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Discover the best things to do in Farnham Common, Berkshire

Local attractions near the Royal Oak

If a countryside escape is on your wish list, Farnham Common couldn’t be a better pick. As well as being an idyllic village, it’s surrounded by some of the best things to do in Berkshire. It’s also home to one of the area’s top countryside pubs, the Royal Oak, where you can expect a warm welcome, delicious drinks and a food menu full of pub classics.

Whether it’s leisurely strolls around historic estates or taking in local wildlife at a tranquil nature reserve, we’ve handpicked some of the best things to do in Farnham Common and the surrounding Berkshire area.

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Burnham Beeches

This Woodland Trust reserve is one of the most beautiful spots in the area if you’re keen to get outdoors for a walk, run or cycle. Take your pick of the many winding trails that pass through protected conservation zones, lush with flora and fauna all year round.

As its name suggests, Burnham Beeches is bursting with ancient beech trees that provide the perfect habitats for some amazing local wildlife. The reserve also features a wonderful stretch of meadowland that’s often home to grazing cows and ponies. And as you explore, keep an eye out for the remains of Hadrikanut — an ancient Bronze Age settlement hidden in the heart of the woods.

If you’re looking for pubs near Burnham Beeches, make your way to the Royal Oak for delicious meals accompanied by refreshing drinks. You’ll soon see why we’re regarded as one of the very best places to eat near Burnham Beeches.

Black Park Country Park

Looking for things to do in Berkshire? Head into nature and explore the rolling greenery of the 500-acre Black Park Country Park. Lying just southeast of Farnham Common, it’s a brilliant spot for an outdoor adventure.

There are over ten miles of scenic paths to follow, many of which take you through historic woodlands that are home to trees that’ve stood in the parkland for centuries. Or, if you’re after more of a challenge, visit Go Ape to test your skill on the zip wires and lofty rope bridges that swing between the canopies.

If you’re going for a picnic, several lakes within the country park make wonderful spots for an alfresco lunch. Just make sure you save enough room for your meal with us afterwards.

An image of Clivedon House advertising local attractions near to Chef & Brewer venues.

Cliveden House

Another wonderful heritage site to add to your agenda is the majestic Cliveden House. This stunning National Trust property sits west of Farnham Common and features both a grand Victorian manor house and vast grounds that are accessible for walks throughout the year.

While the main house functions as a luxury hotel, you can explore its rooms on private, volunteer-run tours on selected dates between March and October. Visiting outside these months? You can still admire its grand exteriors and gardens, soaking up panoramic vistas that stretch out across the nearby Chiltern Hills.

Langley Park

If you’re looking for things to do in Slough, why not add Langley Park to your itinerary? This beautiful Buckinghamshire estate is the perfect location for a magical nature walk to the north of town, especially if you visit in the spring when its Temple Gardens are blooming with gorgeous flowers.

You can also follow the trails through Kings Wood, one of the most charming things to do in Farnham Common and its surrounding area. Take a moment to slow down as you walk beneath ancient oak trees and look out for squirrels and other critters as they scurry through the undergrowth.

RSPB Church Wood

If you’re looking for more natural things to do in Farnham Common, don’t miss this incredible nature reserve. RSBP Church Wood is bursting with wonderful birdlife, with buzzards, chiffchaffs, thrushes and robins all contributing to the chorus of birdsong.

A wonderfully peaceful spot to visit any time of the day, Church Wood’s circular walk is magnificent if you enjoy birdwatching. If you’re visiting during the spring months, pause for a moment to admire the bluebells that blanket the woodland’s sun-dappled glades.

Wildflowers also tend to spring up over the area’s meadows in the summer, providing amazing habitats for insects and other woodland creatures. As far as things to do in Berkshire go, it’s an attraction to go back to, time and time again.

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Go for par at Sandiway Golf Club

Formed in 1920 and just across the road from the Blue Cap, the esteemed Sandiway Golf Club is home to generous, tree-lined freeways with sandy subsoil, making the course an excellent golfing location all year round. Spot the oak, beech and birchwood trees, dotted with birds and insects, and as you play through the back nine, take some time to enjoy the ravishing backdrop of Pettypool — best viewed on the 11th and 12th holes.

The club holds an extensive history, from its original layout by Ted Ray, the first UK & Ireland Ryder Cup Captain, to part of the course being lost in the Second World War as the fairways were ploughed for food production. In the 1950s, some holes were lost or abandoned due to enforcement by the completion of the Northwich bypass, which you may drive on today as you make your way to the Blue Cap! Today, the club is often chosen to host international, national, regional and local championships and is held in high regard as a traditional private members’ club.

If your golfing skills are a little rusty, you can check out the course before you arrive on the Course Flyover page. Booking is advised at this esteemed golf club.

Sprinkle some time in Northwich into your day

Northwich is famous for its salt industry, which is, in fact, the reason the town has such few ancient buildings. The constant pumping of brine from beneath the district and the collapse of old salt mines has weakened the landscape around, sadly causing subsidence of the town, but this has been arrested in recent times with the introduction of controlled pumping.

Take a stroll through the old market town, pop into a few independent shops on your way past and, if you’ve timed your trip well, visit the monthly Artisan Market, full of unique treasures and handmade goods. The town is vibrant and welcoming, sitting prettily on the confluence of the River Dane and the Weaver Navigation, and has a distinctive look with its black and white timber-framed buildings.

Northwich lies at the end of the Heritage Cycle Trail route from Anderton Boat Lift and is home to the Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, where the history of West Cheshire comes to life through film, reconstruction, models, displays and artefacts. It’s a truly lovely day out for any family, made even better with a visit to a pub near Northwich. Why not try the Blue Cap, just 11 minutes' drive away, to complete a day of heartfelt memories?

The Ice Cream Farm

Award-winning ice cream, fun at the farm and family-friendly events are aplenty here at the Ice Cream Farm, and it's just a 25-minute drive from the Blue Cap, Sandiway, too. There are ten different areas for the little ones to run wild in, including Europe's largest indoor sand and water play, an adventure golf course and an arcade room for older children.

The Ice Cream Farm is also home to the world's biggest ice cream shop. The shop is filled with over 50 flavours of award-winning Cheshire Farm Ice Cream, which are topped with enough sprinkles and sauces to fulfil even the sweetest of tooths.

If you're looking for an event for the whole family, the Ice Cream Farm has themed escape rooms, scavenger hunts, toddler time and more. It's the perfect place to treat everyone to a day of fun and excitement in a fun and engaging environment. And, after a busy day of play, you can pop into the Blue Cap for a drink and some non-ice-cream-themed food afterwards.

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