Attractions and Places To See around Aldermaston - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Aldermaston include historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural points of interest. This charming Berkshire village is situated on the Kennet and Avon Canal, offering scenic waterways and diverse wildlife habitats like the Aldermaston Gravel Pits. The area features a mix of ancient Roman sites, impressive architecture, and tranquil nature reserves, providing varied opportunities for exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Aldermaston
- The most popular attractions is Calleva Atrebatum: Roman town and city walls, a man-made monument that originated during the Iron Age and became a significant Roman town. Visitors can explore the well-preserved Roman walls and amphitheatre, which are managed by English Heritage.
- Another must-see spot is The Vyne, a 16th-century country house and historical site. This National Trust property features a Tudor chapel, stained glass, and extensive grounds with woodland and wetlands.
- Visitors also love Amphitheatre, a historical site within the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum. This elliptical arena once provided space for thousands of spectators, though the specific activities held here are not fully known.
- Aldermaston is known for its historical sites, natural reserves, and scenic trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient Roman ruins to peaceful canal-side walks and diverse wildlife habitats.
- The attractions around Aldermaston are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 50 upvotes and 9 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Calleva Atrebatum: Roman town and city walls
Highlight • Monument
Today, the site is managed by English Heritage. You can visit the crumbling Roman walls and amphitheatre. Entrance is free.
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Nunhide Lane Gravel Track
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Bigger section tyres (from 32mm upwards) are recommended to make the ride more comfortable and reduce the risk of loss of traction, but tyres as narrow as 23mm are perfectly OK if due care is exercised.
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The Vyne
Highlight • Monument
The Vyne was built for Lord Sandys, King Henry VIII's Lord Chamberlain. The house retains its Tudor chapel, with stained glass. The classical portico on the north front was added in 1654 by Inigo Jones's pupil John Webb. In the mid-eighteenth century, The Vyne belonged to Horace Walpole's close friend John Chaloner Chute, who designed the Palladian staircase, whose magnificent apparent scale belies its actual small size.
The Vyne was bequeathed by its final Chute owner, Sir Charles Chute, to the National Trust in 1956.
Each year a number of concerts, plays and family events are run.
The grounds contain large woodland and a wetlands nesting site populated by swans and common redshanks. There are a number of woodlands, wetland and parkland walking trails. Dogs are welcome into the grounds (on leads), in Morgaston Woods and the Organic Parklands (under direct control).
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vyne
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Little London Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Forest
The road through the village of Little London at the top offers traffic-calming measures, which means that drivers are normally a little more patient.
Also, who'd want to go into London, when you can cycle to its Little sibling? ;-)
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Amphitheatre
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
Not a gravel riding track. Only suitable for mountain bikes due to the road conditions, big rocks, and large potholes. If you must ride a gravel bike here, do not cruise and always go slowly.
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Nice way of getting to silchester, road surface wasn’t great if coming from the Bramley Road, but once you clear the first few houses and start the climb it starts to improve.
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Our local NT place we go here often. Morgaston woodland walks out of the back gate where you will also find a hide overlooking wetlands. Secure bike parking limited. Suggestion attach to wooden fence by reception and we will keep an eye on it but can’t be responsible. Highlight for us in this house is the chapel. Lovely lake but rebuilding work to a bridge in progress at the moment
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Calleva originated during the Iron Age and became the centre of the kingfom of the Atrebates. After Roman invasion in 43AD, the town was enlarged. It thrived throughout Roman rule, but, upon their departure, the town was slowly abandoned. Today, the site is managed by English Heritage. You can visit the crumbling Roman walls and amphitheatre. Entrance is free.
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Coming up into Little London is good from both directions. And, of course, there's the Plough at the top of the hamlet/village (although the last time I went in, it struck me very much as a local's pub). The ride down Frog Lane is good too - narrow, single track ad a little mucky towards the bottom. If you come up Frog Lane from the opposite direction, it's a nice little tester of a climb. It's apparently only 5-6% but feels harder!
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The roads surrounding the old Roman city of Calleva Atrebatum are all pleasant to ride. Some narrow and a little 'messy' but all passable on a road bike. Very little traffic, but be aware of cars on Church Lane - the road is wide enough for one car but not much more!
