter Knights, and make their own ‘Knight of Horseback’ to take away. There’s armour handling workshops on weekdays, plus a free trail around the castle to learn how knights defended the castle in medieval times. Standard castle entry fees apply.

Decorate a painting stone with your favourite animal, minibeast, bird or plant at Shaw House’s Family Activity Day on 31 Jul. £2.50 per child, suitable for 7 – 11s. Just drop by and get stuck in.

Best outdoor theatre in Berkshire Giffords Circus

Don’t miss the side-splitting madcap world of ever-popular Giffords Circus, which arrives at Stonor Park on 11 – 22 Jul. This year’s show will weave together a cast of acrobats, magicians, musicians and clowns from all over the world to combine poetry, music and performing arts, all set on the mythical island of AVALON. Tickets £20 for adults, £10 for kids 3-14. Back again this year, you can also book a rustic three course feast courtesy of Circus Sauce, Gifford’s travelling licensed restaurant.

Wellington Park’s Summer of Fun kicks off on 29 Jul – 1 Sep where a whole load of daily activities await. Expect farm weeks, tennis workshops, skateboarding, football, crafting, and their unmissable inflatable weekend. More where that came from for the National Trust’s Summer of Play. From 25 Jul – 3 Sep, there’s a variety of outdoor play activities to keep everyone entertained at Basildon Park, Cliveden House, and Greys Court. The event is free, but normal admission charges apply.

things to do in Berkshire July LEGOLAND windsor summer

Over at LEGOLAND Windsor, the Ninjas Unite event kicks off on 20 Jul until 2 Sep with the chance to build, train and enhance your Ninja skills. Enjoy brick build activities, live shows, meet and greets, and performances.

Also at the Watermill, pack off your 13 – 18s for a fun-filled evening all about careers in the arts (22 Jul). Take part in interactive workshops, learn from industry professionals directly and gain some careers advice to find out what life is like working in the theatre industry. There’s theatre summer holiday workshops for 8 – 16s starting Mon 29 Jul too.

AL FRESCO ENTERTAINMENT

Summer Concerts, Englefield Estate, 19 - 21 Jul

It’s a summer of music in Berkshire, none more so than at Englefield House. Legendary Brit band Madness takes the stage on Fri 19 Jul, joined by special guests Lightning Seeds and the Old Time Sailors. Pete Tong plays all his big Ibiza Classics on 20 Jul, then there’s Elbow playing on 21 Jul. It’s a beautiful venue set on a stunning private estate and always a fab atmosphere.

Get the tunes pumping. Sigala will be at Newbury Racecourse for the Weatherbys Super Sprint Day on Sat 20 Jul. Accompanied by guest vocalists, the award-winning DJ will make his Newbury Racecourse debut with a set stacked full of summer hits after an afternoon’s racing.

things to do in Berkshire July cobbs farm

Cobbs Farm’s blissfully rural location is a lush spot for outdoor cinema cinema action. On the movie reel this summer is Barbie on Sat 20 Jul. I can also promise you a legendary Cobbs barbecue menu including vegan and veggie options. Plus all the delicious drinks snacks, ice-cream, and popcorn you can consume or BYO. Doors open 7pm, film starts at 9.15pm.

Border hop to Henley and see watch the 2024 Paris Olympics riverside. From Wed 31 Jul – Sun 4 Aug, a screen will be propped up in Market Place to enjoy live coverage of events, with a special focus on the rowing (in which 25 local athletes are participating). Chairs are provided – just bring a picnic!

Twelfth Night Progress theatre abbey ruins Reading

If you’re looking for a backdrop that’s atmospheric, dramatic and nails the period brief, then Reading’s Abbey Ruins is it. This July, Progress Theatre will be performing The Importance of Being Earnest (17 – 27 July) – Oscar Wilde’s renowned comedy about two bachelors who create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome lives. Mood. Tickets on sale now.

Muddy Award winning South Hill Park is a hidden Berkshire gem – a grand design with stunning gardens and an amphitheatre for a summer season of outdoor theatre. Don’t miss the enchanting family opera The Gondoliers al fresco on 26 July. Tickets from £12.50, suitable for all ages.

FOOD & DRINK

Nothing screams summer like a long lazy afternoon sinking scones and sarnies. Beeline it for the Royal Berkshire hotel in Ascot for their legendary afternoon tea. There’s delicate sandwiches, homemade scones with lashings of clotted cream, plus CAKE. Treat yourself to some bubbles too. Throughout June and August they’re offering 15% off Mon – Fri. Go, go, go!

