shoot shooting hotel berkshire reading Elephant Hotel

races ascot racecourse newbury racecourse Quirky Luxury

Hotels in Reading
Why not visit one of our sister hotels:

What to do

If you can drag yourself away from a long lunch in the Dining room or a local ale in BaBar then the surrounding area has plenty to offer. Pangbourne itself rests on the banks of the River Thames, and Pangbourne meadow is a great walk next to the river with stunning views of the wooded Chiltern hills, great for a picnic in the summer (we can organise that for you).

Further afield if you are in need of some serious retail therapy then Reading is only 4 miles from the hotel, and with the train station within easy walking distance there’s no need to worry about city centre driving.

The Thames valley is awash with places to see and things to do and London is only 40 minutes by train. We can’t possibly list all the things to do but here are some of our favourites to help you plan your perfect getaway.

 
 

Ascot, Newbury and Windsor races

No trip to Berkshire is complete without a trip to Ascot races. Just 30 minutes by car and you can be at one of the most well know Race courses in the world. Ascot Racecourse is a national institution, steeped in history and an integral part of the British social calendar. Some of the world's best racehorses have competed there and continue to do so, providing adrenalin fuelled fun for the spectators and jockeys alike. Newbury and Windsor races are also within easy travelling distance. Please check our Events page for upcoming race days.

Windsor

Windsor is just 35 minutes by car and offers entertainment for all ages. Windsor castle is undoubtedly the greatest draw. The largest occupied castle in the world, Windsor houses treasure from the royal collection including paintings by Holbein, Rubens, Van Dyck and Lawrence as well as other attractions such as St George’s chapel, the burial place of ten sovereigns. The changing of the guard is not be missed.

Windsor also boasts a fine array of shops and restaurants and the whole town looks resplendent during the annual Windsor festival. Legoland and its array of rollercoasters, rapids and live shows is just a further 10 minutes from Windsor and Eton College one of the most famous schools in the world is also just a stones throw away.

Basildon Park

Just outside Pangbourne is the National Trust House – Basildon Park. Featured in the 2005 adaption of Pride and Prejudice, Basildon is a grand Palladian mansion with a collection of fine art, furniture and textiles. Its gorgeous sweeping grounds overlook the Thames, making it the perfect place for a picnic. When you arrive at The Elephant, please ask one of our team and we will happily organise a gourmet picnic for you.

 

Henley on Thames
Further down the River Thames, Henley, like Pangbourne is overlooked by a beautiful Chiltern wooded landscape. Henley is best known for the Annual royal regatta, another opportunity for a picnic and a glass of Pimm’s! There are lots of other events in Henley, such as the annual festival of music and arts and Henley food festival taking place every Spring. It's also a great place to hire a boat and enjoy yet more Pimm’s!

Activities

Pot kiln cookery school - Website
Celebrity chef, Mike Robinson runs a series of courses to teach different aspects of game and wildbird cooking.

Cullinghood riding school - Website
Choose from just a two hour private lesson to a full day's hack inlcuding gourmet lunch and a swim in the outdoor pool!