OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO

Make like Lady Bridgerton to West Woodhay House near Newbury for their Garden Charity Party on Fri 14 June. From 6.30pm to 9pm you’ll have a chance to waft around the beautifully manicured gardens with a drink in hand and canapés to keep you fuelled to max. A rare opportunity to see these gorgeous gardens so don’t rest on your laurels. Tickets £25pp. Be quick!

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 Malverleys, Newbury on 19 Jun. 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.

If you’ve got a pooch who deserves a prize, check out Windsor Championship Dog Show (27 – 30 Jun). Pooches are also welcome at Yattendon’s annual Classic Vehicle Day on 30 Jun. See the coolest cars, check out the vintage stalls and hit the cream teas hard. I can only pray for a French Fancy or a slice of Battenberg.

Fancy horsing around? Grab your hobby horse and get down to Hurst Fayre (29 & 30 Jun). In addition to the famous Hobby Horse Championship, there will be music, a fun dog show, animal petting and more. Don’t forget your trusted steed (husband or hobby horse).

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Berkshire this month, why not celebrate Magna Carta Weekend (15 & 16 Jun) in Windsor? It’s the 809th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta and the entire community in and around Runnymede is celebrating. Expect medieval games, dressing up, re-enactments, dressing up, crafts, guided walks, boat trips, and more.

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

Race season in Berkshire is in full swing. Royal Windsor Racecourse has a jam-packed month of fun up its sleeve, so no chance of reining it in. There’s the Summer Garden Party (Mon 17 Jun) and Ladies Day (Sat 29 Jun). Expect live entertainment, top card racing, and under 17s go completely free with a paying adult.

Ah, the familiar sound of hooves rumbling across Ascot Racecourse, and that’s just the women in the heels they’ve not worn for years. Royal Ascot (18 – 22 Jun) is back with a bang this year. The Style Guide has come under creative direction of Daniel w. Fletcher for 2024 so it’s all about whip-smart tailoring and clean lines. Enjoy a day of celeb spotting and apparently there are a few horses running too. It’s the perfect place to people watch, just don’t overdo the bubbles for fear of making it on the Daily Mail’s sidebar of shame. Tickets are limited so giddy up

At Newbury Racecourse, there’s a Midsummer Raceday on 25 Jun. Book early to avoid disappointment. Under 18s go free.

STAGE AND SCREEN

It’s all about the leading ladies. This time, Miss Havisham from Great Expectations takes centre stage like never before in a cobwebbed tale of heartbreak that Dickens left out. Havisham is a refreshing new take on the classic story, fans new and old will love this powerful performance that will stay with you long after you’ve vacated your seat. See it for one night only at Norden Farm in Maidenhead on 28 Jun.

RABBLE Theatre swooped the Muddy Award for Best Arts, Culture, and Theatre in this year’s awards and for good reason. They are a fab indie theatre doing incredible work for the local arts scene. 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.

Rock ‘n’ roll on the riverside. Lots of outdoor cinema to enjoy at Berkshire’s two swanky Coppa Clubs. Ghostbusters hits the big screen on Fri 21 Jun at The Great House. And looking forward to next month, Wonka is also at The Great House 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.

Keeeeep dancing! It’s a right Strictly extravaganza in Reading. Power couple Nadiya and Kai bring their tour Behind The Magic to The Hexagon on Sat 29 Jun, taking you on a deeply personal journey through the world of dance. But before that, make sure you snap up one of the last remaining tickets to see Strictly saucepots Anton and Giovanni take the stage. See them on Sat 15 Jun for two hours of breathtaking routines, innovative choreography, and fab dancing.

Get your arms in the air and prepare to reclaim your clubbing days as the biggest dance anthems of the last 30 years are brought to life by a 32 piece orchestra with live vocalists and DJs. Classic Ibiza Reading is back on 14 Jun. There’s a Big Top with a distinctly festival vibe – think bars, street food and glitter make-up stalls – sounds fabulous!

Don’t miss the first play in Sean Mathias’s 4th season at Theatre Royal Windsor. He previously directed none other than Sir Ian McKellen in his adaptation of Hamlet back in 2021 (recently released in film version this year), and now, he’s back with Accolade – a gripping thriller set in the vibrant world of London’s intellectual elite with razor-sharp dialogue and unexpected twists at every turn. Starring Ayden Callaghan (Hollyoaks) and Honeysuckle Weeks (Foyle’s War). On 31 May – 15 Jun.

If you like your nights bawdy and a little bit naughty, this is for you! The UK’s longest-running burlesque show is back touring the nation – and, it’s bigger than ever. Expect fun, feathers, fabulous costumes and flexibility. Keep taking the Cod Liver oil. An Evening of Burlesque is on at The Corn Exchange Newbury on 29 Jun.

