Relive your childhood hits with James B Partridge at Reading Hexagon

Zoe Gater

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Berkshire

Sing along to childhood hits with Britain’s favourite schoolteacher at the Reading Hexagon this April.

Viral sensation James B Partridge returns with his biggest Primary School Bangers tour yet, bringing classic singalongs and nostalgia to the Reading Hexagon on 26 April 2026.

This brand-new nationwide run will bring the songs that defined our childhoods to life across some of the UK’s most iconic theatres and concert halls across February, March and April.

Fans can expect singalongs, feel-good nostalgia, and the infectious energy that has turned James into a national phenomenon.

Following the sell-out success of The Big Christmas Assembly, which played to tens of thousands across the UK, demand for James continues to soar.

What began as playful classroom performances has exploded into one for the country’s most joyful live music successes – from viral social media fame to afield-closing Glastonbury set featured on the BBC.

James has also charmed audiences on Chris Evan’s Virgin Radio Breakfast Show, BBC Radio 2, The One Show, Sunday Brunch, and Songs of Praise: The Big School Assembly Singalong, proving that his unique blend of humour and harmony delights every generation.

For more information or to book, visit Reading Hexagon’s website.

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Celebrate British Pie Week at The Savill Garden

Zoe Gater

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Berkshire

A special British Pie Week menu at The Savill Garden will showcase venison sourced from Windsor Great Park itself, offering visitors a true field-to-fork dining experience this March 2026.

Visitors to The Savill Garden can enjoy a true taste of the estate this British Pie Week, as the garden’s restaurants shine a spotlight on a signature venison and ale pie – made with meat sourced directly from Windsor Great Park.

Taking place from Monday 2 to 8 March 2026, the celebration highlights a field-to-fork approach, featuring parkland venison paired with pale ale from Windsor & Eton Brewery, topped with golden puff pastry and served just steps from where the deer roam.

Meanwhile, at the Gallery Cafe, guests can enjoy a choice of hearty, freshly made pies for £14, each served with two salads.

Menu highlights include a chicken, ham hock and leek pie with a creamy sauce and shortcrust pastry lid, alongside a cauliflower and spinach pie filled with spiced cauliflower, chickpeas and lentils in vegan pastry.

For those looking for a more indulgent dining experience, The Savill Garden Kitchen is serving a Pie Week special priced at £20.

The elevated dish features venison braised with pale ale and root vegetables, topped with puff pastry and served with spring greens and creamy mash.

Set within 35 acres of ornamental gardens and woodland, The Savill Garden has been welcoming visitors since 1932.

British Pie Week offers the perfect opportunity to explore seasonal displays before sitting down to enjoy a dish that reflects the flavours — and provenance — of the surrounding park.

For more information, visit Windsor Great Park’s website.

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Joe Hicks to debut new album at special Arlington Arts homecoming gig

Zoe Gater

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Berkshire

Newbury singer songwriter Joe Hicks to showcase new album with Arlington Arts gig in April 2026.

Singer-songwriter Joe Hicks is set to release his new studio album Before It Gets Dark, on Friday 27 March, before playing a Newbury homecoming show on Saturday 11 April 2026.

Having steadily built his profile in the years leading up to his 2022 debut album The Best I Could Do at the Time, Joe has been praised for his solid songwriting and remarkable vocal skills, hitting falsetto notes with ease while channelling the likes of John Mayer and Paul Simon with his clean and dexterous guitar playing.

Before It Gets Dark is a cathartic set of songs written as Joe came to terms with the loss of his father and a relationship breakdown.

Joe says: “The album is about feeling beaten down by modern society, uncertainty, and by the things life can throw at you. It deals with the death of my dad, a breakup, and the darker songs are from the somewhat nihilistic ‘life is meaningless’ perspective of the world that I slipped into following those events. This record is about coming through that and looking forward; wanting to see the world before it gets dark.”

Throughout the album, Joe’s effortless musicality is front and centre as his vocals shine against the delicate layers of guitars, neither too much nor too little.

To celebrate the album’s release, Joe will return to the Arlington Arts Centre on Saturday 11 April 2026 for a homecoming Newbury show.

Tickets are on sale now at arlington-arts.com/events/joe-hicks.

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See the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in Berkshire

Zoe Gater

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Berkshire

The world’s finest nature images are revealed as Wildlife Photographer of the Year returns to The Base Greenham this spring.

Stories and species from around the world are in focus at the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition when it comes to The Base in Greenham from Sunday 27 February 2026.