Over at French and fancy L’Ortolan in Shinfield, don’t miss the Macallan Double Cask Dinner on Thurs 25 Jul. It’s an interactive affair with three courses of The Macallan infused dinner, accompanied by a selection of fine wine. You’ll even get to create your own botanical infused cocktail too. £115pp.

We’re nuts about Goat on the Roof in Newbury. Book your seat, stat, at their incredibly popular Txakoli Party on 18 – 20 Jul.

But that’s not all. On 21 Jul enjoy afternoon tea at Goat on the Roof courtesy of Colline’s Kitchen who have teamed up to create one stonking summer menu. All the food is kept as local as possible and it looks dreeeeamy. From £35pp.

things to do in Berkshire July shurlock inn

Fancy a garden party with BBQ and live music? Yes please! The Shurlock Inn is hosting their annual summer BBQ on 20 Jul. Book your spot for £15, which includes a Chapel Down Paloma cocktail on arrival. The mouth-watering BBQ menu never disappoints. Grab your ticket here.

Our Muddy Award winners 2024 for Best Bar in Berkshire, Shambles in Windsor, are hosting a Cocktail Masterclass on Wed 24 Jul. It promises an evening filled with making cool drinks dressed the thrill. You’ll get a tipple on arrival, plus three cocktails which you’ll make. £55pp.

Spice up your life! What’s better than a Bottomless Brunch? One with non-stop hits from 90s icons Spice Girls. Head to Market House in Reading for 90 minutes of free flowing drinks and two food dishes, plus free games from Ping Pong, Darts, and Karaoke to fan fave Shuffleboard. On 27 Jul.

STAGE AND SCREEN

things to do in Berkshire July mill sonning theatre

Grab your oar and hoist yourself up The Thames to catch Jerome K. Jerome’s classic Victorian memoir Three Men in a Boat (now – 13 Jul). Warm, witty, and just hilarious, the show follows a delightful trio of friends, Harris, George, and Jerome, as they set sail on an unforgettable adventure through the English countryside with just a few stops you might recognise. Tickets cost between £74 and £85 including a delish two-course meal in their restaurant.

International smash-hit tribute show Thank You for the Music takes the stage at Corn Exchange Newbury on 19 Jul for a night of non-stop ABBA hits.

Heathers the Musical, Theatre Royal Windsor, 24 – 27 Jul

Don your coloured knee-highs and ready that schoolgirl scowl: cult 80s teen-fave Heathers the Musical is stomping back into Theatre Royal Windsor 24 – 27 Jul. Based on the 1988 cult hit that starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, this dazzlingly fun show is bursting with dark humour and big sing-along numbers. Just remember to stuff a tissue up your sleeve. Yep, it’s a tear-jerker too. From 29 Jul – 3 Aug, you can also catch The Mousetrap aka the world’s longest-running play as it celebrates its 70th anniversary tour.

At Norden Farm, Garrett Millerick and Sara Barron arrive on 25 Jul and will be previewing their material ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

A brand-new show from Chris Dugdale will show at The Old Court Windsor on 28 Jul which promises fast-paced mentalism, magic, 11 tricks, and a message that may or may not change your life. Suitable for 12+.

If there’s any theatre show to book yourself a seat for in Berkshire, make it Barnum at The Watermill Theatre. Their productions are award-winning (their sell-out The Lord of the Rings last summer was pretty darn epic) and you can expect no holds barred when it comes to captivating storylines, extraordinary costumes, and top local talent. If you were a fan of Hugh Jackman belting his heart out on The Greatest Showman, you’ll go nuts for this one. Tickets from £25, suitable for 8+. On 2 Jul – 8 Sep.

Nothing like hearing your favourite belters played by an orchestra and West End singers in one drop dead gorgeous setting. And the fact there will be hundreds of candles lighting up the place? Cherry on top. See Queen by Candlelight at Reading Minster on 26 Jul, and The Music Of Adele By Candlelight At Reading Minster on 27 Jul.

