Pangbourne

Kenneth Graham lived in Pangbourne and retired to Church Cottage here.  His love of the Thames is very apparent in his wonderful novel The Wind in The Willows. 

The best restaurant we have found in Pangbourne is The Swan.  This old pub was visited by Jerome K Jerome, who found the food and drink a delight.  Little has changed.  Maria and xxx oversee the tables, making sure you have the best possible experience.  Their staff are helpful and friendly and the food is a constantly changing menu of what's best on the day.   Outside the pub is a terrace overlooking the river, with mooring for several boats.  We've had 12 moored outside before now, so don't be shy about asking for all the moorings if you're taking a large party.  There is a small area at the end marked at no mooring, but if need by they kick the fishermen off to moor extra boats. 

If you want to do your own thing, or hold a drinks reception or picnic, then use the Meadow on the port bank just before you get to the lock.  It's a huge expanse of space, but it fills up quickly on a sunny weekend.  The town of Pangbourne holds a number of delights, including a train station next to The Swan, so you can meet up with friends.  Whitchurch Bridge in the centre of Pangbourne has a 10 pence toll.  The right to exact the toll has existed since 1792, when the ferry was replaced with the privately owned toll bridge.