MUDDY’S PICK

winter ladies day windsor racecourse november things to do near me

Who says winter can’t bring the heat? Windsor Racecourse is serving up the ultimate excuse to don your fiercest frock, grab your bestie, and strut straight into their first ever Winter Ladies Day on Sun 23 November. There will be a mini Christmas market, santa’s grotto, live music, plus the return of the Ladies Day Style Awards for the best dressed. Word has it a few horses will be jumping too. Tickets from just £17.

STAGE & SCREEN

Charley’s Aunt, The Watermill, Bagnor, 3 Oct - 15 Nov things to do near me autumn — Credit: Mark Senior

Brace yourselves! Brandon Thomas’ riotous farce Charley’s Aunt has been given a glamorous glow-up in a new adaptation by Rob Madge, the award-winning creator of My Son’s a Queer (but what can you do?). It’s hilariously brilliant. Check out my review here. Prices from £20. On now – 15 November. Later in the month, My Fair Lady (20 Nov – 17 Jan) kicks off at The Mill at Sonning, receiving a glorious revival by director Joseph Pitcher with the score we all know and love.

PANTOS

Let’s hear it for panto season! Brrr, did it just drop of few degrees? Probably. The biggest Christmas hater in the land is paying a visit to Reading Rep this season as Scrooge embarks on a life-altering journey to discover the true meaning of Christmas in A Christmas Carol (28 Nov – 3 Jan). The award-winning pantos at South Hill Park are always one of my absolute favourites. This year it’s Mother Goose and the Golden Egg (28 Nov – 4 Jan) – a fairytale for the TikTok age apparently.

Robin Hood and Maid Marian pay a visit to the Corn Exchange Newbury (28 Nov – 3 Jan), then for littlies, there’s The Comet (25 Nov – 13 Dec & 26 Dec – 3 Jan) at Norden Farm in Maidenhead. Pure festive gorgeousness with puppets, songs, and plenty of magic.

See the full list of pantos happening locally here.

FESTIVE FUN

Windsor Castle Christmas things to do locally this november

Kick the festive season off in proper style. If it’s good enough for His Maj the King, it’s good enough for us. From 27 Nov – 5 Jan, the halls of Windsor Castle will be decked with twinkling lights, garlands, real Christmas trees (a 20ft whooper from Great Windsor Park), and baubles aplenty. See Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House with new decorations, plus craft activities and workshops for the kids. Magic.

If not, our local National Trust hotties always have something sparkly and festive going on. At Basildon Park, enjoy The Enchantment of Ballet (15 November – 4 Jan) with beautifully adorned trees, garlands, and twinkling fairy lights. Similar vibes at Cliveden where they are instead celebrating The Nutcracker (15 Nov – 4 Jan) with a lovely outdoor trail inspired by the Sugar Plum Fairy’s land of sweets. Just (try) not to eat it.

Expect festive fun by the sleigh load at LEGOLAND Windsor this year. There’s festive scenes to discover as well as activities, live entertainment, and plenty of characters to meet (Santaaaaaaa!). Christmas spirit guaranteed. On 22 Nov – 3 Jan. From £29pp.

Clear your calendars and dust off your festive jumpers, because the Sunninghill Street Fayre (16 November) is back, baby. We’re talking bustling market stalls, artisan treats, sizzling street food, children’s rides, and even Father Christmas himself, holding court in his grotto at Cordes Hall (pre-booking advised, darlings – he’s a busy man). Now’s probably a good time to mention the return of Reading Winter Wonderland (now – 5 Jan) too. There’s an ice rink, fun fair, Aprés bar, Santa’s grotto, German sausage and lots and lots of mulled wine.

Wellington farm shop christmas whats on November near me

I’m sorry to say, but this month you may have to face the dread C S. Fine, I’ll whisper. Christmas shopping. Cobbs should help you get started at their Christmas Tasting Day at Englefield and Hungerford on 29 Nov. They are offering Festive Afternoon Tea between now – 4 Jan in case you get hungry in the meantime. Additionally, you can shop ’til you drop at Wellington Farm Shop (27 Nov) where you can sample lots of merry delicacies and explore a treasure trove of local talented craft gift, food and drink producers.