ARTY PARTY

Hop over the Berkshire border to Henley for the Space Vault Exhibition at the River and Rowing Museum. Using immersive audio and visuals, and comprising one of the UK’s largest private collections of space artefacts, the exhibition tells the thrilling story of human spaceflight above the Earth and to the Moon, from the Apollo program and Soviet space era, to the Space Shuttle, International Space Station and SpaceX. There’s a purpose-built lunar landscape, wrapped around the entire Gallery with a countdown every 20 minute to launch the visitor’s experience with the deafening sounds and astonishing imagery. On display until the end of June 2025.

An arty thing to do in Berkshire? How about the Daren Mason Life Exhibition at The Old Court Windsor (1 – 31 Jul). Celebrating the natural world, Daren’s work shines through the transfer of energy in his brush strokes which breathes life into the subjects of his paintings.

To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, a display in the house at Basildon Park explores the significant connection between the estate and the Second World War. It’s fascinating stuff. In fact, during World War II, Basildon Park was requisitioned and used by the 101st Airborne Division of the American Army for D-Day training. Free with normal admission prices. See it now – 31 Aug.

Over at the Reading Museum, it’s all feeling a little icy. Enjoy the ongoing art exhibition Julian Grater: Arctic Mirage all about the arctic, on now – 20 Jul. Similarly, head to the town centre for an entire celebration of art on now – 2 Jul. Open for Art 2024 is back showcasing a range of artwork that ask all the big questions, plus a range of workshops to enjoy over the 12 days too. Free, but donations welcome.

Another exhibition at Reading Museum displays from 19 – 26 Jul all about addressing the climate emergency and inspired by the words of Greta Thunberg in her speech to the Youth Climate Conference 2021. Powerful stuff. Meet the artists on 20 Jul too.

CRAFTY

things to do in Berkshire July craft courses berkshire

In Berkshire, looking for something to get your brain ticking? Head to the Base at Greenham for a shed load of crafty courses to get stuck into. There’s a Jelli Printing Course (14 – 21 Jul), and you can learn how to make a willow basket too (27 – 28 Jul).

Lots more crafty action at South Hill Park in Bracknell. Throw yourself into a Parrot Painting workshop on 23 Jul, a two day stone lithography workshop on 27 – 28 Jul, and a three day stained glass summer workshop on 30 Jul – 1 Aug.

Channel your inner Gordon Ramsey. There’s lots of cookery courses going down at The Woodspeen in Berkshire this July. Barbeques, curries, fish, beef wellington, Italian, pasta, desserts, steak – see the full list here.

WELLBEING

We’re big fans of Journey with Nikita’s Discover your Dharma workshops (you can check out our review of it here). This month, it’s going five star with an indulgent version of the life-affirming workshop taking place at boutiquey The Roseate in Reading on 26 Jul. Refreshments on arrival before launching into the good stuff and refuelling at 1pm with a fine dining lunch. £199pp. Book now.

Over at Soul Barns in Mortimer (Berkshire), there’s a Yoga and Restore Workshop on 21 Jul for just £35pp.

Enjoy a day of wellbeing at the beautiful Wasing Estate. Their Saturday Swim, Sauna, and Lakeside Lunch events are selling like hotcakes but there’s still some available for 27 Jul. Don’t miss their Revive and Breathe Day Retreat on Sat 20 Jul too. A full day of breathwork, mindful movement, self-reflection, sauna and swim, lunch, meditation, and nature immersion. £175pp.

OOPS… MAYBE NEXT YEAR

Make like a bat out of hell to Berkshire’s nature discovery centres for strolls with a wildlife twist. There’s a Guided Bat Walk in Great Windsor Park (10 Jul), an Owl Talk (11 Jul), Nightjar Walk around Greenham Common (13 Jul), and a Wildlife Walk also around Greenham Common (17 July).

Lots of garden action over in Eton and an extremely rare chance to glimpse the central Eton College gardens including Luxmoore’s garden on a small island in the Thames reached across two gorgeous bridges. Enjoy the fascinating Eton College Natural History Museum, the Museum of Eton Life, and one or two other private gardens as well. On 3 Jul. Adults £7, children free.

On the subject of Royals, don’t miss the Henley Royal Regatta just over the Berkshire border. It’s on 2 – 7 Jul this year and promises a day of top racing action (including some Olympic rowers), lots of Pimms, Royal air force flypasts, and one electric atmosphere.

Zoom into the fun over at Prospect Park in Reading. The Berkshire Motor Show promises a family day filled with classic cars, marvellous motors, World War Wrestling, a funfair, archery and lots, lots more. All to raise funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. Free entry, but car parking is a £2 donation. On 7 Jul.

