reading Postcodes

If you're tiring of your current social circle and think your friends are all a bit 'riff raff' for your liking then where else should you head but Berkshire? Home to Prime Ministers and Royals, bankers and fund managers Berkshire has been turning out young toffs n Tories (as well as the royal family), since the 11th century.

From the world famous college town of Eton and its even more famous public school to Windsor Castle, favourite residence of the Queen, Berkshire is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations in Great Britain.

Even the most ardent Republican can't fail to be impressed by Windsor Castle with its traditional and much-loved ceremony of the changing of the guard, the opulent and fabulous state rooms and the ancient and romantic architecture. Indeed history is everywhere in Berkshire, one of England's oldest counties which has been around since King Alfred established the county boundaries.

From the Iron Age Walbury Hill Fort to the Old Granaries of Charles II in Newbury and from the Roman history (documented in the impressive museums and archaeological sites of Reading) to tours of Eton College, founded in 1440 and one of the oldest schools in the country; from the Clivenden Estate (home of the Astor family) to Wellington Country Park, from Ashdown House at Lambourn to Highclere Castle it seems that every nook and cranny of Berkshire features something historic.

For those looking for a more modern experience Reading is an exciting and bustling city with a young student population and a great arts and culture scene. For nature lovers Berkshire has untold riches, from the River Thames to the Ridgeway National Trail and the downs and from Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre to the Living Rain Forest.

It is not just the Royal Family but also the unrivalled scenery that led to the county being referred to as 'Royal Berkshire.'