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Have only ever looked at the wall as I go past, will stop at some point.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Aldermaston?
Aldermaston is rich in history. You can visit the ancient Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum: Roman town and city walls, an Iron Age tribal center that became a significant Roman town. Explore its well-preserved Roman walls and the Amphitheatre. Additionally, the 13th-century St. Mary the Virgin Church features medieval wall paintings and Norman stonework, while Aldermaston Court, a grand neo-Tudor mansion, stands on the site of a 17th-century manor.
Are there any family-friendly attractions near Aldermaston?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Roman site of Calleva Atrebatum: Roman town and city walls, including its Amphitheatre, offers an engaging historical experience for all ages. Another excellent option is The Vyne, a 16th-century National Trust property with extensive grounds, woodland, and wetlands, perfect for exploration and family events.
Where can I enjoy nature and wildlife around Aldermaston?
The area boasts several natural havens. The Kennet and Avon Canal at Aldermaston Wharf is ideal for walking, cycling, and observing wildlife like kingfishers and herons. The Aldermaston Gravel Pits, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, are important for breeding birds, dragonflies, and damselflies. Other notable spots include Decoy Heath, Padworth Common, Bowdown Woods, and Hosehill Lake, all offering diverse habitats and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Aldermaston?
Aldermaston is a great base for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, mountain biking, and running. For example, the Nunhide Lane Gravel Track offers a pleasant off-road cycling experience. Explore various trails for different sports by checking out the dedicated guides: MTB Trails around Aldermaston, Gravel biking around Aldermaston, and Running Trails around Aldermaston.
Are there any easy walking routes suitable for all abilities?
Yes, the Kennet and Avon Canal offers peaceful, relatively flat paths perfect for easy walks. Aldermaston Wharf is a great starting point for canal-side strolls. Additionally, many of the local nature reserves like Padworth Common and Bowdown Woods have well-maintained paths, though some may have varied terrain. The village itself, with its attractive 17th and 18th-century cottages, provides a charming setting for a gentle walk.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gem' attractions in Aldermaston?
Beyond the main highlights, Aldermaston holds a few intriguing spots. The Hind's Head, a 15th-century coaching inn, features a small, brick lock-up gaol cell at the back, last used in 1865. The village also has a Victorian Drinking Fountain commemorating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and a Roman Well, accidentally rediscovered in 1940 on the village green, offering glimpses into its past.
Can I find places to eat or drink near the attractions?
Yes, The Hind's Head, a historic 15th-century coaching inn in the village, is a local culinary highlight offering British cuisine. Many other pubs and eateries can be found in Aldermaston and the surrounding villages, often conveniently located near popular walking and cycling routes.
What is the best time of year to visit Aldermaston?
Aldermaston offers attractions year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the natural beauty of the Kennet and Avon Canal, Aldermaston Gravel Pits, and other nature reserves, especially for wildlife spotting. The historical sites like Calleva Atrebatum and The Vyne are accessible throughout the year, though their grounds are particularly pleasant in warmer months.
Are there any specific cycling routes or tracks in the area?
Absolutely. The Nunhide Lane Gravel Track is a well-maintained gravel stretch popular with cyclists. Another option is Grazeley Road from Beech Hill, which is part of Sustrans NCN Route 23 and offers a quiet, scenic ride. For more detailed routes, explore the Gravel biking around Aldermaston guide.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Aldermaston?
Visitors frequently appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The Roman walls and amphitheatre at Calleva Atrebatum are highly rated for their historical depth and free access. The Vyne is loved for its beautiful grounds and historical house. The peaceful canal-side walks and diverse wildlife in areas like the Aldermaston Gravel Pits also receive positive feedback from the komoot community.
Are there any nearby attractions outside of Aldermaston village?
Yes, just a short drive away, you can visit Silchester Roman City Walls and Amphitheatre, an English Heritage site offering a glimpse into a large Roman town. Also, The Vyne, a magnificent 16th-century country house managed by the National Trust, is located nearby. For something different, Aldermaston Raceway hosts banger racing and Demolition Derbies.
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