Now in its 61st year and on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, it features some of the most exceptional nature photography taken today from across the globe.

The exhibition shines a light on powerful and fascinating images that capture hidden animal behaviour, spectacular species, and the breathtaking diversity of the natural world.

This year’s competition attracted over 60,000 entries from photographers of all ages and experience levels from 113 countries and territories. Entries were judged on their creativity, originality, and technical excellence by an international panel of industry experts.

Kathy Moran, Chair of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Jury, says: “This preview presents just a small insight into the 100 awe-inspiring, impactful and moving images in store for visitors to our exhibition in October.

As an advocate for the power of photography, there is nothing more rewarding or moving than seeing our relationship to the natural world, in all its complexity and splendour, shared on the world’s biggest platform for wildlife photography.”

Families are invited to get involved through an engaging programme of workshops designed to inspire creativity and curiosity – sing, move and explore together at Songs and Stories in The Gallery on Saturday 7 and Thursday 19 March, Thursday 2 Saturday 11 April, while budding young makers can sculpt imaginative creatures in Wildlife Clay Animals on Saturday 21 March with ceramicist Susie Oates.

For adults looking to get creative or enjoy inspiring evenings out, The Base offers a rich programme of talks, workshops and Gallery Lates.

Photographer Hannah Gamble leads Master the Art of iPhone Photography on Saturday 14 March and Saturday 18 April, blending exhibition-based learning with guided outdoor practice on Greenham Common.

Those interested in ideas, discussion and contemporary culture can enjoy evening events including Poetry Open Mic Night on Thursday 19 March, alongside expert-led talks such as WPY61 in Focus on Thursday 5 March and Strictly Nature on Thursday 23 April, with photographer Simon Booker.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition tickets are free to Base Pass holders. Full price tickets cost £11.20pp; £9.50 concession; £9pp in groups of 10+; £7 under-16s; and free for under-5s.

To find out more about the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at The Base Greenham, or any of the exhibition themed workshops and events, visit thebasegreenham.co.uk.

Image © Amit Eshel, Bence Mate, Kesshav Vikram, Parham Pourahman, Simone Baumeister and Tinnapat Netcharussaeng.

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Experience a thoughtfully curated cancer wellness festival – with expert talks and healing sessions

Zoe Gater

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Berkshire

Designed for anyone affected by cancer, Brave Crab & Friends 2026 is a thoughtfully curated wellness festival in Wokingham featuring leading oncology specialists and restorative wellbeing sessions to help you feel informed, supported and empowered.

Brave Crab & Friends is a one-day Wisdom & Wellness Cancer Festival created for individuals touched by cancer — whether currently in treatment, navigating life post-treatment, or supporting someone they love.

Curated by Vicky Carroll, the festival is intentionally designed to provide care, attention, and meaningful support.

Taking place on Sunday 8 March 2026 at the scenic Easthampstead Park Hotel in Wokingham, the festival offers a welcoming space where attendees can feel seen, supported, and understood, surrounded by others walking a similar path.

The event features talks from expert oncology practitioners addressing common challenges during and after treatment, including sleep and fatigue, sexual health, lymphatic care, pain management, and more.

In addition to the informative talks, attendees can enjoy small-group wellbeing sessions such as cacao ceremonies, gong baths, and breathwork, all carefully selected to help regulate the nervous system, cultivate calm, and foster a sense of centeredness. These experiences provide moments of pause, reconnection, and restoration.

Keynote speakers include Helen Addis MBE (Titty Gritty), whose storytelling brings heart, humour, and hope; Rosamund Dean, journalist and author, offering practical guidance for navigating cancer care and maximizing support from medical teams; and Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel, an integrative medical doctor, presenting evidence-based insights on safely combining integrative approaches with standard oncology care.

The festival supports attendees as whole individuals, addressing physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of the cancer experience. By the end of the day, participants can leave feeling lighter, more informed, and more hopeful, equipped with practices and insights that support calm, empowerment, and resilience beyond the festival.

The experience is highly personal: attendees select the sessions that resonate most, allowing each person to shape a day that meets their unique needs.

A No-Risk Promise ensures peace of mind: if illness prevents attendance, tickets are fully refunded with no questions asked.

Tickets are priced from £60 to £80, offering the flexibility to design a personal and meaningful day.

For further details and bookings, visit bravecrab.co.uk.

