During the run-up to the 2012 Games why not get to know the future venue and the surrounding area?  We've put together an itinerary checklist to make sure you don't miss anything.

Dorney Lake

• As well as the watersports and Olympic connection, the grounds of Dorney Lake are open for cyclists, joggers and walkers. As part of the lake's construction a Park and Arboretum have been developed with an ever-growing array of flora and fauna.
  

Dorney Court

• Dorney Court is a fascinating experience. Built in 1440 and lived in by the present family for over 400 years, the rooms are full of history with 15th- and 16th-century oak and beautiful 17th-century lacquer furniture. The adjacent 13th-century church of St James, with Norman front and Tudor tower, can also be visited.

The Thames Trail

• Throughout history people have tended to live on or near great rivers. This is true of the River Thames and as it flows in to the west of The Royal Borough it matures and widens on its route to London. There is something particularly appealing about the River Thames on the stretch from Henley to Runnymede as it is perhaps the most historic, before reaching Eton, the Thames passes through Dorney.

Royal Windsor Racecourse

• A day's racing at Royal Windsor offers a unique blend of charm, comfort and atmosphere. Set in 165 acres of beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Thames and overlooked by Windsor Castle, Royal Windsor Racecourse offers a delightful blend of traditional and modern. It is the only figure-of-eight flat course in the country and the sharp bends mean the focus is on speed rather than stamina.

Eton College

• Eton College was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI to provide free education for 70 poor scholars who would then go on to further their education at King’s College, Cambridge. Short guided tours for individuals, of around an hour in duration, are arranged at 14.00 and 15.15 on some Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and daily during Eton's holidays. Pre-booking is essential for everyone. School groups can only be accepted during Eton College's holidays.

Taplow Court

• Taplow Court is a mid-19th century mansion set high above the Thames near Maidenhead. In the 18th century, Taplow Court was the home of the Earls and Countesses of Orkney.  At the turn of the 19th/20th centuries, the great sportsman, William Henry Grenfell and his wife Ettie, hosted gatherings of the elite, aristocratic social group 'the Souls' here.  Lord Desborough was the organiser for the 1908 Games, he was based at Taplow Court which can be seen today from the Eton Dorney Rowing Lake.  The house is open to the public on Sundays and Bank (national) Holiday Mondays during the summer months, when exhibitions about the history of the house, or about social and environmental issues may be seen. Cream teas are available in the canteen or you may picnic in 85 acres of grounds. 

Maidenhead Heritage Centre

• Maidenhead Heritage Centre offers frequently changing exhibitions on the history of the local area, with artefacts dating all the way back 4,000 years and ranging from Romans to Racing Cars. The library at the heritage centre hold numerous photo albums that allow you to discover Maidenhead life in the 'good old days'. On the second Thursday of each month the Heritage Centre host 30-minute lunchtime lectures. The Centre also has a Gift Shop selling Maidenhead cards, books, prints and other heritage gifts.

Norden Farm Centre for the Arts

• Norden Farm Centre for the Arts is housed in a state-of-the-art facility boasting a courtyard theatre, cinema, a studio theatre and a gallery.  For refreshments the centre also has a cafe bar and "Norden's Restaurant" which caters for up to 80 people.