East Berkshire occupies an enviable corner of the South East, blending riverside villages, historic market towns and excellent transport links with easy access to London and the Thames Valley. That mix makes it appealing for visitors seeking short breaks - from couples and food lovers to families and walkers - and therefore a compelling region for second‑home rentals. But not all towns and villages in East Berkshire perform equally well as holiday lets. In this guide we explore where demand is strongest, what draws visitors there, and how the character of each location can influence your rental income potential in 2026 and beyond.
Bray, on the banks of the River Thames near Maidenhead, is widely regarded as one of East Berkshire’s most iconic villages. It is best known for hosting multiple Michelin‑starred restaurants, including legendary venues such as The Fat Duck and The Waterside Inn. These culinary destinations attract food tourists from across the UK and abroad, making Bray an especially strong performer for high‑end short lets. Even outside gastronomy, Bray’s riverside setting and historic village streets appeal to weekend visitors and couples looking for a scenic retreat.
What that means for rentals:
Upscale properties and well‑appointed cottages in Bray can command premium nightly rates, particularly when pitched to food‑centric travellers or couples looking for luxury escapes.
Pangbourne is a larger village set along the River Thames with broad appeal for both nature lovers and cultural visitors. Its riverside walks, independent shops, cafés and good rail links into Reading and London make it attractive for extended stays. Pangbourne’s scenic charm - combined with a lively village atmosphere - gives holiday lettings here a competitive edge, especially for families and groups seeking a quieter alternative to busier tourist hubs.
What that means for rentals:
Properties with water views and easy walking access to village amenities tend to see strong occupancy across peak and shoulder seasons.
Sonning, with its historic theatre, riverside pubs and picturesque streets, remains a popular choice for visitors seeking a classic English village experience. Nearby Hurley provides a quieter, more rural alternative - attracting guests who want riverside paths, boating and Norman architectural heritage. These locations benefit from a balance of tranquillity and access to attractions around Berkshire and the Thames Valley.
What that means for rentals:
Cottages and character homes close to waterways often perform particularly well for weekend bookings and extended leisure stays.
For travellers seeking a peaceful village break, Waltham St Lawrence’s historic buildings, green spaces and local traditions provide exactly that. While it may not have the global draw of a Michelin‑star village, it appeals strongly to UK visitors and couples seeking serenity and authenticity. Its quieter profile also makes it appealing for pet‑friendly and nature‑focused rentals.
What that means for rentals:
Strong off‑season demand from walkers and guests wanting a low‑key countryside stay helps balance peak‑season incomes.
Cookham combines cultural appeal, riverside settings and good transport access (including rail links to London) with a range of independent boutiques, galleries and cafés. It frequently features on guides as one of Berkshire’s most desirable villages, especially for visitors who want both culture and scenic walks.
What that means for rentals:
Properties near the Thames Path or local high street attractions can attract a mix of weekenders and longer stays - important for consistent occupancy.
Across the region, several key factors influence holiday‑let performance:
1. Proximity to the Thames and scenic landscapes - River views, waterside paths and watersports all boost appeal.
2. Food and leisure attractions - Gourmet restaurants and high‑quality pubs draw short‑break visitors in particular.
3. Rail and road accessibility - Links to London and Reading make these towns popular for weekend and mid‑week bookings.
4. Village character and history - Heritage buildings, village greens and quiet lanes give lettings a distinct sense of place that travellers value.
East Berkshire’s mix of riverside villages, culinary destinations and accessible transport links makes it an attractive region for second‑home rentals — whether you target luxury weekend escapes, family breaks, or couples’ getaways. But success in holiday letting depends not just on location, but on how your property is marketed, priced and managed.
That’s where Pass the Keys comes in. As a full‑service holiday‑let management company operating across the UK, Pass the Keys combines local market insight with professional listing optimisation, dynamic pricing technology, guest communication and logistics management. For East Berkshire owners, this means your property isn’t just listed - it’s positioned to maximise occupancy and revenue, while sparing you from the day‑to‑day tasks of cleaning coordination, guest support and performance tracking.
Whether your home is in Bray, Pangbourne, Sonning or another village, Pass the Keys handles the operational side so you can enjoy the income and lifestyle benefits of second‑home rental without the stress. If you’re serious about making the most of your Berkshire property - particularly in a competitive short‑let market — professional management is increasingly a smart choice.
Q: Which villages in East Berkshire attract the most holiday let demand?
Villages like Bray, Pangbourne, Sonning and Cookham see strong visitor interest thanks to riverside settings, attractions and easy access to amenities.
Q: Do Thames riverside locations perform better than inland villages?
Properties close to the River Thames often achieve higher occupancy and rates because they appeal to walkers, couples and leisure travellers seeking waterside breaks.
Q: Is Berkshire a seasonal market?
Yes - peak demand often comes in spring and summer, but cultural events, food tourism and transport links help maintain shoulder‑season bookings. Management companies can boost year‑round performance.
Q: Should I focus on luxury or affordable lets?
That depends on your property and target guests - luxe homes near Michelin‑starred restaurants (like in Bray) can command premium rates, while family‑friendly and pet‑friendly homes can perform well at mid‑range pricing.
Q: Can I manage a second home remotely?
You can, but using a full‑service manager like Pass the Keys ensures local responsiveness, professional guest handling and optimisation that typically increases income versus self‑management.