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Rare water voles return to River Thame after decades

Zoe Gater

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Berkshire

Rare water voles, celebrated in Wind In The Willows, have been spotted the River Thame catchment area for the first time in decades.

For the first time in decades, water voles have been confirmed living in the River Thame catchment, offering a hopeful boost for one of Britain’s fastest-declining mammals.

Known to generations of readers as Ratty in The Wind in the Willows – written by Henley resident Kenneth Grahame – the real-life return of this much-loved riverside character feels especially poignant locally.

Volunteer monitors from the River Thame Conservation Trust captured video evidence of water voles at two sites – on the River Thame near Chearsley and Chalgrove Brook in Stadhampton– using motion-sensor wildlife cameras, earning a mention on Radio 4’s Today programme.

The discovery marks a milestone in the charity’s long-running monitoring across the catchment.

“It’s a fantastic affirmation of hard work by all the volunteers and landowners,” says Hilary Phillips of the trust. “These findings remind us how vital it is to protect and improve river and floodplain habitats, so we don’t lose any more precious wildlife.”

One of the first clips showed a heron catching water voles, dramatic footage that, while difficult to watch, confirmed their previously undetected presence. Soon after, further video revealed a water vole swimming past a mink monitoring raft, clear evidence that at least one animal is actively using the river system.

Water voles were once common along British waterways but have declined by more than 90% since the 1990s, largely due to habitat loss and predation by invasive American mink.

Since 2023, the trust has been working with BBOWT as part of a landscape-scale mink control programme, funded through Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme.

Conservation experts say the sharp drop in mink detection is encouraging and may be giving water voles the breathing space they need to recover.

The rediscovery signals renewed hope that these charismatic mammals could once again become a familiar sight.

Find out more at riverthame.org.

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Easter adventures await across Berkshire and beyond

Round & About

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Berkshire

From egg hunts in blooming gardens to toe-tapping theatre shows and wildlife trails, this Easter holiday is bursting with family-friendly fun across Berkshire and the surrounding countryside.

As the countryside bursts into life, it’s the perfect time to step outdoors and embrace the joys of spring. Whether you’re following bunny trails through historic parkland, enjoying a musical adventure on stage, or discovering wildlife with little explorers, there’s an egg-citing line-up of events to keep the whole family entertained this Easter.

Here’s our pick of the best family-friendly activities this season.

Easter trails with the National Trust

As the countryside bursts into life, it’s a wonderful time to explore the great outdoors on an Easter egg hunt with the National Trust. Follow trails at Basildon Park and Greys Court from March 21st to April 12th. £3.50 per trail to include an Easter trail sheet, bunny ears and dairy or vegan and Free From chocolate egg to tuck into.

Riverside Easter Fun at Caversham Court Gardens

Follow the Easter Trail in Caversham Court Gardens on Easter Saturday, 4th April, 2-4pm. The Friends of Caversham Court Gardens will be hosting an Easter Quiz on a nature theme in the lovely riverside gardens. Win an Easter Egg prize or a non-dairy treat. Entry is free, but donations to the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens appreciated.

For more information, visit home.fccg.org.uk.

Village Traditions at the Binfield Easter Egg Hunt

Hop to it & join the great Binfield Easter Egg Hunt (dates TBC). This will be the 10th year for the egg-cellent adventure around the village. Buy a map from Binfield Village stores or Foxes Den Café during the week and follow the fundraising trail with coffee shops, playgrounds and a fantastic pub en route, start hunting & have a great day out.

Visit binfieldevents.com/easteregghunt for dates.

Creative Planting at Squire’s Garden Centres

Easter bunnies can get creative planting a colourful basket at Squire’s Garden Centres in Wokingham and Hare Hatch on selected dates over the Easter hols. Join the Spring hunt as you Create & Grow from March 30th-April 10th.

Advanced booking essential, details at squiresgardencentres.co.uk.

Fairground Fun at Dinton Pastures Country Park

Join the fun of the fair at Dinton Pastures this Easter holiday, March 28th-April 12th, with rides and attractions galore on the Events Field behind the Café.

Outdoor Adventures at Wokingham Countryside Service

Ready for a school holiday packed with adventure? Take part in the Easter Wilds Days Childrens Club, March 30th-April 10th, full and half days available for 8-14 year olds.

Try an exciting new challenge every day on land and water, set against the beautiful backdrop of Black Swan Lake.

Book at wokinghamcountryside.co.uk/events/easter-wild-days-childrens-club.

