Pangbourne

Berkshire

Type:Towns & Villages

Pangbourne, Berkshire
Kenneth Graham's cottage

About

Nestling along the River Thames, Pangbourne is subject of much literary inspiration. A charming place, undeserving of being labelled Pongbourne by author DH Lawrence.

His letter in 1919, sold at auction in Edinburgh, was somewhat uncomplimentary about the village and its people. Had he visited today, we're sure he'd have come away with a much brighter impression and here's why...

Kenneth Grahame, author of ‘Wind in the Willows’, lived in the town and the Swan Public House is referred to in Jerome K. Jerome’s ‘Three Men in a Boat’.

Today, Pangbourne is still a charming place, full of character, with individual shops, pubs and cafes, an ideal place to potter. Stop and watch the waterside wildlife while enjoying a pint of beer, glass of wine or why not try The Herd Restaurant, famous for its steaks. Surrounded by picturesque countryside that cradles the River, many visitors come through Pangbourne on the National Thames Pathway but stop to enjoy the town’s tranquillity.

The water meadows, owned and maintained by the parish council are a popular spot for a picnic or a stroll. It’s also the site of the annual village fete, a wonderful English tradition, including the customary WI cake stall but also the more unusual Limbo dancing competition! With parking and easy access from the M4 motorway this is a popular choice for families.

Another draw to families is Beale Park at Lower Basildon, a Riverside park, home to many difference species of birds as well as goats and ponies. There are also picnic areas and other great facilities fo those with small children. Close by is National Trust property, Basildon Park, noted for its detailed plasterwork, magnificent staircase and unusual shell room. More recently, this splendid building was used whilst filming Pride and Prejudice.

For more things to do around Pangbourne, take a look at the 'What's Nearby' listings below.

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Road Directions

From M4 - Exit at J12 Take A4 direction Theale.  At next roundabout turn right onto A340, signed Pangbourne - 5 miles. From Reading - take A329

Public Transport Directions

Main line trains to London Paddington and Oxford Local Bus services to Reading and surrounding towns and villages.

What's Nearby

  1. St Bartholomew Church

    St Bartholomew Church

    2.17 miles away
  2. Mapledurham Watermill

    The last working corn and grist watermill on the Thames with parts dating from the 15thC.…

    2.22 miles away
  3. Mapledurham House

    An Elizabethan manor house alongside the River Thames, containing paintings, oak…

    2.22 miles away
  1. Beale Wildlife Park

    Located on the banks of the River Thames in Berkshire, Beale Park is home to a unique…

    2.26 miles away
  2. Ewelme Watercress Beds

    Ewelme is situated at the western end of the Chilterns, on the eastern slopesof the…

    3.08 miles away
  3. Caversham Heath Golf Club

    Nestling on the borders of Berkshire & Oxfordshire, just outside of Reading you’ll find…

    3.53 miles away
  4. Hosehill Lake

    Hosehill Lake is also a local nature reserve. The path around the lake is a mile long and…

    4.15 miles away
  5. Checkendon Equestrian Centre

    Established in 1994 and set in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.

    Checkendon…

    4.82 miles away
  6. Thames Rivercruise Ltd.

    The perfect venue on the Upper Thames.

    4.83 miles away
  7. Bucklebury Farm Park

    Free tractor and trailer rides, hand feed the tamer members of the herd, lots of animals…

    4.83 miles away
  8. Walk Reading

    Looking for things to do in Reading? Discover the hidden gems of our town on an…

    5.02 miles away
  9. Tours2Order

    Tours2order is run by Blue Badge Tourist Guide Graham Horn.  We can offer many different…

    5.06 miles away
  10. Caversham Boat Services


    Family business offering a fleet of well maintained traditional cruisers and narrowboats…

    5.11 miles away
  11. Terry’s Reading Walkabouts

    Terry set up his guided walks of Reading to pass on his love of local history and…

    5.16 miles away
  12. Reading Abbey Quarter Tour

    Enjoy a walking tour exploring the heart of medieval Reading led by our Official Reading…

    5.33 miles away
  13. Reading Museum

    Explore ten galleries of historic and artistic objects in Reading’s Victorian Town Hall.

    5.33 miles away
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