Visiting Highclere House Nr Newbury, what to do

[joshcowin]

Hi

Just looking for nice places (towns, villages, pubs, attractions ...) to visit next week.

Just 2 of us (mid 20's) we have a spare day, can anyone recommend anything in the area?

Regards

[Planet Claire]

Is this because you (or your OH) are fans of Downtown Abbey? If so then you could also visit Basildon Park, a National Trust property, not far from Pangbourne, which was used as the interior of the London property of the family in the show (whatever they were called, I didn't watch it).

Lots of nice pubs in that area too.

[joshcowin]

Planet Claire said:

Is this because you (or your OH) are fans of Downtown Abbey? If so then you could also visit Basildon Park, a National Trust property, not far from Pangbourne, which was used as the interior of the London property of the family in the show (whatever they were called, I didn't watch it).

Lots of nice pubs in that area too.

Great thanks, yes the wife is a Downtown abbey fan, Ok great I will see if she is interested in seeing that property aswell.

Any recommendations for Pubs?!

[Planet Claire]

joshcowin said:

Great thanks, yes the wife is a Downtown abbey fan, Ok great I will see if she is interested in seeing that property aswell.

Any recommendations for Pubs?!

Here are a few that we have eaten at when out for Sunday walks:
The Pot Kiln, Frilsham
The White Hart, Hampstead Norreys
The Bell Inn, Aldworth (it's like going back a couple of centuries - great rolls)
Four Points Inn, Aldworth
The Bladebone, Chapel Row (this has recently changed hands so don't know what it's like now, but nice pub)
There's a couple of nice pubs in Stanford Dingley, but only had drinks at so can't comment on food.

There are a few nicely located pubs (both called The Swan) on the bank of the Thames in Pangbourne and Streatley, but I don't know what the food is like.

If you're looking for another activity and if you're into gin, then there's the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke. We followed our visit to The Watership Down Inn in nearby Freefolk, which was very good.

[LordBretSinclair]

Because of it's popularity you have to pre-book your visit to Highclere Castle - if you haven't already booked for next week then don't bother going unless you want to chance getting in.

From their website:-

"Our Summer Season is underway!
10th July - Wednesday 7th September. Although the advance tickets for these dates have sold out we have a number of 'walk-up' tickets available to visitors each day we are open (We cannot guarantee entry, but we do try to accommodate all visitors)."

Good luck !!!!

[joshcowin]

LordBretSinclair said:

Because of it's popularity you have to pre-book your visit to Highclere Castle - if you haven't already booked for next week then don't bother going unless you want to chance getting in.

From their website:-

"Our Summer Season is underway!
10th July - Wednesday 7th September. Although the advance tickets for these dates have sold out we have a number of 'walk-up' tickets available to visitors each day we are open (We cannot guarantee entry, but we do try to accommodate all visitors)."

Good luck !!!!

All booked well in advance thanks mate!!

[joshcowin]

Planet Claire said:

Here are a few that we have eaten at when out for Sunday walks:
The Pot Kiln, Frilsham
The White Hart, Hampstead Norreys
The Bell Inn, Aldworth (it's like going back a couple of centuries - great rolls)
Four Points Inn, Aldworth
The Bladebone, Chapel Row (this has recently changed hands so don't know what it's like now, but nice pub)
There's a couple of nice pubs in Stanford Dingley, but only had drinks at so can't comment on food.

There are a few nicely located pubs (both called The Swan) on the bank of the Thames in Pangbourne and Streatley, but I don't know what the food is like.

If you're looking for another activity and if you're into gin, then there's the Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke. We followed our visit to The Watership Down Inn in nearby Freefolk, which was very good.

Thanks alot much appreciated

[anonymous-user]

The White Hart at Charter Alley is quite nice, not been there for a good few years though.

[petsco]

the swan at Streatley is a bit more than a pub - proper 4* hotel, but lovely Boat House deli/café attached. You can hire boats and pootle up the river

Also got Pierreponts just the other side in Goring.

the swan at pangbourne is a tourist hellhole.

The bell at Aldworth is a superb pub. Best around for a long way.

The potkiln is closer to highclere, and very good. Best in autumn though, as it's a game pub. Unless you're there when they're doing pizzas in the garden.

[V8S]

My friend at school's mum was the head housekeeper at the castle in the late 80s.

I wonder if she's still there. We used to play in the rooms on weekends, and all round the grounds. Good times collecting grasshoppers up by Temple Lake.

Anyway, lovely place to visit. Enjoy.

[BuzyG]

Only ever driven through the grounds at Highclere. Blenheim is not too far away. We love that place, well worth several visits.