Debs’s guidebook

Debs
Debs’s guidebook

Places to eat in Goring

There are lots of options for eating and drinking in Goring, both eat in and takeaway, so here is a quick rundown.
THE CATHERINE WHEEL - GORING This is a more traditional pub than the Miller, there is a bar and restaurant inside and a large beer garden. They often have live music at the weekends. You can order pizzas from the ‘hatch’ in the garden which are very good. There is also a menu for indoor dining too. THE MILLER OF MANSFIELD - GORING The Miller is just round the corner from the house. They have a smart dining room with good food, it is a bit more on the expensive side. The pub has a courtyard garden outside and a good atmosphere, a nice place to have a drink or two. This was George Michael’s local when he was living in the village. MASOOMS - GORING This is the closest option to the house, lovely staff and very good Indian food both for dine in and takeaway. PIERREPONT – GORING Really lovely café just before the bridge, does lovely well priced and delicious food. Also serves takeaway hot drinks, sandwiches and sweet treats. THE CHOCOLATE CAFÉ – GORING This is on the corner of the arcade in the centre of Goring, good quality inexpensive food, good hot chocolates and ice cream too. SOLE E LUNA PIZZA TRUCK - GORING This delicious pizza truck visits the centre of Goring every Weds between 5 – 7pm. Head to the Wheel Orchard Car Park, RG8 9DP which is next to The Catherine Wheel Pub. Best to order in advance on their website: http://www.pizzasoleluna.com/ GORING DINER - GORING This is a fish and chip shop in the centre of the village which does other battered fayre too. CHEF KING This is a Chinese takeaway in the centre of the village in the arcade. The food can be good, just be wary of their waiting times, if they say 20 minutes it is likely to be much longer at the weekend.
16 locals recommend
Goring
16 locals recommend
THE CATHERINE WHEEL - GORING This is a more traditional pub than the Miller, there is a bar and restaurant inside and a large beer garden. They often have live music at the weekends. You can order pizzas from the ‘hatch’ in the garden which are very good. There is also a menu for indoor dining too. THE MILLER OF MANSFIELD - GORING The Miller is just round the corner from the house. They have a smart dining room with good food, it is a bit more on the expensive side. The pub has a courtyard garden outside and a good atmosphere, a nice place to have a drink or two. This was George Michael’s local when he was living in the village. MASOOMS - GORING This is the closest option to the house, lovely staff and very good Indian food both for dine in and takeaway. PIERREPONT – GORING Really lovely café just before the bridge, does lovely well priced and delicious food. Also serves takeaway hot drinks, sandwiches and sweet treats. THE CHOCOLATE CAFÉ – GORING This is on the corner of the arcade in the centre of Goring, good quality inexpensive food, good hot chocolates and ice cream too. SOLE E LUNA PIZZA TRUCK - GORING This delicious pizza truck visits the centre of Goring every Weds between 5 – 7pm. Head to the Wheel Orchard Car Park, RG8 9DP which is next to The Catherine Wheel Pub. Best to order in advance on their website: http://www.pizzasoleluna.com/ GORING DINER - GORING This is a fish and chip shop in the centre of the village which does other battered fayre too. CHEF KING This is a Chinese takeaway in the centre of the village in the arcade. The food can be good, just be wary of their waiting times, if they say 20 minutes it is likely to be much longer at the weekend.

