Entertainment in Bracknell

Housed in a stunning 18th-century stately house, South Hill Park is home to a theatre, art gallery, cinema and several studio spaces. Dubbed the creative heart of Berkshire, the Wilde Theatre at South Hill Park puts on more than 300 shows each year, covering stand-up comedy, ballet, in-house drama, musicals and an annual pantomime, as well as a regular schedule of workshops and learning courses.

As well as the 500-capacity theatre, South Hill Park has a cosy cinema with three screenings a day, including new releases and cult classics, a rotating selection of guest exhibitions in their art gallery and the Atrium Bar and Restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. The park is a short drive from the centre of Bracknell and just five minutes from our Bracknell Twin Bridges hotel.

One of the leading cinema complexes in the area, Odeon Bracknell is handily located in the Peel Centre and a short 100m walk from our Bracknell Central hotel. The modern, state-of-the-art complex has 10 screens, including several in 3D. If you get peckish during your visit, you’ll find a Ben & Jerry’s store in the foyer, as well as the usual range of popcorn, drinks and snacks.

Situated in the heart of Bracknell, there are plenty of nearby bars, pubs and restaurants to sample, including Pizza Hut and Frankie & Benny’s, alongside plenty of outlets in the nearby Lexicon and The Range shopping centres.

Held at South Hill Park, the annual Food & Music Festival takes place on the first weekend in June on the grounds of the stately house. A free entry weekend event that started in 2017, the Food & Music Festival runs for two days, with a variety of guest bands and acts performing live, while guests can tuck into an array of street food from across the world. There’s also a beer and cider tent, arts and crafts stalls and children’s activities too.

With over 50 ales and a dozen ciders, the Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival truly lives up to its name. Held at the Bracknell Rugby Club, the one-day festival takes place at the end of May and attracts around 2,500 guests each year. Having started back in 2009, the festival also includes plenty of live music, a food court, wine bar and more.