The family Summer Mile Weekend at Ascot takes place on 12 – 13 Jul. Meanwhile Windsor Racecourse has got an ABBA Party Racenight (1 Jul), Rum & Reggae Racenight (15 Jul)

things to do in Berkshire July Henley festival

Boogie on down to the UK’s most glamorous music and arts festival, Henley Festival, back Wed 10 – Sun 14 July. It’s the only black-tie fest in the country and will see summer nights full of music, comedy, visual art, gastronomy, family entertainment, and fireworks, slap-bang next to the River Thames. This year the line up includes Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, Sam Ryder, Rylan and a cracking ensemble of comedians and DJ sets to name a few.

Sooo much festival fun in Berkshire. And the fantastic family-friendly Fi.Fest is back (12 – 13 Jul). Cast, Heather Small, Rick Parfit Jnr, Bon Giovi, and Guns 2 Roses are taking the main stage, and if that doesn’t sell it to you, how about the chance to see Barry from Eastenders on the decks (dubbed Barrioke!)? There’s a fun zone for kids too and loads of eating and drinking options. Tickets £35 adults, £20 children (3-15 years), under 3s free plus £10 to park.

More beer than you can shake a keg at the Summer Beer Festival at Muddy faves Siren Craft Brew’s tap yard in Finchampstead (13 – 15 Jul). There will be guest food vendors, live music, and of course, plenty of booze.

Readipop festival Reading berkshire Berkshire festivals Berkshire festivals

Laidback boutique music festival Readipop has got it all – music, street food, drinks and fun stuff for the kids. This year’s line up includes the Ash, Echobelly, Goldie Lookin’ Chain, and Republica, with more to be announced. The three-day festival in Caversham is also a showcase for local talent so you might spot a future star in the making. Weekend adult tickets £58.50. On 12 – 14 Jul.

Also in Reading don’t miss the Bastille Day Festival in Forbury Gardens on 13 – 14 Jul that provides every excuse to don your Red, White and Blue. Expect street food, family entertainment includes kids games, live music, and dancing. Free entry.

Lock up your hard to please teens and see if they have what it takes. At Arlington Arts an escape room with a difference will crop up on 12 Jul where you’ll have 60 minutes to decipher puzzles, uncover clues, identify suspects, explore motives, and ultimately solve a mystery. Suitable for 14+.

Over at Bucklebury Farm, there’s lots for them to sink their teeth into. There’s arts and crafts on 1 & 8 Jul, pottery fun on 2, 9, 16, & 23 Jul, a poetry session on 26 Jul, LEGO workshops, children’s yoga, and dinner and play sessions.

It’s not summer without a fête! The Watermill Family Fête takes place on Sun 14 Jul with traditional activities, circus skills, fancy dress competition, live music, refreshments, artisan stalls, and the infamous Watermill duck race. Entry £3 per adult or £1.50 for under 16s.

Rock ‘n’ roll on the riverside. Lots of outdoor cinema to enjoy at Berkshire’s two swanky Coppa Clubs. Wonka is on at The Great House, Sonning on 11 Jul, meanwhile Pretty Woman plays at The Swan at Streatley on 5 Jul. Tickets £30 including a Coppa Club BBQ Burger and two sides, popcorn, a deckchair, headphones, and a blanket for the screening.

More where that came from at Stubbings Nursery in Maidenhead where Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors will be performed outdoors on 12 Jul. Enjoy a series of mid-week mini concerts outside Cliveden House’s historic Sounding Chamber (1 – 11 Jul) including classical 17th century music and jazz.

Bellissima! Join Caldesi in Campagna in Bray on Thurs 11 Jul for a culinary journey through the vibrant and rich flavours of Italy’s Puglia region. On the four-course menu is fresh tuna and swordfish carpaccio and tender chicken rolls stuffed with caciocavallo cheese and pancetta, plus a glass of bubbly. Yum. £75pp.

Five star bolthole The Vineyard present two fabulous foodie events this month. Start with Afternoon Tea with Allium Design (7 Jul). It’s a summer bouquet and fabric dye masterclass with the in-house florist where you’ll create your own unique silk scarf to take home. A traditional afternoon tea with a glass of Champagne to follow. Then, there’s a three course meal with wine pairing by King’s Caviar & All Angels Vineyard on 10 Jul. £89pp.