Nearby places to eat and drink

There are lots of great pubs and restaurants in the villages and towns surrounding Goring too.
THE BEETLE AND WEDGE – MOULSFORD (2.5 miles) This is a very pleasant 4km walk from the house along the river on the Streatley side. There is a footpath the whole way. They have a large riverside setting with tables both outdoors and indoors. Prices are on the more expensive side but worth it for the great views and pretty setting. You can turn up mid morning most days and get a coffee or tea outside without booking.
Moulsford
THE BEETLE AND WEDGE – MOULSFORD (2.5 miles) This is a very pleasant 4km walk from the house along the river on the Streatley side. There is a footpath the whole way. They have a large riverside setting with tables both outdoors and indoors. Prices are on the more expensive side but worth it for the great views and pretty setting. You can turn up mid morning most days and get a coffee or tea outside without booking.
COPPA CLUB AT THE SWAN – STREATLEY (0.5 miles) The Coppa Club is on the River Thames just across the bridge from Goring. It has a lovely riverside terrace and a garden plus cosy indoor dining areas and a bar too. You need to book tables for dining in the restaurant or on the terrace but they accept ‘walk-ins’ at the bar and also in the garden.
Streatley
COPPA CLUB AT THE SWAN – STREATLEY (0.5 miles) The Coppa Club is on the River Thames just across the bridge from Goring. It has a lovely riverside terrace and a garden plus cosy indoor dining areas and a bar too. You need to book tables for dining in the restaurant or on the terrace but they accept ‘walk-ins’ at the bar and also in the garden.
The Bell – Aldworth (3 miles) – a truly ancient pub, fascinating with very old fashioned ‘closed in’ bar, does crab or cheese rolls and inexpensive fare, large beer garden, very popular.
Aldworth
The Bell – Aldworth (3 miles) – a truly ancient pub, fascinating with very old fashioned ‘closed in’ bar, does crab or cheese rolls and inexpensive fare, large beer garden, very popular.
The Royal Oak – Yattendon (7 miles) – really special fine dining pub, not cheap but worth it!
Yattendon
The Royal Oak – Yattendon (7 miles) – really special fine dining pub, not cheap but worth it!
The Crooked Billet – Stoke Row (7 miles) – this is where Kate Winslet had her famous ‘bangers and mash’ wedding reception. High quality food and drink with great service.
Stoke Row
The Crooked Billet – Stoke Row (7 miles) – this is where Kate Winslet had her famous ‘bangers and mash’ wedding reception. High quality food and drink with great service.
The Perch and Pike – South Stoke (2 miles) - lovely pub with good food, walkable from the house
Perch & Pike
The Street
The Perch and Pike – South Stoke (2 miles) - lovely pub with good food, walkable from the house
The King William – Ipsden (4.5 miles) – this pub serves decent food with a lovely countryside view looking over rolling fields.
King William IV
The King William – Ipsden (4.5 miles) – this pub serves decent food with a lovely countryside view looking over rolling fields.
The Six Bells – Warborough (9.3 miles) – this is a lovely rustic pub with great food, especially a Sunday roast. It was also used as a filming location in 6 episodes of Midsomer Murders.
13 locals recommend
The Six Bells
16 The Green S
13 locals recommend
The Six Bells – Warborough (9.3 miles) – this is a lovely rustic pub with great food, especially a Sunday roast. It was also used as a filming location in 6 episodes of Midsomer Murders.
The Greyhound – Rotherfield Peppard (7.5 miles) – this pub is owned and run by Antony Worral Thompson, steak is their speciality
23 locals recommend
AWT's The Greyhound on Gallowstree
Gallowstree Road
23 locals recommend
The Greyhound – Rotherfield Peppard (7.5 miles) – this pub is owned and run by Antony Worral Thompson, steak is their speciality
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – Great Milton (16 miles) – this 15th century manor and world famous Raymond Blanc hotel and restaurant, serves several course tasting menus and fine wines. It is a little pricey to say the least!
58 locals recommend
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Church Road
58 locals recommend
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons – Great Milton (16 miles) – this 15th century manor and world famous Raymond Blanc hotel and restaurant, serves several course tasting menus and fine wines. It is a little pricey to say the least!
This is a very popular local brewery selling tip top beers, ales and lagers. They do brewery tours for £20 which are booked months and months in advance. They also have a really popular restaurant serving great quality food like pizzas, burgers and a few other interesting dishes. Highly recommended!
13 locals recommend
West Berkshire Brewery
13 locals recommend
This is a very popular local brewery selling tip top beers, ales and lagers. They do brewery tours for £20 which are booked months and months in advance. They also have a really popular restaurant serving great quality food like pizzas, burgers and a few other interesting dishes. Highly recommended!
Olivier at The Chequers is a pub which has just been very tastefully renovated and is absolutely lovely. Co-owned by Tim Henman (who also lives in the village), the food by Olivier isn't cheap but it's very good, with an attractive sunny garden.
Aston Tirrold
Olivier at The Chequers is a pub which has just been very tastefully renovated and is absolutely lovely. Co-owned by Tim Henman (who also lives in the village), the food by Olivier isn't cheap but it's very good, with an attractive sunny garden.

