Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-nbsp">WHY?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>One of the loveliest river villages in Berkshire that&#8217;s a speedy 45 min commute to London Paddington – but you&#8217;ll pay for it. Pangbourne has long been a sought-after hub for families and urban exiles attracted to its many pubs, indie shops, and the easy travel to London, Reading, Oxford and Heathrow. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/08/swan-streatley-coppa-2.jpg" alt="coppa club swan at streatley" class="wp-image-65800" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/08/swan-streatley-coppa-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/08/swan-streatley-coppa-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/08/swan-streatley-coppa-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/08/swan-streatley-coppa-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For waterside refuelling, The Swan pub gets you as close to river as you can get without getting wet. It&#8217;s current closed for refurbishment, but expect an orderly queue when it reopens. In the meantime, you can scoff and quaff at <a href="https://www.coppaclub.co.uk/at-the-swan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coppa Club at the Swan at Streatley</a> for that messing about by the river vibe. </p>



<p>Elsewhere, steak restaurant <a aria-label="The Herd in The Elephant Hotel (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.elephanthotel.co.uk/dining/restaurant" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Herd in The Elephant Hotel</a> has a good rep as does the Italian <a href="https://ninosdeli.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nino&#8217;s</a> (they also own an Italian deli opposite the restaurant). For a scrummy brunch spot, head to relatively new <a href="https://www.artichoke.cafe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artichoke Café</a> and grab Insta-worthy nosh. Fine dining can be found at <a aria-label="The Woodspeen (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thewoodspeen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Woodspeen</a> and <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/review-damson-restaurant-winterbourne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Damson Restaurant</a> about 30 mins away. Plus, Reading is just on the doorstep for plenty of great spots &#8211; see our faves <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/the-8-best-restaurants-in-reading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>Pangbourne is all about the independents –&nbsp;<a href="https://kikiandbow.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kiki and Bow</a> sells chic homeware and French fashion brands. The ultimate specs appeal comes courtesy of indie opticians <a href="https://www.eye-club.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Eye Club</a>. Lycra enthusiasts will love <a href="https://www.pankhurstcycles.net/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pankhurst Cycles</a> and there&#8217;s refill shop <a href="https://thelooselarder.co.uk">The Loose Larder</a>, <a href="https://www.garlandsorganic.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garlands Organics</a>, and award-winning foodie shops – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/birch.pangbourne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Birch Bread</a> and <a aria-label="Cheese Etc (opens in a new tab)" href="https://cheese-etc.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cheese Etc</a>. If you&#8217;ve got serious cash to splash, the Lamborghini, Bentley, and Aston Martin car showrooms will rev your engines. For all your big name high street shops, Reading is where it&#8217;s at.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1265" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-1-1.png" alt="thames lido" class="wp-image-68544" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-1-1.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-1-1-632x800.png 632w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-1-1-791x1000.png 791w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-1-1-316x400.png 316w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/thames-lido-1-1-768x972.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sashay your way into Reading for the ultimate urban retreat that feels like you&#8217;re in the Med. <a href="https://www.thameslido.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thames Lido</a> is a Berkshire gem complete with steamy outdoor heated pool and brilliant spa treatments. You&#8217;ll want to get our National Muddy Award winner <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/rebalance-skin-reading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rebalance Skin</a> in nearby Tokers Green on speed dial for exceptional skin treatments and facials, plus <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/hilton-skin-and-body-clinic-caversham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hilton Skin Clinic</a> is incredible. In the village itself, <a href="https://www.floating-point.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Floating Point</a> has meditative flotation pools and infrared saunas. There&#8217;s <a href="https://formulahealth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Formula Health</a> for all your full body MOT needs, <a href="https://www.beautyboxpangbourne.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beauty Box</a> does nails, waxing, and aesthetics, and <a href="https://www.liftpangbourne.com/links" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lift Pangbourne</a> is a brand new boutique fitness studio coming very soon complete with personal training and state-of-the-art equipment.</p>



