Wokingham is a Berkshire market town and civil parish. It is approximately 7 miles east of Reading and 4 miles west of Bracknell. Wokingham translates as "Wocca's people's home." Wocca was a Saxon chieftain who owned land in Wokefield, Berkshire, and Woking, Surrey. Wokingham was well-known as a silk producer during the Tudor period. Some of the houses associated with these cottage industries can still be found on Rose Street.

Wokingham Attractions

Holme Grange Craft Village is set in beautiful countryside but is only a mile from Wokingham Town Centre. They have a fantastic tea shop in a historic barn that opens onto a beautiful enclosed courtyard where you can sit and relax while you enjoy your refreshment.

If you're looking for something to do with the kids, Monkey-Mates is an indoor and outdoor play facility in Wokingham. The main area features ball pools, slides, and a variety of challenging units. The outdoor area includes a roundabout, swings, a large climbing frame, springy rides, and a seesaw.

Finchampstead Ridges and Simons Woods are located in the heart of Wokingham and offer visitors a peaceful experience. Finchampstead Ridges is a lovely stretch of land with woodlands and a heather ridge. Simons Wood is close by, located just off Wellingtonia Avenue. The woods and adjacent Heath Pond were given in part by Mr. C G H Simon and acquired in part through Mr. Roy Brooks' will. Both the woods and the pond are worth a visit, as they provide the ideal setting for exceptional nature photography. If you're looking for a pure experience, look no further than Nirvana Spa, which has six pure, natural spring-fed pools with water that's safe to drink.

Glorious Past

Wokingham is well known for its rich history, and it is thought to have been named after a Saxon lord named 'Wocca' as early as 1146! Houses in town are thought to date back to the 14th century when bell-making and knitting were important industries. Entertainment in the past Wokingham's activities included cockfighting and bull baiting. Wokingham was also the home of French-born gentleman and highwayman Claude Duval, who robbed stagecoaches on their way to London, and Molly Millars Lane is thought to have been named after the town witch Molly Millar.

Dining Out

There are hundreds of them (not literally), but there is a lot of variety in Wokingham. A few years ago, it was understandable to see town center dining lean heavily toward various standards of Italian food. However, with the addition of Cote and Cleaver, there is much more variety. There's also no McDonald's but you can get quality Take Away Food in Wokingham.

Wokingham has a wide range of amenities to cater to the needs of its diverse population. Wokingham is a "hidden gem" for shopaholics, with a plethora of high-street fashion stores, including M&C and New Look. The Oracle, in nearby Reading, has over 80 stores, providing a fantastic shopping experience for lifestyle enthusiasts. The town also has scenic places to eat while watching the activities in the small but lovely town. Hair & Beauty Salons in Wokingham are another place where most people get quality hairdressing while getting to know the town from the locals quite well.