Sightseeing for adults (and children too!)

There are lots of wonderful days out to be had. I have taken my children to all of these, but if I could go without them I would!
BASILDON PARK – Lower Basildon (2.6 miles) Basildon Park is an 18th-century Palladian mansion, owned by the National Trust which featured in the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice as Mr Bingley’s house, Netherfield. There are some lovely walks (see map in this folder) and a good café, with lots of things of interest to see in the grounds. For Children Basildon Park often has events and walking/house trails for children. There is a print out of their “fabulous finds” for children to look out for in each season in the house folder.
45 locals recommend
National Trust - Basildon Park
45 locals recommend
BASILDON PARK – Lower Basildon (2.6 miles) Basildon Park is an 18th-century Palladian mansion, owned by the National Trust which featured in the 2005 production of Pride and Prejudice as Mr Bingley’s house, Netherfield. There are some lovely walks (see map in this folder) and a good café, with lots of things of interest to see in the grounds. For Children Basildon Park often has events and walking/house trails for children. There is a print out of their “fabulous finds” for children to look out for in each season in the house folder.
WALLINGFORD CASTLE – Wallingford (6.5 miles) Wallingford Castle was an important royal fortress on the banks of the River Thames built by William the Conqueror. Not much of it remains today but there are information panels on the site and it is free to wander in if you happen to be there. Wallingford is 'Causton' in Midsomer Murders, DCI Barnaby is often seen wandering here! They have a large Waitrose, a quirky antiques centre and lots of independent shops with a market on Friday mornings.
27 locals recommend
Wallingford
27 locals recommend
WALLINGFORD CASTLE – Wallingford (6.5 miles) Wallingford Castle was an important royal fortress on the banks of the River Thames built by William the Conqueror. Not much of it remains today but there are information panels on the site and it is free to wander in if you happen to be there. Wallingford is 'Causton' in Midsomer Murders, DCI Barnaby is often seen wandering here! They have a large Waitrose, a quirky antiques centre and lots of independent shops with a market on Friday mornings.
GREYS COURT – Rotherfield Greys near Henley on Thames (10 miles) Greys Court is another National Trust it is a lovely furnished Tudor-style house with walled gardens, an ornamental vegetable garden, a maze, ice house, a fortified tower built and a Tudor wheelhouse. Henley is famous for the annual rowing regatta and festival in July. It is a fantastic town to visit, lots of restaurants and shops.
26 locals recommend
Greys Court
26 locals recommend
GREYS COURT – Rotherfield Greys near Henley on Thames (10 miles) Greys Court is another National Trust it is a lovely furnished Tudor-style house with walled gardens, an ornamental vegetable garden, a maze, ice house, a fortified tower built and a Tudor wheelhouse. Henley is famous for the annual rowing regatta and festival in July. It is a fantastic town to visit, lots of restaurants and shops.
OXFORD BOTANIC GARDEN AND ARBORETUM - Oxford (19 miles) The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain founded in 1621 as a physic garden growing plants for medicinal research.
93 locals recommend
Oxford Botanic Garden
Rose Lane
93 locals recommend
OXFORD BOTANIC GARDEN AND ARBORETUM - Oxford (19 miles) The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Great Britain founded in 1621 as a physic garden growing plants for medicinal research.
ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM – Oxford (22 miles) The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. They have lots of world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. The also do special exhibitions, we really enjoyed the Pompeii one. It is free to enter the museum but the special exhibitions have an entrance fee.
374 locals recommend
Ashmolean Museum
Beaumont Street
374 locals recommend
ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM – Oxford (22 miles) The Ashmolean is the University of Oxford’s museum of art and archaeology, founded in 1683. They have lots of world famous collections range from Egyptian mummies to contemporary art. The also do special exhibitions, we really enjoyed the Pompeii one. It is free to enter the museum but the special exhibitions have an entrance fee.
HIGHCLERE CASTLE – Highclere nr Newbury (24 miles) Highclere Castle was designed in 1842 but is of course now famous for being the location of Downton Abbey, and is well worth a visit just for the excitement of being there! Tickets must be bought well in advance to visit the Castle, the Egyptian Exhibition and the gardens.
156 locals recommend
Highclere Castle
156 locals recommend
HIGHCLERE CASTLE – Highclere nr Newbury (24 miles) Highclere Castle was designed in 1842 but is of course now famous for being the location of Downton Abbey, and is well worth a visit just for the excitement of being there! Tickets must be bought well in advance to visit the Castle, the Egyptian Exhibition and the gardens.
BLENHEIM PALACE – Woodstock (28 miles) This is truly an incredible place, a World Heritage Site with a stunning palace and vast grounds, including a miniature train, a butterfly sanctuary, walks, formal gardens.
657 locals recommend
Blenheim Palace
657 locals recommend
BLENHEIM PALACE – Woodstock (28 miles) This is truly an incredible place, a World Heritage Site with a stunning palace and vast grounds, including a miniature train, a butterfly sanctuary, walks, formal gardens.
COTSWOLDS - BURFORD GARDEN COMPANY – Burford (37 miles) Although not close to the house, if you enjoy a very upmarket garden centre selling so much more than plants, this is a great day out! It has a gorgeous café and you can wander round for hours. It’s also ‘the gateway to the Cotswolds’ and a very pretty small town to visit.
108 locals recommend
Burford Garden Center
Shilton Road
108 locals recommend
COTSWOLDS - BURFORD GARDEN COMPANY – Burford (37 miles) Although not close to the house, if you enjoy a very upmarket garden centre selling so much more than plants, this is a great day out! It has a gorgeous café and you can wander round for hours. It’s also ‘the gateway to the Cotswolds’ and a very pretty small town to visit.
This is a local company offering (mostly) early morning guided walks to see the stunning birds and wildlife who make their home in and around The Thames in Goring and Streatley. They are SO popular so do book in advance!
GG Wildlife Experiences
5 The Old Forge
This is a local company offering (mostly) early morning guided walks to see the stunning birds and wildlife who make their home in and around The Thames in Goring and Streatley. They are SO popular so do book in advance!

