Pangbourne is an attractive large village on the River Thames with some interesting independent shops. Jerome K Jerome's 'Three Men in a Boat' ended their epic journey at the Swan Inn. Pangbourne is a great place to stay for exploring the area, including walks along the Thames. With a good train service to Reading and Didcot Parkway (change there for Oxford) it is also easy to explore further afield.
Across the Toll Bridge (free for pedestrians) is the smaller village of Whitchurch-on-Thames which is in Oxfordshire and part of the Chilterns AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), a range of chalk hills north-west of London. The area is popular for walking with beautiful countryside, great views and picturesque villages (including Whitchurch-on-Thames itself). The Thames Path leaves the river to pass through Whitchurch-on-Thames and then along a bridleway towards Goring.
Wildlife Park and Gardens. Animals include lemurs, wallabies, meerkats and monkeys.
Walk-through aviary, owlery, pets area, play areas and narrow gauge railway. Restaurant.
Open mid Feb-Oct, Daily 1000-1700 (1800 Apr-Sep), last admission one hour before closing.
www.bealepark.co.uk
This impressive Georgian Mansion was rescued by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s when they restored
the elegant interior. Gardens with views over parkland. Waymarked trails around parkland. Tearoom.
Open Daily 1000-1700 (1600 Nov-Mar), House from 1100.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
