The acclaimed lifestyle website, Muddy Stilettos has shared its list of the top 10 towns and villages to live in Berkshire according to local residents from across the county.

From July 30 to August 15, 2024, readers voted as part of the Top 260 Places to Live Guide, providing information on their personal experiences.

From big cities to quaint countryside villages, everything from local arts/culture, eating out, home prices and best schools were examined.

When the results came in, the ten most popular villages and towns were spread across Berkshire from east to west.

The top 10 most popular towns and villages in Berkshire for 2024 are:

  1. Caversham

The elegant town of Caversham won top spot with its stacks of urban and outdoorsy fun, plus a super-speedy London commute. Caversham is the perfect spot for people looking for town, country, river, and rock ‘n’ roll.

The Reading suburb is a sought-after hub for young professionals and families who long for an easy commute, community vibe and abundance of indie shops and restaurants.

The riverside location makes it the perfect place to enjoy relaxing strolls along the River Thames.

2. Mortimer

Mortimer is a popular village just south of Reading in West Berkshire. It enjoys a wide range of amenities and services including The Fairground which is the focal point.

The charming village offers a peaceful vibe, with access to nearby motorway networks and regular trains heading towards Reading.

Mortimer village centre boasts shops, a primary school, post office, doctors, dentist, pubs and cafes.

3. Finchampstead

Finchampstead is a village and civil parish in the Wokingham Borough. Although Wokingham hasn't made the list this year, Finchampstead is a mere 10 minute car journey from the town centre.

The affluent area is currently ranked as Britain’s 31st wealthiest place to live with properties priced into the millions.

It has a high standard of living and is rated as one of the most desirable places to live in the United Kingdom. 

4. Pangbourne

The quaint West Berkshire village, Pangbourne, is located on the River Thames and is on the opposite bank of the river to Whitchurch-on-Thames. 

With multiple countryside pubs and a buzzing village centre, it is the ideal place to bring up a family.

Today it is a charming and quaint riverside village, full of character, with individual shops, a selection of restaurants, pubs and cafes, making it an ideal place to potter.

5. Windsor

The town of Windsor may be one of the most renowned spots in Berkshire.

Crowned by stunning Windsor Castle - the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world and an official residence of His Majesty The King – and linked by the beautiful River Thames, the Royal Borough has a rich mix of history, culture, heritage and fun which makes it one of South East England’s loveliest short break destinations and a 'must see' for everyone's list.

The town centre boasts a mix of independent and chain restaurants, cafes and shops that will have you spoilt for choice.

For families, some of the country's most sought-after schools are located just a stones throw away from Windsor. This includes Eton Boys School, which has educated Royals and public figures for centuries.

Close to Heathrow and less than an hour by public transport to the capital, Windsor is often known as 'London’s country estate'.

6. Yattendon

In recent years, Yattendon’s been a firm favourite for families escaping the big smoke.

It’s beautiful selection of grand houses and cute cottages, and proximity to good state and independent schools make it a great location for any family to settle down.

With beautiful surroundings, it also appeals to both the traditional hunting, shooting and fishing crowd, and fun-loving cocktail crews.

There are three pubs within walking distance of each other. The Royal Oak has the prime location in the village square serving excellent pub grub, including an outstanding Sunday roast. 

Renegade Taproom (formerly West Berkshire Brewery) is a casual, quirky alternative offering craft beers, pizzas and burgers, and game pub. The Pot Kiln is just a mile down the road in Frilsham with enviable countryside views from the garden. 

The Pantry café is a popular hangout for school run mums, work from homers getting their morning caffeine fix, and an army of cyclists at the weekend. For a foodie night out, Sadgrove Supper Club is a hidden gem monthly pop-up serving exceptional dishes from foraged ingredients in nearby Bucklebury. It’s wild wizardry.

7. Hungerford

The charming market town of Hungerford, alongside the Kennet & Avon Canal is surrounded by the beautiful West Berkshire countryside boasting impressive transport links and idyllic homes.

It is conveniently placed for access to the M4 motorway and is on the main train line from London Paddington to the West Country.

Hungerford is best known today for its antique shops and fairs that adorn the town centre. Hungerford town centre is also home to other unique shops and boutiques, where you can lose yourself for a delightful few hours.

There’s also a range of warm and friendly pubs, cheery tea shops and restaurants to tempt you.

8. Sonning

Sonning, occasionally called Sonning-on-Thames is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Wokingham, a few miles east of Reading.

The area is so beauitful it is fit for Hollywood star George Clooney and his wife who moved into the area in 2014. 

Well known landmarks include Sonning at The Mill, which offers incredible theatre alongside great food and a variety of interesting pubs and restaurants. 

9. Bray

Bray is one of Berkshire most famed villages for any foodie looking to try world class cuisine in a charming and beautiful location.

Three Michelin star restaurants are situated in the village, including Heston Blumenthal's flagship restaurant, The Fat Duck, and his traditional younger sister pub, The Hind’s Head.

Although Bray does come in at one of the most expensive places to live in Berkshire, the sought after location makes it perfect for someone wanting to settle down away from the big city.

10. Hurley

Hurley is a scattered parish which includes the hamlets of Burchetts Green, Cockpole Green, Warren Row, Knowl Hill. It lies halfway between London and Oxford, being 55 miles from each by river.

The river has always been an important part of the village’s history with records of a ford as early as the 6th century.

With its ancient priory, delightful old houses and immaculate setting, there can’t be many more appealing places to watch the river go by.