Car Hire Crowthorne

Nestled between Bracknell and Sandhurst, Crowthorne is a verdant Berkshire settlement housing nearly 8,000 people. The town boasts nature sanctuaries, pine woodland paths and secluded wildlife havens, alongside family venues and historic spots. Accessible via the A3095 and B3348, it connects easily to major centres and neighbouring hamlets. Its temperate weather features drier spells during spring and summer—perfect for forest rambles. Sturdy footwear and layered clothing suffice for exploring this charming locale. While renowned for its greenery and serenity, Crowthorne also attracts those seeking open-air pursuits, regional heritage and family-friendly excursions.

Attractions In Crowthorne

Crowthorne’s offerings span dense woodlands, creature-populated moors, community parklands and interactive learning hubs—all capitalising on its natural backdrop while catering to diverse guests.

California Country Park

Set along Nine Mile Ride, California Country Park is Crowthorne’s most popular attraction, drawing families, walkers and nature-lovers alike. The site includes a peaceful lake, accessible trails and self-catering chalets that provide a scenic base for longer stays. Facilities like picnic benches, BBQ spots, a small reception shop and public toilets are well maintained and the overall layout supports both relaxation and recreation. With friendly staff and a quiet, rural feel, the park is especially popular during the warmer months. It’s a favourite weekend spot for guests from Sandhurst and it’s open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Simon’s Wood

Simon’s Wood is a tranquil patch of woodland near the centre of Crowthorne, offering an easy escape into nature. With broad paths and a peaceful atmosphere, it’s well suited to dog walkers, solo wanderers or anyone in need of a gentle reset. The site remains open around the clock and the woodland’s changing light and colours keep it interesting throughout the year. Visitors often mention how immersive it feels despite its proximity to residential areas.

Snaprails Park

Just over the border in Sandhurst, Snaprails Park is ideal for those with young children. A modest but well-kept space, it features walking paths and open areas where little ones can roam safely. The park is open at all hours and is easy to reach for a short stroll or a play session outdoors. It’s not a large destination but it earns its place thanks to thoughtful upkeep and a consistently friendly feel.

Swinley Forest

Swinley Forest is a sprawling natural area stretching between Crowthorne and Bracknell and managed by the Crown Estate. The landscape is made up of gentle hills, sandy paths and pine-lined trails that connect with the Barossa Nature Reserve further south. Though vast and at times lightly signed, the area is safe and welcoming, often filled with joggers, families and dog walkers. Visitors are encouraged to plan their route before heading out, especially in less familiar corners of the forest. This expansive woodland remains a draw for many arriving from Wokingham and is especially popular during weekends.

Wildmoor Heath Nature Reserve

Wildmoor Heath is one of Crowthorne’s most scenic and ecologically rich reserves. Wooden boardwalks and narrow trails wind through pine woodland and open heath, with plenty of chances to spot native birds and small wildlife along the way. The reserve is known for its endangered ground-nesting birds and at certain times of year, deer and grazing cattle may also be visible. It’s a well-loved space for quiet, unstructured walks, dog exercise and wildlife observation. Open access at all hours makes it a flexible destination for both morning visitors and evening walkers.

Buckler’s Forest

Once home to a Ministry of Defence site, Buckler’s Forest has since been transformed into a broad natural space with a balance of history and greenery. Paths wind through restored land and feature information boards about the site’s past, making it both scenic and educational. The terrain suits both walking and wheelchair access on most routes and it’s popular with dog walkers who appreciate the open layout and regular sightings of familiar faces. The longer north loop stretches around 4 km and makes for an easy circular route. It’s regularly visited by those from Bracknell looking to explore somewhere quieter without leaving the area.

Bramshill Forest

Bramshill Forest lies on the edge of Crowthorne and offers a gentler alternative to the busier Swinley trails. Its shaded paths and quiet atmosphere make it ideal for short, peaceful walks and casual dog exercise. The forest isn’t overly developed, which adds to its raw, natural appeal. Parking is minimal but usually sufficient for the steady stream of walkers who visit throughout the week.

Heath Lake

Heath Lake is especially popular in the warmer months, thanks to its combination of shaded walking paths and access to the water. Dogs often enjoy a dip in the lake after trailing through the forest and benches placed around the shore allow for quiet stops along the route. Despite its popularity, the car park fills quickly on weekends, so arriving early is often recommended. Many residents from Twyford include it as part of their regular outdoor rotation due to its calm setting and good mix of sun and shade.

The Look Out Discovery Centre

Located within Swinley Forest, The Look Out Discovery Centre is a family-friendly hub that blends hands-on science exhibits with outdoor play areas and forest trails. Children can explore interactive displays indoors before heading outside to a large wooden playground or on-site mountain biking tracks. The venue operates different hours throughout the week, opening from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on Mondays and Fridays and until 4:30 PM from Tuesday to Thursday and on weekends. Limited parking means a bit of patience may be required during busy times but it remains a top choice for those spending the day around Ascot and the nearby forest.

Surrey Heath Archaeology And Heritage Centre

The Surrey Heath Archaeology and Heritage Centre focuses on preserving the historical record of the wider local area. Though not a traditional museum with large public galleries, the centre houses an impressive archive of maps, documents, artefacts and photographs available for researchers, historians and residents interested in the development of nearby towns and parishes. It’s often visited by those researching family history or exploring the area’s shifting landscape over time. Visits typically need to be arranged in advance, making it more of a specialist resource than a walk-in attraction.

Surrey Heath Museum

Tucked into Obelisk Way in Camberley, Surrey Heath Museum is small in scale but full of insight into the area’s past. Permanent exhibits trace the story of local life from prehistoric times to modern-day Camberley, while rotating displays often focus on more specific themes or community stories. Downstairs, visitors can explore recreated scenes of past industries and homes and upstairs there’s a cosy second-hand bookshop and display room. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 4:30 PM, the museum offers free entry and a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

R Young Art Gallery

The R Young Art Gallery is found within the Holme Grange Craft Village and showcases work from local artists in a charming, rustic setting. The space is filled with contemporary pieces that range from abstract to finely detailed landscapes and visitors often return to browse changing collections or purchase original works. The gallery is open on weekdays from 11 AM to 4 PM and on Saturdays from 12 PM to 3 PM. It’s a quiet favourite among art enthusiasts based near Winnersh who appreciate craft-focused spaces with a personal touch.

Bowl Barrow, Wooden Hill

Located off Spinis in Bracknell, this bowl barrow is a scheduled ancient monument believed to date back to the Bronze Age. These rounded burial mounds are some of the earliest man-made structures still visible in the British landscape and while this one appears modest at first glance, its archaeological importance lies in its preservation. Though unmarked and surrounded by modern development, the site offers a subtle reminder of the long history woven through the area’s soil. It’s open at all times and tends to appeal most to those with an eye for local heritage. It’s a regular favourite for active visitors coming in from Woodley and surrounding towns.

Windmill Stem Mound

This small historical landmark near Crowthorne is thought to be the remains of a former windmill base, now reduced to a grass-covered mound. Though little of the structure remains, its elevated shape and placement suggest its previous use in grain milling during earlier centuries. The site is modest but curious, offering a quick stop for those interested in older local features. Residents from Earley often add it to wider heritage trails through the countryside.