Discover Wasing: History, Parkland and Nature

Wasing is shaped by historic architecture, landscape history and nature. If you are looking for hotels here for your stay, these highlights can help you decide which aspects of the destination interest you most: Wasing Place and the Church of St Nicholas represent architectural history, while Wasing Woods, the bodies of water and individual events reveal other facets.

Manor house and park history

Wasing Place is a Grade II listed building. A country house and landscape park, it dates from the 18th century; the informal gardens are attributed to the 19th century. Wasing Place therefore brings together different periods of design. Mount acquired the Wasing Estate in 1759.

Wasing Park also includes historic buildings. These include Castle Barn, which is also Grade II listed. The park also contains a restored traditional farm hamlet. The manor house, barn and hamlet represent different forms of Wasing’s built heritage and should not be treated as a single building complex.

The Church of St Nicholas

The Church of St Nicholas is a Grade I listed building. Its fabric dates back to the 13th and 15th centuries; alterations and additions were made in the 18th century. The church building thus reflects several distinct historical periods.

The church is accessed through the gate of the Wasing Estate on Wasing Lane, opposite Shalford Farm. Check the visiting arrangements in advance before planning your visit.

Nature, water and activities

Staghead Lake is in Wasing Woods and has been there since the 17th century. The waters of Wasing Fisheries provide a habitat for bitterns, herons, hobby falcons, swans and kingfishers, among other species. The Wasing Estate is also involved in managing a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Wasing.

Wasing Wild Swim & Sauna combines a swim in a woodland lake with an authentic Scandinavian sauna. Wasing Fisheries, in turn, gives members exclusive access to extensive lakes and rivers within the Estate and in the Kennet Valley. Membership is an important condition of use. If you are interested in walking or riding permits, these are sold at the Wasing Estate. A large proportion of the income raised for The Mount Charity comes from their sale and from special events.

Concerts and seasonal events

The Mount woodland amphitheatre hosts music concerts. Another type of event is Wasing Pumpkins & Woodland Trail 2026: it combines a decorated woodland trail with a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. The 2026 event also includes seasonal snacks and hot and cold drinks. Check event dates and details before making plans.

The different themes also involve different kinds of visits: listed buildings and historic gardens showcase architectural and parkland history; nature watching focuses on the waters and their habitats. Activities each have their own conditions, such as membership of Wasing Fisheries or the visiting arrangements for the church. When searching for a hotel in Wasing, you can first consider which of these facets matters to your stay.

Discover more destinations: Crockham Heath, Bradfield, Chieveley, Winnersh, Inkpen, Newbury, East Ilsley, Midgham

For the wider travel overview: Berkshire.