Living in Bracknell, Berkshire – Area Guide

Are you considering a move to Bracknell, Berkshire?

Is Bracknell a nice place to live?

As a trusted local estate agent in Bracknell for over 30 years, we know exactly what makes this town such a desirable place to settle. Just 11 miles from Reading and 30 miles from London, Bracknell offers modern amenities, exceptional green spaces, and outstanding transport links with a strong community feel.

Read this guide for detailed insights on moving to Bracknell, including property prices.

Overview of Bracknell: Location and Lifestyle

Bracknell is a large, vibrant town in Berkshire, strategically positioned just 11 miles east of Reading and 30 miles from central London. As one of Britain's post-war new towns, Bracknell has evolved into a modern hub for technology, finance, and business.

The town perfectly balances the convenience of contemporary urban living with the tranquillity of surrounding countryside and abundant green spaces. Major corporations like Dell, Fujitsu, Hitachi and Honda have established headquarters here, making it a prime location for professionals.

If you're thinking about making the move, our local Bracknell estate agents team will help you navigate the market and find the right home. Bracknell's excellent schools and family-friendly amenities appeal to growing families and first-time buyers, while property types range from modern town centre apartments to spacious family homes in peaceful suburban areas like Binfield and Warfield.

Our recently sold and let properties in Bracknell

From modern flats in the town centre to family homes in Jennett’s Park, we’ve sold and let a variety of properties across Bracknell. Our recent results show just how active the market is.

Take a closer look: View our sold and let properties in Bracknell.

A Brief History of Bracknell

Bracknell's transformation from a small market town to a thriving modern community began in the late 1940s when it was designated as one of Britain's new towns. The ambitious development programme aimed to create a well-planned, self-contained community that could accommodate London's growing population while providing quality housing and employment opportunities.

The town's strategic location between London and Reading made it an ideal choice for development. Over the decades, Bracknell has grown from a population of around 5,000 to over 113,000 today. The town centre underwent a major regeneration in the 2010s, culminating in the opening of The Lexicon shopping centre in 2017, which transformed Bracknell into a premier retail and leisure destination.

Today, Bracknell retains its forward-thinking spirit while fostering a strong sense of community among its diverse residents.

Popular Suburbs and Local Areas

Bracknell has a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each offering its own unique character and appeal. Whether you're looking for modern family living, peaceful village atmosphere, or proximity to green spaces, there's something here for everyone.

Area	Average property price*	Average rental price (PCM)*
Bracknell Town Centre	£412,647	£1,483
Binfield	£390,000	£1,475
Birch Hill	£340,000	£1,100
Forest Park	£420,000	£1,500
Hanworth	£200,000	£1,100
Harmans Water	£425,000	Currently unavailable
Priestwood	£190,000	Currently unavailable
The Warren	Currently unavailable	Currently unavailable

*Internal Prospect data

Transport Links

Bracknell boasts exceptional transport connectivity, making it ideal for commuters and travellers alike. The town is served by two railway stations: Bracknell and Martins Heron, both offering regular services to Reading (20 minutes) and London Waterloo (approximately 1 hour). Direct trains run frequently during peak hours, making commuting straightforward and reliable.

The town has excellent road access via the M3 and M4 motorways, with quick routes to London, Reading, and the South West. The A322 and A329 provide efficient connections to surrounding towns including Wokingham, Ascot, and Windsor.

Bracknell's comprehensive bus network operates regular services across the town and to neighbouring areas, including Reading, Camberley, and Windsor. For international travel, Heathrow Airport is just 30 minutes away by car, while Gatwick Airport is accessible within 90 minutes by road or public transport.

Bracknell Housing Market Insights

Bracknell's property market offers excellent value for money, particularly when compared to neighbouring areas like Reading, Ascot, and Windsor. The town caters to first-time buyers, young families, and professionals seeking quality housing with good transport links.

These figures vary significantly by area. For example, Binfield and Warfield command higher prices due to their village appeal and excellent schools, while Great Hollands and some town centre areas offer more affordable options for first-time buyers.

Contact your local experts

Council Tax

Council Tax in Bracknell varies depending on the valuation band of your property and is managed by Bracknell Forest Council. Rates are set annually, contributing to local services such as schools, waste collection, parks maintenance, emergency services, and community projects.

You can quickly find your property's Council Tax band and current rates on Bracknell Forest Council's website. If you're new to Bracknell, our team can help you understand your potential Council Tax obligations when considering different properties.

View Bracknell's council tax bands

Schools and Education

Bracknell has an outstanding reputation for education at all levels, making it particularly attractive to families. The town boasts numerous primary and secondary schools rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, providing excellent educational opportunities for children of all ages.

Outstanding Schools:

• Ranelagh School (11-18) - One of Berkshire's top-performing secondary schools
• King's Academy Oakwood (4-11) - Highly regarded primary academy

Secondary schools in Bracknell:

• Ranelagh School - Consistently rated Outstanding, offering excellent sixth form provision
• Garth Hill College - Well-regarded comprehensive with strong academic results
• King's Academy Easthampstead Park - Modern academy with Good Ofsted rating

For further education, Bracknell & Wokingham College offers vocational courses and A-levels. The town is also within easy reach of prestigious universities including the University of Reading and Royal Holloway, University of London.

Visit isbi School Search for information about the best Private and Independent schools in the area.

Local Amenities and Attractions

Bracknell offers an impressive array of shops, services, and attractions that cater to all ages and interests. The Lexicon, the town's flagship shopping and entertainment complex, features over 70 stores including Fenwick, M&S, H&M, and Waitrose, alongside a 12-screen cinema and diverse dining options from Nando's and Wagamama to independent cafes and The Bull pub.

The town's culinary scene continues to grow, with everything from upscale dining at The Yorkshire Rose to authentic flavours at Blue's Smokehouse and The Real Greek. Traditional pubs like The Stag & Hounds in Binfield and The Cricketers in Warfield serve as community hubs, offering excellent food and warm hospitality.

For green space and recreation, Bracknell excels with over 150 parks and countryside areas in the broader Bracknell Forest area. Lily Hill Park, spanning 23 hectares, features restored heritage parkland and formal Edwardian water gardens. Swinley Forest offers over 2,600 acres of Crown Estate woodland, perfect for walking, cycling, and mountain biking.

Active families love Coral Reef Waterworld, one of the UK's largest interactive water parks, complete with slides, rapids, and spa facilities. The Look Out Discovery Centre provides hands-on science experiences, while Go Ape Bracknell offers treetop adventures for thrill-seekers.

Bracknell Leisure Centre provides comprehensive fitness facilities including three pools, a 120-station gym, sports halls, and spa facilities. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy Downshire Golf Complex's 18-hole championship course, while tennis players have access to clubs at both Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club and Westmorland Park.

Cultural attractions include South Hill Park Arts Centre, housed in an elegant 18th-century mansion, which hosts over 300 shows, films, and events annually. The centre also offers more than 250 courses and workshops in performing arts, dance, and crafts.

For shopping convenience, Bracknell Market runs Friday to Sunday in Princess Square, offering fresh produce, quality meats, and artisan goods. Major retailers like Homebase and The Range cater to home improvement needs.

A Summary

Bracknell offers the best of both worlds: the convenience and energy of a modern town, alongside green spaces and a relaxed lifestyle. It’s ideal for families, professionals, and anyone looking to settle in a place with excellent transport, schools, and amenities.

Whether you’re planning to buy your first home or move to a new one, Prospect’s local experts are here to help.

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