Musical Mayhem at South Hill Park Arts Centre

Riotous musical comedy The Wind in the Willows follows Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Mr Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. Toad must attempt a daring escape leading to a series of misadventures and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall from Chief Weasel and his gang at South Hill Park, April 7th-12th.

For more information, visit southhillpark.org.uk/shp-events/willows.

Dream Big at Theatre Royal Windsor

Following the success of previous holiday school productions, the Theatre Royal Windsor invites you to follow Joseph on his extraordinary journey as he dares to dream big complete with his coat of many colours. Packed with unforgettable songs, vibrant storytelling, and high-energy dance numbers, this is a joyful, uplifting show. April 8th-11th.

Book at theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk/joseph-26.

Dino Delights at Corn Exchange Newbury

This Easter holiday, the Corn Exchange Newbury welcomes families to a riotous musical adventure with The Dinosaur That Pooped: A Rock Show (Saturday, 28th March, 1.30pm & 4pm).

Adapted from Tom Fletcher and Dougie Poynter’s bestselling book, this high-energy production blends catchy new songs, slapstick comedy and heartwarming fun. With mischievous villains, rocking dreams, and plenty of poo-powered surprises, it’s a joyfully silly treat for all ages.

Book at cornexchangenew.com/events/the-dinosaur-that-pooped.

Arts & Crafts Escape at Kelmscott Manor

Explore William Morris’s ‘heaven on earth’ at Kelmscott Manor as the house and farm buildings loved by Morris as a work of true craftmanship, totally unspoilt and unaltered, and in harmony with the surrounding countryside reopen for the season on April 2nd.

iew the iconic collection of artwork and objects he owned and designed and discover why the Cotswold home became an inspiration for him and his family. Take a stroll around the enchanting gardens and treat yourself to homemade fare from the licensed tearoom.

For more information, visit kelmscottmanor.org.uk.

Music in Bloom at Newbury Spring Festival

Newbury Spring Festival brings two weeks of world-class music to Newbury and its surrounding villages, with more than 45 events across 20 venues, spanning many different genres including jazz, musical theatre, cabaret, world music, folk music, choral music, ballet, chamber music, solo recitals, brass bands and gospel choirs.

Find out what’s on at newburyspringfestival.org.uk.

Tropical Escape at The Living Rainforest

For a tropical twist on spring days out, head to The Living Rainforest in Hampstead Norreys. This award-winning ecological and education centre is home to 850+ species of plants and animals from rare bromeliads to colourful birds, frogs and reptiles.

Don’t miss Penelope and Isabella, the Goeldi’s monkeys settling into their rainforest home.

For more information, visit livingrainforest.org.

Wildlife Trails at Nature Discovery Centre

Join the Nature Discovery Centre in Thatcham for fresh air and wildlife discoveries as you help mother fox find her missing cubs and discover the other baby animals hiding in the woods, ponds and meadows.

Plus, there’s a fun family trail for Easter with a small chocolate prize at the end. April 7th-9th.

For more information, visit bbowt.org.uk/events.

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Best Mother’s Day experiences in the South East

Zoe Gater

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Berkshire

From sparkling river cruises and indulgent afternoon teas to hands‑on workshops and soothing spa escapes, here’s our pick of wonderful ways to celebrate Mother’s Day across Surrey, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 30th March in 2026, offering the perfect excuse to slow down and show your appreciation.

Whether she loves time on the water, a decadent dining experience, hands-on creativity or pure relaxation, there are plenty of thoughtful ways to celebrate close to home this year.

River cruises

Treat mum to a relaxing cruise along the River Thames this Mother’s Day.

Enjoy three hours of sailing with Hobbs of Henley, complete with afternoon tea and a ‘Sparkling Lady’ cocktail on arrival. In Bray, choose a two-course lunch or afternoon tea cruise with Windsor & Maidenhead Boat Company, while Thames Rivercruise in Caversham offers scenic trips with dining options. It’s a stylish, stress‑free way to celebrate on the water with springtime views in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Afternoon tea

For mums who prefer dry land, there are plenty of indulgent options. Enjoy heritage surroundings at Waddesdon Manor, refined riverside luxury at Cliveden House, or sweeping Thames views with delicate pastries at Danesfield House Hotel & Spa.

Head west to Wiltshire’s Lucknam Park for a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea with spa add‑ons, or treat her to a Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea experience in Surrey’s vineyards with sparkling wine. Traditional finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, and a glass of fizz make it a memorable celebration.