Pizza and wine? Now you’re speaking my language. Run, don’t walk to the Reading Biscuit Factory for an Italian Wine and Pizza Pairing night on Thurs 11 Jul. You’ll taste six wines from all four corners of Italy with wine notes & handouts, and a 2-hour interactive presentation with Q&A, led by the wine tutor.

Sukh Ojla discusses The Aunty Years on her new show at Norden Farm (4 Jul) who chats figuring out middle age, pretending to be a grown up, and the joy of a Tupperware set. Steve Bugeja and Ania Magliano arrive for their Edinburgh Fringe preview on 11 Jul with whip smart comedy.

RABBLE Theatre swooped the Muddy Award for Best Arts, Culture, and Theatre in this year’s Berkshire awards and for good reason. Catch their upcoming production, Glitch, at The Minghella Theatre, University of Reading on 27 Jun – 6 Jul. About the true story of the Post Office scandal, the production follows Pam Stubbs sub-postmistress of Barkham Post Office for over twenty years who finds herself caught up in one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British legal history. Poignant and emotional. A must-see.

Lots of comedy to enjoy in Berkshire this month. Start with UK Comics’ Comic 2022 best act winner Mark Simmons who you may recognise from BBC2’s Mock The Week as a semi-regular. He’ll be at the Curve Venue in Slough on 6 Jul to live up to his reputation as the King of one-liners.

Legally Blonde: The Musical, South Hill Park theatre berkshire

Think pink and make like Elle Woods to South Hill Park in Bracknell for a ridiculously fun production of the Reese Witherspoon smash-hit Legally Blonde. Legally Blonde: The Musical follows Elle as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams of becoming a lawyer in a musical so funny it should be illegal if you ask us. Tickets £18.50. On 6 – 7 Jul.

Do you hear the people sing? You can bet your bottom dollar they will be. Experience two glorious hours of the best of Broadway and the West End as the UK’s longest running Musical Theatre Concert Tour, Beyond the Barricade, celebrates its 25th year in the biz at Corn Exchange Newbury (4 Jul). Enjoy numbers from The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, The Lion King, Hamilton and many others, with a jaw-dropping finale from none other than Les Misérables.

Dominic Chianese, best known for his role as Corrado “Junior” Soprano on the hit HBO TV series The Sopranos will be in town on 5 Jul. See him at The Old Court Windsor for a special night that sees Dominic chat about how he became a soprano in words and music.

ALTERED STATES SCULPTURE EXHIBITON DOMINIC CLARE

Head to the National Trust property Grey’s Court in Henley-on-Thames for the 7th Sculpture in the Garden exhibition (now – 14 Jul). The Oxford Sculptors Group have created 189 works which will be displayed among the plants and in the historic Cromwellian Building. Good opportunity to stock up on some garden candy too – they are all for sale.

Alastair Duncan: Interactive Tapestry Weaving, The Base Greenham, until 14 Jul

The Base at Greenham’s new exhibition is all about tapestry expert and artist Alastair Duncan who will be bringing craft and technology together in a series of inspiring interactive tapestries. It’s on now – 14 Jul, exploring themes of landscape, architecture, conflict, communication and interconnection.

Learn the fine art of cooking at the Honesty Cookery school near Newbury. There’s a Middle Eastern Summer Mezze course on 9 Jul, or learn how to cook on fire on 11 Jul.

Try a life drawing class with a furry twist (naughty – not that kind!) At Buick MacKane in Newbury there will be a life drawing with dogs class on Sat 6 Jul with a life model AND some dogs to draw. All materials are provided and costs £35pp. Shy? The unlimited wine and snacks should help take the edge off.

Squeeze your sun-starved skin into a cossie (or wetsuit) and doggy paddle in the River Thames. Wild Swimming is huge, with loads of mental and physical health benefits. Hop over to Swan at Streatley every Sunday between now – 14 Jul for their Wild Swim and Sauna Days in the very safe hands of instructor Jo. There will be a hot drink and use of the sauna and steam room to help you defrost. I reckon lunch at the Coppa Club with a bottle of bubbly is a must.

At Mortimer’s Soul Barns, an Ancient Traditions of Yoga Course kicks off on 6 Jul. It’s five weeks and suitable for beginners where you’ll learn how to develop more authenticity in your self practice.

Looking for more inspo? Here’s a ton of things to do in Berkshire this summer:

Crank up the fun! 100+ things to do locally this July

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