So you want to take a short activity break in England but instead of the usual sightseeing or visiting relatives, you want something new, uplifting and unforgettable? Escape the news and the real world for a while and explore alternative ways to achieve a sense of wellbeing and raise fitness levels on a spa or activity break.

Spas and Gyms 

The Royal Borough is an excellent destination with a choice of hotels offering spa and fitness facilities. Apart from well-equipped gyms and pools, most arrange tailor-made programmes to suit individual needs.

Beauty, body, spa treatments and dedicated fitness training are widely available and many hotels offer packages which include specialist treatments along with unlimited use of sports facilities such as squash and tennis.

Golf

The area is famous for its golf and is home to some of the finest championship courses this country has to offer including Wentworth, Sunningdale and Stoke Park Club. Many of the local hotels have their own 9-hole courses or arrangements for guests to play at nearby clubs. Golf packages are available including dinner, breakfast and 18 holes.

Equestrian 

Windsor is particularly well known for its equestrian events and activities. The Royal Windsor Horse Show, Horse Trials and Carriage Driving Championships are very popular as is the horseracing at Ascot and Royal Windsor.

If you enjoy horse riding or would like to try it for the first time, the riding schools in Windsor and Maidenhead offer lessons and hacks through some of the most spectacular Berkshire countryside including Windsor Great Park. If you have your own horse and wish to ride through the Great Park you must first apply for a permit from the Crown Estate Office.

Polo, ‘the Sport of Kings’, also features heavily in the Royal Borough’s sporting calendar with 3 top class clubs located in Windsor and Ascot. At the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club you have the opportunity to participate in this exciting game. The Club’s coaching method enables a complete novice to play polo competently and confidently within a short space of time. After your initial assessment, a course of lessons is tailored to suit your needs. The school ponies are impeccably trained and exceptionally obedient to suit all levels of player ability.

Cycling

The best way to really get to know an area is by cycling or walking. The Royal Borough has a network of around 300km of public rights of way, offering access to a wealth of beautiful countryside, woodland, parkland and the river scenery of the Thames Path. The towns and villages offer historic walking trails and the national cycle network provides a safe and attractive route through parts of Maidenhead and Windsor that both cyclists and walkers can make the most of.

Cycles are available from Windsor Cycle Hire for half-day, full-day or even longer periods.

Leisure Centres

The Royal Borough’s leisure centres offer a wide choice of sports and activities as well as spa facilities. At Windsor Leisure Centre you will enjoy using excellent equipment in a brilliantly designed, purpose built modern building. From the freedom to 'do your own thing' to joining in an organised session, there's plenty going on right through the day.

The Centre’s Health Spa creates the perfect environment in which to relax and unwind. Melt away stresses and strains in the large wooden Sauna Cabin and tiled Steam Room. Combine your visit with a relaxing dip in the adjacent pools and Jacuzzis or perhaps pamper yourself with beauty therapy. A team of experienced professional consultants offer a wide menu of treatments using the very latest beauty techniques. The centre can also offer a range of complementary therapies.

The Magnet Leisure Centre is a state of the art facility conveniently located in the town centre of Maidenhead. The facility includes a 25-metre 8-lane swimming pool, a teaching and fun pool, 2 Sports Halls, BodyZone Gym and Health Suite to name but a few so you can be sure that whatever your sporting preference the Magnet can offer you the facility.

A spa or activity break can last long after you return home and unpack. Whether you want to raise fitness levels or simply relax and reflect, you can enjoy the lasting benefits of living a healthier lifestyle and return home renewed and revitalised.