Creative workshops

Gift a hands-on experience with creative workshops across the region. Try a Mother’s Day Bouquet Workshop at Coppa Club Henley or Buckingham Flower Farm, or explore modern calligraphy at Farnham Maltings in Surrey.

For something crafty, book a candle-making workshop at Bicester Candles & Crafts and family-friendly glass fusing workshops at Wokingham Countryside Centre are also great for little helpers. These shared experiences leave mum with something handmade and memorable.

Spa days

If relaxation tops her wish list, a spa day is always a winner. Treat mum to indulgent spa packages at Pennyhill Park, known for its extensive thermal facilities, multiple pools and wide range of high‑end treatments in a luxurious Surrey countryside setting.

For a truly lavish retreat, enjoy the elegant wellness facilities at The Spa at Coworth Park in Sunningdale near Ascot, set in a Georgian country estate with refined spa therapies and scenic surroundings. Taplow House Hotel & Spa also offers pampering treatments in a serene setting, perfect for a full day of unwinding and celebrating Mother’s Day in style.

Scenic walks

For mums who love fresh air, a walk through flowering arboretums and historic forests provides a tranquil springtime escape for Mother’s Day.

Explore the bluebell trails and diverse tree collections at Winkworth Arboretum or explore the mature woodland trails at Alice Holt Forest – both in Surrey. Meander along the peaceful paths of Harcourt Arboretum in Oxfordshire and stroll among the ancient oaks and expansive glades of Savernake Forest in Wiltshire.

Dining out

A classic Sunday lunch never goes out of style. Book a riverside table at The Angel on the Bridge in Henley, enjoy refined dining at The Waterside Inn, or opt for relaxed country charm at The Crown at Bray.

For mums with a sweet tooth, check out spots like The Pot Kiln in Thatcham and The Great House in Sonning, where indulgent desserts are plentiful. Treats include chocolate custard cream cones, rhubarb sorbet with gingerbread, treacle tart with rum & raisin ice cream, and white chocolate crème brûlée with orange shortbread — all perfect for a decadent finish.

Family-focused events

Celebrate Mother’s Day with fun, hands-on activities across the region. Take part in the Roald Dahl Ramble: Matilda’s Mother’s Day Walk in Great Missenden on Sunday 15 March 2026 or explore spring gardens and trails at Cliveden.

Further afield, treat mum to a gentle Alpaca Walk at Hensting Alpacas in Hampshire, spot rare breed animals at Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park in Buckingham – with mums going free for the weekend – or head to Rumsey’s Chocolaterie for handmade Mother’s Day lollipops.

Local gifts: Memberships, drinks & artisan hampers

Prefer something to wrap? Celebrate local makers with artisan hampers from independent farm shops, small-batch spirits from producers such as Henley Distillery, or a vineyard tour and tasting at Stanlake Park Wine Estate.

For a gift that keeps giving, consider annual memberships to organisations like National Trust — opening the door to hundreds of historic houses and gardens — tickets for Blenheim Palace Flower Show and a theatre membership or gift voucher for venues such as Oxford Playhouse or Norden Farm Centre for the Arts.

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See some of the world’s most famous movie cars at The Lexicon in Bracknell

Zoe Gater

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Berkshire

See Lightning McQueen, the Batmobile Tumbler, Bumblebee and more as The Lexicon in Bracknell hosts a free movie car spectacular this February half term, with charity fundraising and a family-friendly film trail.

This February half term, The Lexicon in Bracknell is giving visitors the chance to see some of the world’s most famous cars, drawn from movies spanning the last 20 years.

Running from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd February 2026, the town centre will play host to iconic car stars such as Batmobile Tumbler, the Mutt Cutts van from Dumb and Dumber, Bumblebee from Transformers, Ghostbusters Ecto-1 Cadillac and more.

Tom Henderson, centre director at The Lexicon, says: “It’s not often you can get up close and personal with such spectacular film stars. We hope that our event will appeal to film fans of all ages, offering a unique opportunity to take a selfie next to one of your movie car heroes.”

Also appearing at The Lexicon, a Flintstones car and three of the characters from Disney’s Cars – Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and Professor Z.

Tom adds: “During the week, we will also be seeking to raise money for The Lexicon Charity Fund, which helps local community groups, by offering visitors the chance to sit inside one of the Cars character vehicles for a £1 donation per car.”

The charity opportunity will run from Monday 16th to Friday 20th February 2026, between 10am and 4pm, outside Boots.

The eight cars will also form part of a movie themed trail with prizes from Cineworld.

