Greenham Common
A vast heathland reborn from a former military airbase, rich with the history of peace protests and thriving wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Birdsong and blooming nature
Greenham Common
Best Time
Birdsong and blooming nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast heathland reborn from a former military airbase, rich with the history of peace protests and thriving wildlife.
"A must for those who remember & lived through the 80's & remember the cold war."
☕ Cafe with a View
Don't miss the café in the control tower for coffee and cake after your walk.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Greenham Common is great for dogs, but keep them on a lead near livestock.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 108 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Address
Website
greenhamcommon.org.ukHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Control Tower
Greenham Tower
Explore the former control tower, now a memorial with exhibitions and a café, offering panoramic views.
Women's Peace Camp Memorial
Perimeter of the former airbase
Discover the legacy of the brave women who protested here, with remnants of banners and stories of their activism.
Heathland Trails
Across the common
Wander through diverse heathland, woodlands, and around the old airstrip, perfect for walking and wildlife spotting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the History
Nature's Resurgence
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☕ Cafe with a View
Don't miss the café in the control tower for coffee and cake after your walk.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Greenham Common is great for dogs, but keep them on a lead near livestock.
🚶♀️ Follow the Paths
Stick to main paths in summer to protect rare ground-nesting birds.
🚗 Easy Parking
Multiple car parks are available around the common for convenient access.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Cafe with a View
Don't miss the café in the control tower for coffee and cake after your walk.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Exploration
Greenham Common is great for dogs, but keep them on a lead near livestock.
🚶♀️ Follow the Paths
Stick to main paths in summer to protect rare ground-nesting birds.
🚗 Easy Parking
Multiple car parks are available around the common for convenient access.
🖼️ History & Art
Look out for art installations and historical markers that tell the site's story. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Greenham Common for its beautiful heathland, peaceful atmosphere, and rich historical significance, particularly its connection to the Women's Peace Camp. The Control Tower café and easy parking are frequently highlighted as major bonuses for a day out.
". A must for those who remember & lived through the 80's & remember the cold war.
A great place to walk & enjoy the views. Great cafe & toilets."
Richard Warne
"I am a regular visitor here at Greenham common and have come to appreciate the beauty of the Commons, the birdlife and the well-managed nature. It is perfect for walkers, with or without a dog, and there are many different footpaths to chose from. Note that for a few months in the summer one must stick to the main footpaths so as not to disturb the many rare ground-nesting birds here. After a brisk walk, it is worth rewarding yourself with a coffee and cake at the café on the ground floor of the control tower."
T Hartberg
"I often bring the dog to Greenham Common for a walk. It’s lovely and peaceful and steeped in so much history.
Parking is easy as you have a choice of car parks dotted around the common.
The cafe is a huge bonus! After a lovely walk around the coming to stop off of a refreshing break. Going up into the top of the control tower and seeing across the common is a must!"
Jason Owen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Greenham Common is accessible by car, with several car parks available. Public transport options may be limited, so checking local bus routes is recommended.
Yes, there are multiple car parks dotted around the common, making it easy to access different areas.
Absolutely! Greenham Common is a great place to cycle, with paths around the old runway and through the heathland.
Many of the main paths, especially around the old airstrip, are flat and well-defined, making them suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The nearest train stations are typically Newbury and Thatcham, from where you would need to arrange onward travel, such as a taxi or bus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Greenham Common is a public park and nature reserve, so there is no entrance fee to explore the grounds.
The common is generally open from dawn till dusk. The Control Tower café and exhibitions have specific opening times, usually Thursday to Sunday.
Entry to the Control Tower itself is usually free, though donations are welcome. Exhibitions and events may have separate ticketing.
Information on guided walks or historical tours can sometimes be found through local heritage groups or event listings. Keep an eye on local community pages.
Yes, Greenham Common occasionally hosts outdoor arts events and community gatherings. Check local listings for upcoming events.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore historical sites like the Control Tower and peace camp memorials, walk or cycle the heathland trails, and enjoy the diverse birdlife.
Yes, Greenham Common is a haven for birdlife, especially ground-nesting birds during the summer months.
It was a former RAF base during WWII and later the site of the Women's Peace Camp protesting nuclear weapons from 1981 to 2000.
Yes, there are toilet facilities available, particularly near the Control Tower café.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the site management for any restrictions before flying.
📸 📸 Photography
The Control Tower offers great panoramic shots. The heathland landscapes and remnants of the peace camp also make for compelling photos.
Yes, Greenham Common is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to photograph birds and other animals, especially if you have a telephoto lens.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permission.
Many visitors capture the vast landscapes, historical elements like the Control Tower, and the return of nature to the former military site.
While original protest banners are rare, you might find displays or artistic interpretations related to the peace camp, offering unique photographic subjects.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit