Go Ape at Bracknell
Now you wouldn't usually associate a London commuter town with top outdoor activity centres, but Bracknell is a not your average commuter town. Go Ape at Bracknell, the UK's No.1 forest adventure centre, is just outside the town within the luscious environs of Swinley Forest. The kids, and you if you're feeling up to it, will love the tree-to-tree zip-wires and Tarzan Swings. Gentler fun can be had on the Forest Segways that allow you to tackle the forest trails in style.
Also in Swinley Forest is the excellent Look Out Discovery Centre, located within a protected wildlife area. During the summer it can get very busy here but it is a lovely place to rent a bike, find a secluded spot and settle down for a lovely picnic. For pre-history buffs, there is also an archaeological dig site at Caesars Camp that is well worth a visit.
At dusk, climb the Observation Tower, from where you can see many of the protected bird species in the forest coming home to roost. If you stay long enough, you will see the sky fill with the darting silhouettes of the many bats that also call Swinley home. All in all, the forest provides an excellent day out for the whole family.
Nighttime activities
Once you've greeted the bats before their breakfast, go and enjoy some grub of your own. The menu will be slightly different, but a satisfied stomach the same result. Bracknell has a large south-Asian population and there are a couple of excellent curry houses in the centre of town to sate your spicy tooth.
The Taj Mahal, right in the middle of town, is one of the best and has a loyal local following, while Shahi offers excellent Nepalese cuisine at very reasonable prices. If you're after something a bit more traditional, or just a cooling drink after your vindaloo, there are also some great pubs in Bracknell.
Peacock Farm is on the outskirts of town and has quality food and drink, as well as a lovely cosy atmosphere. The Boot, closer to the town centre, is a great local pub with oodles of old English charm and a charming little garden. Most weekends they also have a DJ and sometimes even karaoke, for all you amateur crooners.
Windsor and beyond
The royal town of Windsor is just ten miles from Bracknell and a lovely place for a day trip. Experience the regal surroundings of Windsor Castle on one of its excellent tours. After a walk through the halls, make sure you check out Windsor Great Park, possibly the grandest park in the whole country.
If you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of one of the park's more permanent residents, its elegant deer and stag population. And, of course, kids will go wild if you even mention the words, Legoland Resort which is located in the town as well.
A Bracknell hotel is also the perfect base from which to explore London and all the capital city has to offer. There are great road and rail links that will have you in the city centre in less than an hour. However, you may find you are having so much fun in Bracknell that there is no time to visit anywhere else.