At The Watermill Theatre, expect another top notch production in the form of Fanny – a rip-roaring comedy featuring Charlie Russell (BBC The Goes Wrong Show) that’s on from now to Sat 15 June. We can’t wait.

Based on the book with the same name, Sofie Hagen’s new stand up tour is candid, hilarious and disarming as she attempts to figure out why she hasn’t had sex in over 3,000 days. A banger of a show. Excuse the pun. On at South Street Reading on 21 Jun.

Nothing quite like seeing the songs of your favourite artists performed by a cast of West End singers, an epic live band, and in a setting lit up by hundreds of individual candles. Elton John By Candlelight comes to Reading Minster on 27 Jun and it’s ready to rock. Tickets £10 – £45 with fully licensed bar on site.

FOOD & DRINK

We’ve got a lotta love for French and fancy L’Ortolan in Shinfield. Join them for their special Loire Valley Wine Dinner on 27 Jun. For £110pp you’ll get three sumptuous courses, all expertly paired with wines that will have you singing all the way home.

British tapas bar Goat on the Roof are celebrating two years of their Newbury restaurant this year with a series of unmissable foodie events. Join them for An English Wine Experience on 20 Jun aka the night of Solstice for a long night of bubbles and booze.

If you prefer more of the hoppy stuff, Siren Craft Brew’s regular events at their taproom never disappoint. There’s Barrel Tasting, also on 20 Jun, with Barrel Master Steve who will guiding tastings of their Barrel Aged beers. Grab your tickets now.

It’s always nice knowing where your food comes from. At The Shurlock Inn near Newbury, they are all about fresh, local, British products and on 27 Jun they are throwing a garden party with live music, Dolce Vita Spritz, and canapés with all their favourite suppliers in tow.

As for foodie things to do in Berkshire, the Royal Berkshire have recently started offering Sunday roasts in their suave Fork Restaurant. All the cosy home cooked feels minus the washing up. Yep, you’re winning. Choose from sirloin of beef, pork belly, turkey, or leek and cheddar wellington with all the trimmings.

New menu alert! Five star The Roseate in Reading’s Reading Room Restaurant has recently enjoyed one tasty revamp. I took one for the team and gave it the ultimate taste test myself (what? Someone has to do it) and I can confirm it is beeeeautiful. The seared scallops with pork belly are to die for. My recommendation? Go the whole hog and get the six course tasting menu with wine pairings. A proper treat that is curated to perfection.

Cheesus! Cobbs Farm don’t hold back when it comes to their Wine and Cheese tasting nights. Their next one at their Hungerford shop takes place on 28 Jun where you’ll sample all their top-selling British cheeses alongside some fabulous wines. £40pp. Spaces limited so book now.

More foodie fun at The Windsor Food and Chilli Festival on 29 – 30 Jun. Expect chef demos, music from local bands and tribute acts, a kids zone, and lots of food to sample, because let’s be honest, it would be rude not to. Nothing like a live chilli eating competition to finish the day off with a bang.

Murder Mystery weekends are on the rise with a little help of The Traitors which has propelled their popularity to stratospheric heights. Moonstone Murder Mysteries and The Watermill Theatre present an evening packed with plot-twists, suspicious suspects, and plenty of red herrings as you play detective to root out the murderer. Plus, you’ll enjoy a three course meal too. £55. On 20 & 21 Jun.

LOCAL FESTIVALS

75+ local and fab things to do in Berkshire this June Wasing festival

On the Mount, a series of concerts staged in an incredible natural amphitheatre in the grounds of Wasing Estate, is back this summer. The line up features headline sets from 80s rock band Crowded House on 17 June, legendary Paolo Nutini on 18 June, Nick Mulvey takes the stage on Solstice (20 June), and woman of the moment Sophie Ellis-Bextor will get everyone dancing on 26 June. See Jungle on 27 June and Underworld on the 29 June. Ticket prices vary.

For something boozey to do, try Sausage and Cider on the Farm (15 Jun). It will be at the Fi Fest venue in Maidenhead with so much going I don’t know where to start. Food, drink, grown-up and little people activities, live music, DJs – if one thing’s guaranteed, you won’t be bored.

If you’re quick, you can still get involved in this hive of cultural activity, which sees the picturesque villages of Goring and Streatley come to life with over 80 events, including theatre, comedy, live music, free children’s activities, open gardens, and more. Ticket prices vary. On 7 – 16 Jun.

Stories in the Park 2024 returns to Palmer Park in Reading on Sat 15 Jun. It’s the home of epic house music with multiple acts performing across two stages. Rave goggles at the ready!

More festival action in Reading with the East Reading Festival 2024 (Sun 23 Jun). Just turn up for a variety of community-driven entertainment like a spoken-word/poetry stage, a funfair, fab food, and stalls.