For more information, visit The Lexicon’s website.

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13 best riverside restaurants and pubs on the Thames – Bucks & Berks

Zoe Gater

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Berkshire

Berkshire and Buckinghamshire are packed with riverside pubs perfect for lazy lunches and sunset drinks. Whether you’re arriving by foot, boat or bike, these waterside favourites offer front-row seats to some of the region’s most beautiful scenery.

From peaceful Thames-side terraces to tucked-away spots along the Kennet & Avon Canal, Bucks and Berks are brimming with gorgeous waterside venues.

Whether you’re planning a lazy afternoon drink, a scenic lunch stop on a country walk or a well-earned refreshment after time on the river, Round & About rounds up 13 of the best waterside pubs where you can soak up the sunshine and watch boats drift by.

1. The Swan at Pangbourne

A refurbished 17th-century Grad II-listed inn, The Swan is full of charm and character, featuring oak beams, open fires and a terrace overlooking the River Thames.

Perched right on the waterfront, the riverside pub offers boaters the chance to moor up and enjoy a pint on one of the most scenic stretches of the upper Thames.

2. The Boathouse at Boulters Lock, Maidenhead

Set beside the lock on its own island, this popular Thames-side spot offers front-row seats to the action on the river.

With plush sofas and expansive terraces, it’s a sought-after place to pause for drinks or lunch while watching boats pass through the lock.

3. The Compleat Angler, Marlow

One of the most famous Thames-side destinations, The Compleat Angler dates from the 17th century, but the current building is largely 19th century – and pairs refined food and drink with unbeatable views over Marlow Bridge.

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to dine here, but smart casual dress is encouraged. The venue is a classic choice for a special lunch or elegant evening by the water.

4. Roux at Skindles, Maidenhead

Set right on the Thames, Roux at Skindles brings elegant brasserie dining to one of the river’s most iconic addresses.

Expect refined British and French-inspired dishes, polished service and glorious water views from the terrace. Perfect for a long lunch or special-occasion supper just moments from Cliveden.

5. The Bounty, Bourne End

Relaxed and welcoming, The Bounty sits right on the Thames and is a favourite with locals, walkers and boaters.

Its riverside garden is a real draw when the sun is shining.

6. The Waterside Inn, Bray

A legendary riverside dining destination in Bray with three Michelin stars, where refined French-inspired cuisine and impeccable service meet picture-postcard views of the Thames.

Classic, elegant and ideal for a celebratory lunch or unforgettable dinner.

7. The Rowbarge, Woolhampton

A lively canal-side favourite on the Kennet & Avon Canal, The Rowbarge is an 18th-century pub known for its buzzing atmosphere, regular events and expansive outdoor space.

With its large garden set on the banks of the River Kennet – with access to the towpath and moorings – it’s a great place to enjoy sunny afternoons that drift into long summer evenings.

8. The Swan at Streatley

A relaxed yet stylish riverside pub and Coppa Club with a sunny terrace on the Thames, The Swan at Streatley serves seasonal European fare, pizzas and long lunches with river views.

Located in the Chiltern Hills, this spot is perfect for casual drinks, brunch or a laid-back dinner as boats drift by.

9. The Boatman, Windsor

With prime Thames-side views and Windsor Castle just upstream, The Boatman is a standout spot for a riverside pint.

Its spacious terrace makes it a top choice for summer drinks and people-watching – and you can enjoy waterside views all year round with a retractable roof to cater for the unpredictable British weather.

10. The Ferry, Cookham

A proper old-school river pub with moorings right outside, The Ferry is a much-loved stop on the Thames.

Its relaxed vibe and waterside seating make it perfect for an easy-going pint after a riverside stroll.

11. The Great House at Sonning

A charming riverside inn with a sunny terrace and classic British menus, The Great House at Sonning sits right on the Thames.

Perfect for lunch, drinks or a leisurely stop on a river walk, with moorings for boaters.

12. The Dundas Arms, Kintbury

Tucked away beside the Kennet & Avon Canal, The Dundas Arms is a postcard-perfect country pub surrounded by water, woodland and rolling countryside.

Popular with walkers and boaters, it’s ideal for a peaceful pint or hearty meal after exploring the towpath.

13. St George & Dragon, Wargrave

Nestled on the Thames in the charming village of Wargrave, the St George & Dragon combines traditional pub charm with riverside seating and scenic views.

It’s a great option for relaxed lunches or a sunny afternoon pint by the river.

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