LIGHT TRAILS

windsor illuminated things to do berkshire november

Hold onto your Santa hats because Windsor Great Park Illuminated (now – 3 Jan) is back for another year – set to be even more dazzling than before with brand new installations and a sprinkling of returning favourites. Mulled wine and toasted marshmallows around a roaring fire is the cherry on top. Before then though, head to the home of the Great British Bake Off aka Welford Park for their Spectacle of Light show spectacular (now – 9 Nov) through the woods.

Get ready, Reading – winter just got a glow-up! Brand new for this year, immerse yourself in a gorgeous light trail around the grounds of Forbury Gardens & Abbey Ruins (15 Nov – 4 Jan). The 30 – 50 minute route will transform the area with light installations, plus there will be mulled wine, hot chocolate and marshmallow toasting along the way. Magic. Booking in advance recommended.

See the full guide to light trails in Berkshire and beyond here.

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH ONS

Eton Christmas Lights Switch-on, 13 Nov
Newbury Christmas Light Switch On Festival, 15 Nov
Windsor Christmas Lights Switch-on, 15 Nov
Reading Christmas Lights Switch-on, 15 Nov
Maidenhead Christmas Market and Light Switch On, 22 Nov
Winnersh Christmas Light Switch On, 29 Nov

CHRISTMAS MARKETS AND FAIRS

Berkshire christmas fairs near me retreat at elcot park christmas market — The Retreat at Elcot Park

Right come on then, time to get the shopping under wraps. The good news is, you’re pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to Christmas markets in Berkshire. Yattendon Winter Market (29 – 30 Nov) is where the Modern Makers are at (like the Avengers but much, much cooler). Think 24 exceptional artists, designer-makers and craftspeople flogging their wares. Tickets are just £3. There’s also The Christmas Fair at Ascot Racecourse (13 – 16 Nov) which is just brilliant. Over 140 unique stalls. No further comment. I’m also a huge fan of the Winter Craft Fair at The Base in Greenham too. On 22 – 23 Nov.

Finally another luxurious festive fair to have on your radar is the Christmas Market at The Retreat at Elcot Park (24 – 25 Nov). Fill the wicker basket in style with over 40 super trendy stalls from quirky brands, local artisans, unique gifts, innovative fashion, homewares, festive food, local art and more… seriously, there’s more? Wowee. Free entry.

See the ultimate guide to fairs and Christmas markets in Berkshire here.

WORKSHOPS

No time like the present to learn a cool new skill in time for the big C. There’s more cookery courses happening over at Honesty Cookery School than you can swing a rolling pin at. There’s wreath making too! Learn how to make sushi like a pro at Hurley House Hotel on 29 Nov. Or perhaps a pottery throwing workshop is more up your alley. There’s one with the brilliant Charlotte Manser in South Fawley on 16 Nov. As always, The Base at Greenham is running several fun festive workshops. Definitely worth a mooch through the list. More where what came from at South Hill Park.

WREATH MAKING

Wreath making sells out faster than wrapping paper on Christmas Eve around these parts. My recommendation? Book yesterday. Sonning Flowers’ Wreath Workshops are excellent and take place across the county (some involving afternoon tea and cheese FYI). There’s also The Base Greenham’s on 29 Nov, Emma Curtis‘ class at The Great House Sonning (30 Nov), and Wessex Flower Company have three gorgeous festive workshops to choose from that take place at The Flower Studio in Hungerford on 28 & November and 1 & 2 Dec.

See our full guide to Christmas Wreath Making Workshops here.

FOOD & DRINK

silchester farm winter feast things to do berkshire november

We’re saying a big fat sod off to cutting down before Christmas. Bring it on! This November, head to wine central (Stanlake Park) for a Spanish Xmas Extravaganza on 28 Nov with fizz and a Mediterranean feast cooked on site. At The Belgian Arms in Holyport, the Beaujolais Nouveau Evening (20 November) isn’t to be missed – a three course menu inspired by all things French.

