Things To Do
in Sunninghill
Sunninghill is an attractive, affluent village in Berkshire, England, sitting on the edge of the Ascot and Windsor area and popular with commuters to London. It blends a compact high street of traditional pubs and shops with leafy residential streets, close access to large royal parks and racing facilities. Visitors enjoy easy access to countryside walking, horse-racing events at nearby Ascot, and quick links to Windsor and Heathrow Airport.
The area feels quietly upscale and suburban, offering a peaceful base for exploring the Thames Valley and Greater London.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Sunninghill, taking in the picturesque village atmosphere. Visit the local bakery for a fresh pastry and a cup of coffee, savoring the flavors as you watch the world go by. Stop by the historic St. Mary’s Church, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.
After lunch at a quaint local pub, embark on a stroll to the nearby Sunningdale Golf Club, where you can appreciate the stunning landscapes and perhaps engage in a round of golf. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour of the grounds, learning about its history and significance in the golfing world. Take some time to explore the local shops and boutiques, picking up unique souvenirs and crafts.
As the sun sets, make your way to a cozy restaurant for a delightful dinner featuring traditional British fare. Sample local ales and wines while enjoying the warm ambiance and friendly service. End your evening with a peaceful walk back through the village, soaking in the tranquility of Sunninghill under the night sky.
Kickstart your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the iconic Windsor Castle, just a short drive away. Arrive early to avoid crowds and explore the State Apartments and St. George's Chapel, marveling at the rich history and stunning architecture. Don’t forget to take photos in the beautiful gardens surrounding the castle.
After your castle tour, enjoy lunch at a local café in Windsor, sampling some of the area’s best dishes. Spend the afternoon wandering through Windsor Great Park, where you can stroll along serene pathways and enjoy views of the castle from afar. If you're feeling adventurous, consider renting a bike to cover more ground in this expansive park.
Return to Sunninghill in the evening and unwind with a casual dinner at a local eatery. Engage in conversations with locals to learn more about the village’s culture and history. Cap off the night with a nightcap at a nearby pub, enjoying the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| 🍺Pint of beer at a pub | $5-7 |
| 🚕Taxi start (local) | $5-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $120-220 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to Windsor, Ascot and large green spaces like Windsor Great Park
- Quiet, safe and attractive village atmosphere with good transport links to London and Heathrow
- Excellent options for country walks, horse racing and garden visits
- High-quality local pubs, tearooms and access to regional food producers
- Relatively expensive for accommodation, dining and services compared with less central areas
- Limited nightlife and cultural venues within the village itself
- Traffic and parking can be problematic during major events at Ascot
- Public transport is good but less frequent late at night or on Sundays in some services
Places to Visit in Sunninghill
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic location for dramatic action shots during race days, impressive architecture and crowds; early morning or off-event times offer quieter, atmospheric photos.
Expansive parkland with long vistas, ancient trees, deer herds and the famous herd of fallow deer — perfect for landscape and wildlife photography.
Scenic lake with cascades, the Roman Ruin and picturesque walking routes that are especially photogenic in autumn and spring.
Charming village scenes: traditional pubs, cottages, the parish church and seasonal floral displays along the streets.
Well-manicured ornamental gardens with colourful borders and intimate garden rooms — great for macro and floral photography.
Food in Sunninghill
Sunninghill Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, best enjoyed in a village tearoom or hotel lounge on Sunninghill High Street.
Must-Try!
A traditional Sunday roast with roast beef (or chicken/vegetarian alternative), roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and gravy; widely served in local pubs on Sundays.
Classic battered fish with chips, tartare sauce and mushy peas — available from local pubs and takeaways, and a comforting choice after a day of walking.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A regular market (check local listings) where local producers sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, baked goods, cheeses and preserved foods — ideal for picnic supplies.
A short drive away, Windsor market offers artisan stalls, street-food vendors and specialty suppliers, good for lunch and local specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Forming orderly queues and waiting your turn in shops, stations and bus stops is expected and respected.
Polite manners, saying “please” and “thank you,” and light small talk are common. Don’t be overly loud in public spaces.
Nearby royal properties and formal events are treated with decorum—dress codes apply at certain venues like Ascot (check event rules).
Respect private land and signposted areas; stick to public footpaths and follow local signage regarding access.
Safety
Tipping in Sunninghill
Ensure a smooth experience
A service charge may be included in restaurant bills; if not, leaving around 10–15% for good service is common. For pubs and casual cafés tipping is not required — many locals simply round up or leave small change. Taxi drivers are usually tipped modestly (round-up or 10%), and hotel porters and housekeeping can be given a small tip for helpful service.
Contactless cards and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are widely accepted; chip-and-PIN is standard for card transactions. Cash (British pounds) remains accepted but less common, and it’s useful to have small notes for markets or small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens — ideal for walking and visiting Savill Garden or Virginia Water; some muddy paths after rain, so wear sturdy footwear.
Warm but rarely hot; long daylight hours, best time for outdoor events, picnics and boating; hotels and race meetings can be busier, so book ahead.
Beautiful fall colours in the parks and woodlands; cooler air and crisp mornings; a great time for photography and quieter paths.
Chillier, with occasional frosts and short daylight hours; sensible to layer clothing and expect some wet weather — village eateries and pubs offer cosy refuges.
Sunninghill at Night
Hiking in Sunninghill
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive paths through parkland and woodland with long vista routes, deer herds and historic landscapes; routes vary from gentle walks to longer hikes.
A popular 3–5 mile circuit around a scenic lake, featuring rockwork, a cascade, and the Roman Ruin—suitable for families and photographers.
Woodland trails popular with walkers, trail runners and mountain bikers; varied terrain and waymarked routes.
Network of public footpaths and bridleways through neighbouring villages and agricultural land, offering quieter country walks and local exploration.
Airports
How to reach Sunninghill by plane.
Approximately 20–30 minutes by car depending on traffic; the closest major international airport with frequent rail and bus links to the area.
Around 60–90 minutes by car or train, offering many international connections; less convenient than Heathrow but an alternative for some flights.
Further away (often 1–1.5 hours by public transport), useful for certain business connections; accessible by rail and transit through London.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many residents commute to London or nearby business centres for work, attracted by good transport links and high-quality housing.
The area is popular with families seeking good schools, green spaces and a village environment.
Sunninghill hosts many higher-income households and retirees who value the peaceful, well-maintained surroundings.
Workers supporting the hospitality, retail and racing industries in Ascot and Windsor form part of the local community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Ascot Racecourse close by makes horse racing a major local attraction and cultural touchpoint, with high-profile meetings such as Royal Ascot drawing visitors and international attention.
Local grassroots football is popular among children and adults; larger professional clubs are accessible in nearby towns and London.
Traditional village and town-level cricket and rugby clubs are common recreational outlets through spring and summer weekends.
Golf is popular in the area with several courses for members and visitors, reflecting the region’s interest in outdoor leisure sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sunninghill.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available at pubs and cafés; many places offer a vegetarian roast on Sundays and plant-based mains—ask staff to confirm ingredients.
Vegan choices are increasingly common in larger nearby towns (Ascot, Windsor). Smaller village eateries may have limited options, so check menus online or call ahead.
Most establishments can provide gluten-free options, but for bakeries and traditional tearooms you should mention gluten sensitivity when ordering to avoid cross-contamination.
Staff are generally used to dietary requests—always state allergies clearly and, if severe, consider checking ingredients in advance or carrying allergen cards.