Brightwalton is a small village spread out along a narrow lane in the heart of the Berkshire Downs comprising a few attractive thatched cottages and several rather plain looking houses built in the early 20th century which are probably ex-council houses. On the edge of the village there is a small development of new houses.

The parish church is All Saints Church which is in the centre of the village. The present Gothic Revival building dates from 1862 when the old church, which stood a little to the north-east, was pulled down.

About half a mile south of the village is the pleasant hamlet of Brightwalton Green and nearby is a racing stud.

Brightwalton is 7 miles NNW of Newbury.