See our full guide to local festivals in Berkshire here.

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

75+ local and fab things to do in Berkshire this June Totfest

A veritable kids’ heaven – this is like all your little one’s wildest dreams rolled into one epic day. At TOTFest, taking place at Windsor Racecourse on 23 Jun, expect baby raves, arts and crafts, a fairground, toy villages, a giant soft play, sports sessions, music making and loads more. Book the last few tickets now.

You can bring the kids to Cirque: The Greatest Show, which promises an escape from the ordinary. Prepare to be amazed as West End and Broadway hits combine with breath-taking, amazing aerialists, incredible contortionists, and thrilling feats of agility and flair. There are two performances at The Hexagon on Sat 22 June at 1pm and 6pm.

Midsummer celebrations await at IKEA Reading! Head to their restaurant for a three-course meal, flower crown workshop, colouring activities, traditional music and sampling. Kids under 16 go totally free when accompanied by a paying adult. Tickets £8.95 person. A total steal.

It’s always a job thinking of things to do with the kids locally. Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book is a surefire hit with littlies aged 3 – 8. It’s based on the original book written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler, following Charlie’s big challenge to convince his sister reading is fun. See it at The Corn Exchange Newbury, 21 – 23 Jun.

If you’re looking for things to do in Berkshire with the kids, The Children’s Arts Festival in Hungerford is a totally free activities day for 3 – 11 year olds that encourages creativity through art sessions, music-making, storytelling and much, much more. If the weather plays ball, bring a blanket and make a day of it. Refreshments available on site. On Sat 15 Jun, 11am – 3.30pm.

WORKSHOPS & WELLBEING

75+ local and fab things to do in Berkshire this June paddleboarding berkshire

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 – 23 Jun 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.

Also at The Swan at Streatley, treat Dad to a morning on the river learning, or maybe perfecting, the art of Stand Up Paddleboarding for Father’s Day (16 Jun). Don’t worry, he’ll be in good hands with fully qualified paddleboard instructors. It’s a mixed ability session and kids aged 8 and over can join in if they fancy it (although you’ll have to book them in too). Plenty of opportunity for family and friends to laugh, I mean watch from the Thames Path too.

Got the urge to throw some shapes? Why not ditch the coffee and start the day with a boogie instead? Feel the grass under your feet and get moving at this Uplift Dance early morning party in Goldwell Park, Newbury. You’ll be wearing silent disco headphones and should definitely dance like no one’s watching. The event takes place on Sun 23 Jun from 9am until 10.30am and tickets are £10 per person.

Get crafty over at The Base Greenham on Sun 30 Jun with a Modern Weaving workshop where you’ll learn to create a stunning wall hanging in modern colours using a traditional loom. £60pp. Don’t miss the Macrame Summer Bag workshop on Sat 15 Jun too.

ART & EXHIBITIONS IN BERKSHIRE

HUMOS caversham art exhibition Berkshire

We’re always on the hunt for cool things to do in Berkshire here at Muddy. Head to natural perfumers HUMOS in Caversham for their latest exhibition, The Perfumer’s Garden, on now – 23 Jun. It’s totally free to enter and reimagines Renaissance art as a series of olfactory narratives, each scent capturing the essence of the era for the modern senses. Weaving art and aroma into a new sensory tapestry.

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.

Speaking of tapestries, 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 7 Jun – 14 Jul, exploring themes of landscape, architecture, conflict, communication and interconnection. To coincide with the exhibition, don’t miss Alastair’s insightful talk on 27 Jun. £15pp including a glass of wine.

75+ local and fab things to do in Berkshire this June Reading museum

Over at the Reading Museum, it’s all feeling a little icy. There’s a creative writing workshop on 15 Jun, a talk on Weather Systems in the Changing Arctic on 20 Jun, wildlife photographer Paul Alistair Collins gives a talk on 22 Jun, and the ongoing art exhibition Julian Grater: Arctic Mirage all about the arctic is on now – 20 Jul.

Head to Reading town centre for an entire celebration of art on 21 Jun – 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.

Over in Cookham, the Stanley Spencer Gallery is always worth a visit. See this influential local artist’s work in the latest exhibition The Cookham Brotherhood: The Art of Gilbert and Stanley Spencer – a celebration of the profound influence that Cookham had on the artistic expression of the Spencer brothers. On now – 3 Nov.

OOPS… YOU MISSED IT!

75+ local and fab things to do in Berkshire this June windsor flower show

Floral things to do in Berkshire? The Royal Windsor Flower Show, Berk’s answer to Chelsea, is back with a stellar line up and glorious blooms to boot this summer. On Sat 8 June expect top-notch exhibitors, thought-provoking talks, delicious food and lots of entertainment – including for the kids. A number of competitions happening if you want to test the waters with your green fingers. Tickets from £20 per adult, £6 for children aged 5-17 (under fives go free) or take the whole family (two adults and three children under 17) for £52. Parking is free.

Beer lovers, you’ll want to check out Double-Barrelled Brewery’s Indie Market (2 Jun) where there will be a showcase of small, local craft makers and street food at the taproom. Just turn up. Also in Reading, go totally wild for a 4-day programme celebrating nature across the town with a load of completely free activities. There will be five zones for maximum immersion with walks, talks and more. From bats to bees, trees to turbines, marshes to museums, there’s something for everyone. On 7-10 Jun.

75+ local and fab things to do in Berkshire this June discos berkshire

Neon, flares, and big hair at the ready. Dance the night away at the historic Abbey Ruins in Reading for a 90s silent disco under the stars. Expect all the big tunes, plus hundreds of people blasting out the lyrics into the universe. You may look mad, but you’ll have a right ball while you’re at it. On Fri 7 Jun.

Pelt it around The King’s backyard for the Royal Windsor Triathlon (9 Jun). In recent years, sports stars such as Jonny Wilkinson, Tanni Gray-Thompson, Gareth Thomas and Jenson Button have all taken part in the event so if you’re planning to spectate, there’s no knowing who you might spot. The event starts with a swim up The Thames and finishes with a sprint towards the castle.

75+ local and fab things to do in Berkshire this June mill sonning three men in a boat

Grab your oar and hoist yourself up The Thames to catch Jerome K. Jerome’s classic Victorian memoir Three Men in a Boat (6 Jun – 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.

Top tier comedy in the hilarious form of Ed Bryne will be at The Hexagon in Reading on Sun 9 Jun as he tests the formula that humour is defined as Tragedy Plus Time by mining the most tragic events in his life for laughs. 14+, £30pp.

Tired mums unite! The Swan at Streatley are throwing a brunch dedicated just to you. Tired Mums Society Brunch takes place under the beautiful eaves of the Coppa Club Boathouse with access to a beautiful private terrace on the river. Enjoy hot coffee and tea, a selection of delicious brunch dishes, cold drinks as well as special guests here to support you on your motherhood journey. Special gifts to take home and a mat for your little one to hang out too. £30pp on 11 Jun.

Get boozey in Berkshire. Milk Reading are throwing a Cazcabel Tequila tasting night on Wed 5 Jun. Try five samples in the range for just £4. For something a little more substantial to line your stomach, Sadgrove Supper Club’s next legendary super club takes place on Fri 7 Jun.

Hop to it (sorry, couldn’t help it) and get yourself pump side at Twyford Beer Festival – taking place on the 7 – 8 June. It’s an eclectic three-day festival with live music, street food, and of course loaaaaads of booze. All in aid of charity so you know your pints are for a good cause. Fri admission £10, Sat £15, and under 18s go free.

Water Fest (8 Jun) stretches from Reading’s Abbey Ruins, Forbury Gardens, Chestnut Walk and Riverside Walk. Expect a party atmosphere in Reading that day with entertainment, fun for the kids, waters activities, boats, craft stalls, and more.

Any excuse to squeeze into your Daisy Dukes and stagger around with a pear cider. South Hill Park is hosting a family-friendly Food and Music Festival (8 – 9 Jun) and it’s totally free to enter. So there’s no excuse not to go and sample the international street food, kids entertainment and chilled atmosphere in the beautiful grounds of South Hill Park. Sunshine’s been ordered, but take a Pac-A-Mac just in case.

Release the children! Little Welly specialises in obstacle courses for kids and returns for its seventh year in Henley at the Showground. The course is a hop, skip, jump and dash through loads of challenges, taking in streams, trails, mud and woodland. Oh, and did I mention it’s the biggest obstacle course for kids in the UK? If that doesn’t tire out the little blighters, what will? Then there’s the accompanying festival with – deep breath – kart racing, rope climbing, circus skills workshops, live music, helter skelter, laser tag, climbing wall, pony rides and loads of family activities. On 8 – 9 Jun.

Now in its 35th year, Reading Children’s Festival (now – 2 Jun) is a fun packed few weeks of events and activities for children. There are free arts and crafts sessions, free boat rides, drumming workshops, storytime, sports sessions, and more more more. Check out the full programme here.

More where that came from at Norden Farm. Enjoy Paint & Sip with Lauren on 7 Jun where you’ll pick up a paintbrush to create gorgeous artwork that reflects your inner flamingo. You fly girl. 18+, £36pp including a wine or a beer.

Want more of an arty party? Whiteknights Studio Trail is back for its 24th year. This walking tour of artists’ studios in the University of Reading area takes place on Sat 8 and Sun 9 June, featuring 33 artists at 24 venues. Totally free.

Jolly June! 75+ fabulous things to do locally

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