Wasing offers several distinct reasons to visit: listed buildings, the history of the estate, nature, and special experiences. When planning your trip, it helps to choose a main focus first. Are you most interested in historic architecture, birds and waterways, or a specific activity such as swimming and sauna?

Buildings and the Estate’s History

Wasing Place is a Grade II listed building. As a country house and landscape park, it dates from the 18th century; the informal gardens date from the 19th century. These different dates show that the park and gardens represent distinct historical layers. Mount acquired the Wasing Estate in 1759. This early date adds context to the history of the buildings without reducing each one to a single period.

The Church of St Nicholas offers a different perspective on the area’s architectural history. It is a Grade I listed building. Its fabric includes parts from the 13th and 15th centuries, as well as alterations and additions from the 18th century. The church therefore brings together older features and later changes. Those with a particular interest in historic architecture will find a different chronology here than at Wasing Place.

Wasing Park also includes the Grade II listed Castle Barn and a restored traditional farm hamlet. These features broaden the picture beyond the country house and church: the history of the place also includes a hamlet shaped by agriculture and another listed building.

Waterways, Landscape and Wildlife

Staghead Lake is in Wasing Woods and has existed since the 17th century. The waters of Wasing Fisheries provide a habitat for, among others, bitterns, herons, hobbies, swans and kingfishers.

An important access condition applies to Wasing Fisheries: the lakes and rivers within the estate and in the Kennet Valley are reserved for the exclusive use of members. Separate permit arrangements apply to guests. The Wasing Estate also sells walking and riding permits. A large proportion of the income raised for The Mount Charity comes from these sales and from special events. If fishing, walking or riding is part of your plans, be sure to take the relevant permit arrangements into account.

Experiences and Seasonal Events

Wasing Wild Swim & Sauna combines a dip in a woodland lake with an authentic Scandinavian sauna. It appeals to a different interest from architectural history or birdlife: swimming and sauna are the focus here. Music concerts take place in the woodland amphitheatre, The Mount. This is another distinct attraction, different from a visit focused on historic buildings.

Wasing Pumpkins & Woodland Trail 2026 combines a decorated woodland trail with a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. The event also features seasonal snacks and hot and cold drinks. These details apply to the 2026 offering; if you are planning a visit in a later year, check the dates and details again, as the seasonal offering may change. This helps distinguish the historical and nature-related attractions from an event taking place on specific dates.

Visitor Information

The Church of St Nicholas is accessed through the Wasing Estate gate on Wasing Lane, opposite Shalford Farm. Check the visiting arrangements in advance. It is also worth considering the type of offering for the other attractions: a concert, a seasonal event, a permit-based activity and a historic building are different reasons to include Wasing in your travel plans. You can start searching for a holiday rental based on whichever theme is most important to your stay.

Discover more destinations: Midgham, Frilsham, Streatley, Thatcham, Compton, Bradfield, Pangbourne, Easton.

Go to the main travel guide: Berkshire.