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.
Bracknell Town Centre is a vibrant hub, recently transformed with The Lexicon shopping centre, a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues. With excellent rail links to London, modern amenities, and regular community events, it’s perfect for those seeking convenience, choice, and a lively atmosphere.
Binfield offers a charming village atmosphere with historic pubs like The Stag & Hounds, excellent primary schools, and beautiful countryside walks, while remaining within easy reach of Bracknell's amenities.
Birch Hill offers family-friendly living with spacious homes set among quiet residential streets. Close to South Hill Park arts centre and beautiful parkland, residents enjoy a tranquil atmosphere, excellent schools, and local shopping within easy reach.
Easthampstead combines convenience and community spirit. Popular with families, it features well-established housing, good local amenities, and proximity to parks and leisure facilities. Its easy access to Bracknell town centre makes it perfect for commuting.
Forest Park appeals to nature lovers with its close proximity to Swinley Forest and Lily Hill Park, offering a mix of modern housing in a green, peaceful setting.
Great Hollands provides affordable, comfortable living with an active community feel. Known for its wide-open green spaces, leisure centre, local shops, and schools, it appeals especially to families seeking convenience and value.
Harmans Water features a mix of residential properties and provides easy access to both Bracknell town centre and surrounding green spaces, making it ideal for commuters and families alike
This is a newer development known for its modern family homes, excellent local primary school, and well-planned community facilities including parks and local shops. Every road in Jennett's Park is named after a bird, adding to its unique character.
Priestwood offers affordable family living with good transport links, local amenities, and proximity to both Bracknell town centre and the surrounding countryside.
The Warren is a desirable residential area known for its attractive homes, leafy streets, and quiet surroundings. Close to Martins Heron station, parks, and excellent local schools, it's perfect for families and commuters looking for peaceful living near urban amenities.
Property prices in Bracknell
| Area | Average property price* | Average rental price (PCM)* |
|---|---|---|
| Bracknell Town Centre | £345,000 | £1,466 |
| Binfield | £429,000 | Currently unavailable |
| Birch Hill | Currently unavailable | Currently unavailable |
| Forest Park | Currently unavailable | £1,200 |
| Hanworth | Currently unavailable | Currently unavailable |
| Harmans Water | Currently unavailable | Currently unavailable |
| Priestwood | £450,000 | 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 expertsCouncil 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 bandsSchools 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 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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Thinking of moving to Bracknell? Get in touch with our local team today and find your perfect home.
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