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! In the very heart of Henley you can find its historic church, town hall and market square, the latter bustling with busy stall-holders and shoppers on market days. Statues of the great Olympians Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent greet visitors to the town’s award winning River and Rowing museum, which also features a permanent ‘Wind in the Willows’ exhibition.
Mapledurham House and Watermill - Website
Mapledurham House is the historic home of the Blount family and a superb Elizabethan mansion. The house contains a wealth of history and the watermill is the last remaining watermill on the river Thames and still grinds flour for sale in the gift shop. Cream teas can be purchased in the Old Manor tea rooms and there is a well-stocked gift shop in which to browse. 01189 723350
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 including gourmet lunch and a swim in the outdoor pool!
Royal Berkshire Shooting School - Website
Whether its private tuition or a day out with clients and staff, the team of professional instructors provide the highest level of tuition to ensure you enjoy a memorable day out.
The Living Rainforest at Hampstead Norreys - Website
Bringing together an array of animals including free ranging butterflies, lizards and birds, and with over 300 species of plants in order to recreate the amazing Amazon Rainforest. The Living Rainforest offers a unique educational visit for people of all ages to learn how the future of tropical rainforests and other ecosystems is closely connected to human lives and lifestyles.
Angling – Free fishing is available throughout the Borough of Reading. Cleaner waterways have brought more fish, of all varieties, back into both the Thames and Kennet – they in turn have brought more wildlife, with otters seen in the area, Kingfishers thriving and many rare species finding their way back into east Berkshire. If you are planning to fish in the Reading area talk to the Reading Angling Centre (0118) 987 2216 for advice.
National Trails - Reading is a natural starting point for both the Thames Path and Ridgeway National Trails. The Thames Path stretches 184 miles from the Cotswolds to Greenwich and offers fantastic picturesque walks around Reading. The Ridgeway is an ancient bridle way, offering challenging walks from Streatley. A Ridgeway Explorer bus operates on Sundays between April and October allowing easy access to all parts of the historic trail.
More leisurely strolls can be enjoyed around central Reading. You can follow the Heritage Walk around our historic heart (self guide yourself on the route using our Walk leaflet), or set off on foot to explore the natural treasures of Waterloo and Kennet Meadows, Prospect Park, King’s Meadow and Thames Valley Park.
