Our journey through Berkshire's medieval treasures begins with the impressive ruins of Reading Abbey. This site, founded in 1121 by King Henry I, was once one of the richest and most powerful abbeys in England. Today, though in ruins, it still impresses with its majesty and rich history.

The ruins of Reading Abbey are the perfect place to begin our journey back in time. Walking among the remains of the mighty walls and columns, you can imagine how impressive this place must have been in its heyday. Particularly noteworthy are the surviving fragments of the abbey church, which give an idea of the scale and beauty of the original building.

For families with children, Reading Abbey Ruins offers an interactive educational experience. There are information boards with historical trivia and reconstructions to help young explorers understand life at the medieval abbey. The site also hosts historical events and workshops for children during the summer season, making it an ideal destination for family outings.

It's worth noting that Reading Abbey Ruins is open year-round and admission is free. This makes it a great option for families looking for an economical but worthwhile way to spend time. Keep in mind, however, that the ruins' terrain can be uneven, so comfortable footwear is advisable.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Reading Abbey is its role in English history. It was here that King Henry I was buried, and the abbey was an important religious and cultural center for centuries. For history buffs, every stone in these ruins tells a fascinating story about the life, politics and religion of medieval England.

After exploring the ruins, head to the nearby Reading Museum, where you can see artifacts found on the abbey grounds and learn more about its history. The museum also offers special educational programs for schools and groups, making Reading Abbey Ruins a great place for an educational tour.

The next stop on our tour of Berkshire's medieval treasures is picturesque Donnington Castle. This 14th-century fortress, though now in ruins, still impresses with its location and fascinating history.

Donnington Castle was built in 1386 and has played an important role in English history over the centuries. Its strategic location on a hill above the Lambourn River valley made it a valuable defensive point. Today, standing in the castle's courtyard, one can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, imagining how important this place was to medieval rulers.

One of the biggest attractions of Donnington Castle is its preserved ramparts and gatehouse. Although most of the residential buildings have not survived to the present day, the remains of the walls give an idea of the power and size of the original fortress. For children, this is a great opportunity to feel like real knights defending the castle against invaders.

Unlike Reading Abbey, Donnington Castle offers a more intimate experience. The grounds are less sprawling, making it the perfect place for a quiet stroll and picnic with the family. It's worth bringing a blanket and a basket of provisions to enjoy the beautiful views and atmosphere of this historic site.

For history buffs, Donnington Castle has special significance due to its role in the English Civil War in the 17th century. At the time, the castle was an important strategic point and the site of many battles. There are information boards on the grounds that detail these events, allowing visitors to better understand the tumultuous history of the place.

Like Reading Abbey Ruins, admission to Donnington Castle is free, making it an attractive option for families looking for economical attractions. The site is open year-round, but it's worth remembering that days are shorter in winter and the grounds can be slippery.

For families with children, Donnington Castle offers an excellent opportunity to learn about medieval defensive architecture. Children can see up close how castles were built, what elements were important for defense and how people lived in such fortresses. It's an excellent outdoor history lesson.

All in all, Donnington Castle, while less extensive than Reading Abbey Ruins, offers an equally fascinating experience. Its picturesque location, rich history and tranquil surroundings make it an ideal destination for a family trip, combining education with relaxation in nature.

Our tour of Berkshire's medieval treasures ends at the most impressive site - Windsor Castle. This royal residence, which is also the oldest and largest castle in the world, is a true jewel of architecture and history not only of Berkshire, but of all England.

Windsor Castle, founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, still serves as one of the official residences of the British royal family. This makes a visit here not only a trip into the past, but also a chance to see living history in action. Unlike the ruins of Reading Abbey or Donnington Castle, Windsor Castle offers visitors the chance to see a fully preserved and functioning medieval castle.

One of Windsor Castle's biggest attractions is the opportunity to tour the State Apartments. These richly decorated chambers, used for official ceremonies and state receptions, allow you to see how modern monarchs live. For children, this will be an unforgettable experience, as if from a fairy tale about princesses and princes.

Another must-see is St. George's Chapel - a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the burial place of many English monarchs. It is here that royal weddings and other important ceremonies are held. A visit to the chapel is a great opportunity to talk to children about the history of the monarchy and royal traditions.

Unlike Reading Abbey Ruins and Donnington Castle, admission to Windsor Castle is charged. Ticket prices vary depending on the season and the extent of the tour, but it's worth booking in advance, especially during the summer season when the castle is most popular. Despite the higher price, a visit to Windsor Castle offers the richest experience of any of the sites discussed.

For families with children, Windsor Castle has prepared special attractions. On weekends and during vacations, there are workshops and activities for the little ones, which introduce the history of the castle and royal life in an accessible way. Also worth noting is the changing of the guard, which is an extremely spectacular event, fascinating for both children and adults.

Windsor Castle, unlike the previously discussed places, offers a full tourist infrastructure. There are restaurants, cafes and souvenir stores on the grounds. This makes it possible to spend a whole day here without worrying about meals or amenities.

All in all, Windsor Castle is the perfect culmination of our tour of Berkshire's medieval treasures. It combines elements of history, culture and modern royal life, offering the richest and most varied experience of any of the places described. Although it is the most expensive of the attractions discussed, the richness of the experience offered fully compensates for the ticket price.