The commuter town of Bracknell is often overlooked, outshone by stylish neighbours like Windsor and Ascot, but it undoubtedly has its own charm. Offering well-planned neighbourhoods, green spaces aplenty and excellent connectivity, all at an affordable price, it is little wonder first time buyers are drawn to the modern town
Under the Spotlight
Bracknell, Berkshire’s third largest town, is located around 25 miles west of London in the borough of Bracknell Forest. Practically designed on the neighbourhood principle, Bracknell has undergone award-winning regeneration over the past 15 years.
Bordered by Swinley Forest and Crowthorne Woods, Bracknell began life as two small market villages – Old Bracknoll and New Bracknoll. By the 19th century, these had merged into a single town, notable for its brick trade. In the 20th century, Bracknell was declared a “New Town”, planned for a population of 25,000, and the town has grown steadily since, gradually absorbing many of its surrounding villages. It now has a population of around 115,000, and is a busy commercial centre; home to the UK headquarters of several technology companies.
Located on the M4 corridor, Bracknell has excellent road links, including easy access to Heathrow airport. It also has two railway stations, both on the Waterloo to Reading line, giving Bracknell residents the option to commute easily in either direction. Bus services in the town are regular and reliable, serving other local towns including Wokingham, Maidenhead and Slough, in addition to London Victoria and Heathrow airport.
Bracknell’s neighbourhoods are a big part of how the town works and you will want to explore different areas to find where best meets your needs. Warfield and Binfield, villages in north Bracknell, are particularly popular with families as they offer plenty of green space. Jennett’s Park to the south west is a more modern alternative, and particularly popular with first time buyers. Commuters may prefer the town centre, for an easy walk to the station, or Martins Heron (which has its own station), but if space is paramount, consider Great Hollands, Birch Hill or Harmans Water where you will get more for your money.
Bracknell has a growing population, driven by new housing, and a demographic reflective of its enviable position in the commuter belt. Families and professionals are drawn to the town which, in turn, benefits from high employment rates, high average salaries, and high homeownership rates. Life-expectancy in the town is also significantly higher than the national average, so – when you find it – you can expect to have a long and happy life in your new home!
5 reasons we love Bracknell
- Swinley Forest – just wow!
- The unique and wonderful South Hill Park Arts Centre
- Exquisite Sunday roasts on every corner
- Its practical layout and easy transport options
- The Lexicon for putting Bracknell back on the map!
Bracknell’s big appeal for many is its outdoor space, and particularly Swinley Forest, which stretches over 2,600 acres and is a fantastic space to explore. It is also home to a fantastic children’s playground, Go Ape, and The Look Out Discovery Centre, which has an impressive range of hands-on science activities for the whole family. Other local green spaces include Lily Hill Park, Westmorland Park and Popes Meadow.
It is really only in the last decade, with the opening of The Lexicon, that Bracknell has been considered a respectable shopping destination. Opened in 2017, and linked to the older Princess Square, The Lexicon boasts over 100 shops including Fenwick, M&S, Primark, Next and H&M. Very functional, and with plentiful parking, the pedestrianised shopping centre offers a fantastic selection of chain shops and restaurants, and has transformed the town. Just off the High Street, you will also find the Peel Centre retail park, with a Morrison’s supermarket alongside discount stores and furniture shops, and the New Town design of Bracknell means residents also benefit from a small parade of shops in each neighbourhood – handy for everyday essentials.
By day, there is plenty to keep everyone occupied in Bracknell. The Lexicon is home to a 12-screen Cineworld cinema and High Score Arcades amusement centre, while nearby South Hill Park Arts Centre, a 17th century mansion, boasts two theatres, a cinema, a digital media suite, function rooms, plus a cafe, bar and restaurant. Impressively, it hosts around 300 shows and 250 workshop courses every year. Bracknell is also home to Coral Reef Waterworld; originally opened in 1989, it had a £13m refurbishment in 2017 and is more popular than ever, with five new waterslides alongside the lazy river, erupting volcano and pirate ship. Finally, for those who like a challenge, the Puzzalogical Escape Rooms certainly deliver. Venture a little further afield, and you have Windsor Castle, Legoland and even Lapland (UK!) within half an hour.
Come the evening, Bracknell has a dinner and drinks vibe – locals head to Guildford, Reading or London for a big night out – but there is plenty of choice. Concentrated around The Lexicon and town centre you will find an impressive selection of cuisine. Head for Mexican and Brazilian food at Las Iguanas, Mediterranean at Fuego, or American at Blue’s Smokehouse. There is also a great selection of pubs, from The Bull in the town centre to countless pubs in the surrounding villages. The White Hart in Winkfield and The Green Man in Easthampstead are both highly recommended, particularly for their Sunday roasts!
Fact File
Average property price in Bracknell Forest (January 2026) – £385,980
Property breakdown*
Detached – £715,589
Semi-detached – £434,910
Terraced – £341,946
Flat – £213,389
*According to the Land Registry House Price Index
Famous Residents
- Actor Dani Harmer
- Television presenter Jeff Brazier
- Actor Vineeta Rishi
- YouTuber Daniel Howell
- Record producer Andy Hill
Homes on the market…
BRACKNELL
Brickmark Place
Brickmark Place, from Countryside Homes, offers a stylish collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments in the heart of Bracknell. This vibrant town has recently undergone an exciting regeneration and is home to many major employers in finance, pharmaceuticals and technology. It’s a thriving community, which combines excellent amenities, a wealth of green open spaces and superb transport links; ideal for professionals and families alike. Boasting a prime location, Brickmark Place is perfectly placed just a six-minute walk from Bracknell station from where you can be in London in under an hour and Reading in around 20 minutes*. Just a short stroll away you will find The Lexicon shopping and leisure centre offering an impressive range of shops, restaurants, bars and facilities, including a 12-screen cinema. With more than 150 parks, woodlands and nature reserves all within easy reach, you can enjoy the very best of both town and country living.
All the homes at Brickmark Place have been carefully designed to maximise space and light, they also benefit from energy-efficient measures, saving you up to £420 per year on your bills**. Residents will benefit from inviting landscaped gardens and outdoor spaces to encourage relaxation, and a chance to meet your neighbours. Internally, the homes deliver a high specification including modern kitchens complete with Bosch integrated appliances, flooring throughout and every home comes with its own private balcony or terrace.
One bedroom apartments are from £275,000, two bedroom from £374,000 and three bedroom from £408,000.
* Walking and train times taken from google.co.uk/maps and are approximate only
** On average, new build home owners could save on their heating, hot water and lighting bills, amounting to £420 a year, compared with purchasers of older properties. Source – HBF Watt A Save Report, February 2026
First Time Buyer is an exciting bi-monthly glossy which takes a stylish and comprehensive look at all the options available, setting them out in an entertaining and informative way, and helping potential customers navigate their way through what is often a daunting and complex process. We dispel the myths, reinforce the facts and arm the reader with the tools necessary to make their homeownership dreams a reality.