<p>Not many GP surgeries can say they come with a view, but Pangbourne&#8217;s can &#8211; sitting pretty on the riverside. You&#8217;re not short of dentists either, with three to choose from right on the doorstep. Pretty neat for a village of this size. For your pooch, there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.valleyvet.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valley Veterinary Group</a> and <a href="https://barkingmadltd.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barking Mad</a> dog groomers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>The village&#8217;s annual Fireworks Fiesta and a hilly 10k running race are a must. The local parish council pour a lot of effort into throwing events for the locals &#8211; in particular for its young people. There&#8217;s regular sports sessions for kids put on in the park, a tennis club, plus a weekly village market featuring local growers and makers who sell vegetables, flowers, jams, cakes, and crafts. The annual village fete is a big hitter in the social calendar too. It takes place in the summer, right on the river, and is very well supported.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/Beale-Wildlife-Park-LYNX.jpg" alt="Beale Wildlife Park LYNX" class="wp-image-44251" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/Beale-Wildlife-Park-LYNX.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/Beale-Wildlife-Park-LYNX-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/Beale-Wildlife-Park-LYNX-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/Beale-Wildlife-Park-LYNX-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/Beale-Wildlife-Park-LYNX-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/06/Beale-Wildlife-Park-LYNX-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>One of my favourite National Trusts, the stunning&nbsp;<a aria-label="Basildon Park (opens in a new tab)" href="http://nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basildon Park</a>&nbsp;(its starred in <em>Bridgerton</em>, <em>Downton Abbey</em> and <em>Pride &amp; Prejudice</em>), is just outside Pangbourne.&nbsp;Head to the meadow to mess about on the river. Water activity centre <a aria-label="Adventure Dolphin  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://adventuredolphin.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adventure Dolphin </a>is great for kids who want to learn to paddleboard, canoe or kayak. And a few miles outside the village, <a aria-label="Beale Wildlife Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bealepark.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beale Wildlife Park</a> is home to 160 species and one loved-up pair of Lynx. Or go lock, stock and two smoking barrels at <a href="https://www.purdey.com/pages/our-shooting-school">The Royal Berkshire Shooting School</a> – the Duchess of Cambridge, Holly Willoughby, and Ant &amp; Dec have all visited.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>To hit the cultural high notes, you&#8217;ll need to head into Reading (less than 10 mins by train). <a href="https://whatsonreading.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hexagon Theatre</a> attracts the glitterati of the comedy circuit, touring West End shows, and a cracking panto. <a href="https://www.readingrep.com/">The Reading Rep</a> theatre is a fantastic multi-award-winning professional&nbsp;theatre. <a href="https://readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Reading Biscuit Factory</a> is a stunning boutique cinema, and keep your eye out for art exhibitions at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/basildon-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Basildon Park</a>. The famous Royal Swan Upping passes through the village every year too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>On average £745,851. Pretty steep, I know, but down from last year. In 2024, detached properties have been selling for an average of £1,122,192. Semis cost an average of £585,167, and terraced homes were £545,333.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/pangbourn.jpeg" alt="houses for sale pangbourne" class="wp-image-69300" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/pangbourn.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/pangbourn-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/pangbourn-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/07/pangbourn-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Live in history with the extremely rare chance to own the former <a href="https://www.singletonanddaughter.co.uk/property-for-sale-pangbourne-hill-pangbourne-reading-pi-duds1294.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">4-bed home</a> of <em>Wind in The Willows</em> author Kenneth Grahame. On the market for £1.75m.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>A small 48-place nursery in the centre of the village, <a href="https://www.pangbourne-daynursery.co.uk/our-nursery" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pangbourne Day Nursery</a>, has a courtyard garden and lots of play equipment. There are interactive screens, a ton of arts and crafts, and we&#8217;re suckers for the <em>Wind In The Willows</em> theme. There&#8217;s even a boat. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Plenty of excellent options in this well-heeled area. Good state schools include <a href="https://whitchurchprimary.org.uk/#page-content">Whitchurch Primary School</a> and <a aria-label="Pangbourne Primary School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.pangbourne.w-berks.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pangbourne Primary School</a>, as well as <a aria-label="Denefield (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.denefield.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denefield</a> and <a aria-label="Little Heath (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.littleheath.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Heath</a>. Heading down the private route, take a look at all-rounder <a href="https://www.pangbourne.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pangbourne College</a>. It&#8217;s an incredibly popular senior school. For preps, the Princess of Wales&#8217;s old stomping ground <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids-2/school-reviews-kids-fashion-2/st-andrews-pangbourne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Andrew&#8217;s Berkshire</a> is a cracking option, and the pastorally strong <a aria-label="Moulsford (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/moulsford-school-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moulsford</a> Prep, and <a href="https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/oratory-prep-reading/">The Oratory Prep School</a> are nearby. Heading into nearby Reading, try <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/st-josephs-college-reading-berkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Joseph&#8217;s College</a>,  <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/the-abbey-school-reading-berkshire/">The Abbey School</a> (ages 3-18 yrs), <a aria-label="Queen Anne’s Caversham (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/queen-annes-caversham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Anne’s Caversham</a> and <a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/leighton-park-school-reading/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leighton Park</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret"><strong>BEST KEPT </strong>SECRET</h2>



<p>Love a literary connection? DH Lawrence and Kenneth Grahame both lived here and EH Shephard’s famous illustrations for&nbsp;<em>The Wind in the Willows</em>&nbsp;were inspired by Pangbourne. It&#8217;s also the birthplace of Led Zeppelin. Jimmy Page moved to the village in the 1960s, met Robert Plant there, and the rest is rock&#8217;n&#8217;roll history.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Just 39 miles to cover and a fast train to Paddington takes 46 mins. A season train ticket starts at £5,600. Driving to London takes about 90 mins. Reading is 15 mins by car and the new Elizabeth Line straight into the Big Smoke is game changing.</p>



<p><em>View the full <a aria-label="Top 200 Best Places to Live (opens in a new tab)" href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a></em>.</p>


Pangbourne

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