...thing to do in Berkshire; Visit the royal county, a jewel in England's crown where kings and queens have lived for centuries: TEN GREAT...

Windsor Great Park For centuries, the park of some 5,000 acres was the private hunting ground of Windsor Castle.

Take a wander along the famous Long Walk, the end of which is marked by the impressive Copper Horse statue which depicts King George III.

In the south-east of the park are the popular Savill Gardens, pictured, and Valley Gardens, designed and built by Eric Savill in the 1930s and 40s.

Finally, be sure to see Virginia Water Lake which dates back to the 1740s. Among the lakeside features are a 100foot high Canadian totem pole, marking the centenary of British Columbia, and a collection of ornamental Roman ruins, transported from the site of Leptis Magna in Libya.

Windsor Castle One of three official residences of the Castle has been home to the Sovereign for more than 900 years and not only is it the largest inhabited castle in the world, but it's also the oldest in continuous occupation. The imposing towers and battlements loom large from every approach, creating one of the world's most spectacular skylines.

Admission is pounds 13.50 for adults and pounds 7.50 for children from 9.45am to 5.15pm, April to October. In the winter, the castle closes one hour earlier. Reduced admission charges apply when the State Apartments are closed.

For further details call 0207 766 7304 or visit www.royal.gov.uk

Legoland Children aged three to 12 can take to the road, soar through the skies and sail the seas in complete safety with more than 50 interactive rides, live shows, building workshops, driving schools and attractions set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland.

Join an expedition into a lost tomb, armed only with your trusty laser gun on the brand new dark ride Laser Raiders!

Check www.legoland.co.uk for details.

Park opening extends to 7pm in school summer holidays.

Cliveden, Maidenhead Cliveden is a stunning stately home overlooking the River Thames, but it's the gardens that steal the show. With a wonderful variety of plants and garden designs, you'll struggle to find a prettier outdoor space in Berkshire. Entry to the estate is pounds 6.50 for adults and pounds 3.50 for the kids from 11am until 6pm, March through to October. The house itself only opens on Thursdays and Sundays from 3pm to 5.30pm.

For further details call 01628 605 069 or go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Beale Park, Reading Beale Park is a beautiful stretch of Berkshire countryside with a fantastic collection of birds to admire. There is no better place in the county to spend a sunny afternoon. Admission is pounds 6 adults and pounds 4 for the children every day from 10am to 6pm, Easter through October.

For more information call 0118 984 5172 or go to www.bealepark.co.uk

Thames River cruises French Brothers run public trips from Windsor, Runnymede and Maidenhead. Choose from a short return trip or a full-day cruise.

It is also possible to take a boat from Windsor Promenade to the evening meetings at Royal Windsor Racecourse.

Tickets are now bookable online via the French Brothers website on www.boat-trips.co.uk

The Fat Duck This restaurant run by chef Heston Blumenthal in Bray is known worldwide for its menu of unusual dishes, created following the principles of molecular gastronomy: examples include "snail porridge", "sardine on toast sorbet", and "salmon poached with liquorice".

Among the starters on the restaurant's tasting menu is a "jelly of orange and beetroot", a serving of two separate jellies, where the red has been made using blood oranges, and the orange from orange beetroots.

Expect a big dent in your wallet. Visit www.fatduck.co.uk

Ascot, Newbury and Windsor racecourses Ascot racecourse dates back 300 years and is home to the most famous race meeting in the world, Royal Ascot in June. Jump and flat race meetings take place throughout the year.

Newbury racecourse is home to the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup. More than 30 race meetings are held annually.

The Royal Windsor racecourse is idyllically located on the Thames. There are Monday night meetings during the summer months, family fun days, ladies nights and the Festival in June.

Ascot: 0870 7271234 Newbury: 01635 40015 Windsor: 01753 498400

Go Ape in Bracknell Enjoy high-wire adventures in the forest climbing trees, tackling rope bridges, crossing planks, swinging from tree to tree and returning to terra firma via a zip slide. Fun for adults and children. Restrictions apply, including a minimum age of 10 years.

Telephone: [phone]

Horseshoe Lake Activity Centre, Sandhurst Situated on the River Blackwater this activity centre is set in 22 acres of sheltered waters, surrounded by woodland, offering varied activities that include windsurfing, canoeing, sailing, dragon boating, archery, orienteering, nature trails and beach volleyball. Telephone: [phone]