Just over the Hampshire border, preparations are underway at gorgeous Silchester Farm for their Winter Fire Feasts (22, 28, & 29 Nov). It’s a magical evening of fireside dining, seasonal flavours, and candlelit charm in the Dutch Barn. £80pp. Party people, unite! Double Barrelled Brewery in Reading is turning seven and is going large with huge performances, delicious street food and of course, lots of beer. On 15 Nov.

FAMILY DAYS OUT

If you know your Lord of the Rings from your X-Men, Reading Comic Con is back in action on 30 Nov. It’s a great day for families, sci-fi collectors, fans, and well, pretty much everyone. Expect cosplay aplenty as well as celeb meet and greets. If not, let it all glow at Dinton Pastures on 22 Nov for the Glow Walk 2025 with a magical trail, live music, BBQ, and marshmallows. Psst, word on the street is there will be fairies too.

EXHIBITIONS

Two artsy exhibitions await at The Base in Greenham this November. Start with Lines of Influence (now – 16 Nov) which celebrates the artists who helped shape a British printmaking and graphic design aesthetic in the twentieth century.

OOPS… YOU MISSED IT

grayson perry the reading hexagon whats on berkshire november

Spooky season isn’t far off. Get your thrills and chills at The Mill at Sonning’s newest creep-fest, The Shadow in the Mirror (now – 8 Nov) – a haunting stage adaptation of Gerald Durrell’s short story The Entrance. All tickets include a delicious two-course meal beforehand.

Meanwhile, it’s popping off in Reading. See Grayson Perry live on stage at The Hexagon (10 Nov), then there’s a celebration of Monty Python legend Terry Jones alongside Michael Palin (15 Nov), Jools Holland tickling the ivories on 7 Nov, and finally An Evening at the Opera (8 Nov) with operatic classics performed by renowned soprano Francesca Chiejina. Her voice is unreal and will be joined by the full Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Naturally.

At The Base in Greenham there’s The Edge of Abstraction exhibition (now – 9 Nov) – all about the work of Kevin Akhurst and Robert Fitzmaurice, who, through ceramics and mixed media, unearth the mysteries of the hand, flame, and brush. Book your tickets now. If that’s not enough, join the 80s/90s/00s Daytime Disco at Firefly Cellar Bar in Reading on 8 Nov. The best part? You’ll be back in time for bed.

go ape sundown adventures bracknell things to do november near me

It’s all about after-dark activities this November, back this year, Go Ape Bracknell are running their Sundown Adventures between now and 9 November. Embark on the ultimate tree-top adventure under the stars and glowing lights. It looks awesome.

The King’s celebrating his 77th birthday this month, so every excuse to raise a glass to his good health and also watch 21 mini cannons blast off on The Long Walk. It’s on Fri 14 Nov and is a brilliant tradition.

FIREWORKS

Boom! It’s that time of year again where the skies of Berkshire explode with a kaleidoscope of colour. For a day of racing with a side order of crackle, try the Family Fireworks Spectacular at Ascot Racecourse on Sat 1 November. Expect to see 20,000 shots launch into the night’s sky, set to music. Keeping it horsey, Royal Windsor Racecourse have their Spooky Spectacular (1 Nov), plus stalls, food, and entertainment (including a pay-as-you-go funfair). That’s not forgetting the Wokingham Fireworks Spectacular (1 Nov) with a traditional flame torch parade. Or the Thameside Firework Extravaganza (2 Nov) is always a goodie.

If not, head towards Slough for the Stoke Park’s Bonfire Night & Fireworks (2 Nov) which is set to be an absolute banger (pun very much intended). Pint-sized partygoers will be welcomed by sparklers and a sweet treat from Hamleys. Expect live entertainment, a bonfire big enough to toast your marshmallows, and a musical fireworks show that promises to be bigger, louder, and more dazzling than your neighbour’s DIY display.

See all the best fireworks displays going on in Berkshire here.

Naughty November! Things to do in Berkshire this month

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