Activities for children

If you are looking for things to do to entertain youngsters then hopefully this list will be helpful. I have done everything on this list, in most cases MANY times!
BEALE PARK – Pangbourne (3.2 miles) Beale Wildlife Park is between Pangbourne and Lower Basildon. It is brilliant for children from 2 to around 10 years, with a train to ride round the grounds, collections of small exotic animals, farm animals and birds; a pond, gardens and woodlands plus children's play areas.
37 locals recommend
Beale Park
37 locals recommend
BEALE PARK – Pangbourne (3.2 miles) Beale Wildlife Park is between Pangbourne and Lower Basildon. It is brilliant for children from 2 to around 10 years, with a train to ride round the grounds, collections of small exotic animals, farm animals and birds; a pond, gardens and woodlands plus children's play areas.
THE LIVING RAINFOREST – Hampstead Norreys (8.5 miles) The Living Rainforest is an indoor greenhouse tropical rainforest consisting of three glasshouses full of lots of exotic animals and creatures. You can book a keeper experience with a monkey, an iguana or an armadillo!
41 locals recommend
The Living Rainforest
41 locals recommend
THE LIVING RAINFOREST – Hampstead Norreys (8.5 miles) The Living Rainforest is an indoor greenhouse tropical rainforest consisting of three glasshouses full of lots of exotic animals and creatures. You can book a keeper experience with a monkey, an iguana or an armadillo!
RED KANGAROO - Reading (8.7 miles) This trampoline park is a great place to take children to wear them out! Book your timeslot in advance, apart from the regular jumping they also have gladiator beams, foam pits, wipe out, dodgeball courts, ninja warrior courses and a café to watch all the action from!
RedKangaroo Trampoline Park Reading
8 Bridgewater Cl
RED KANGAROO - Reading (8.7 miles) This trampoline park is a great place to take children to wear them out! Book your timeslot in advance, apart from the regular jumping they also have gladiator beams, foam pits, wipe out, dodgeball courts, ninja warrior courses and a café to watch all the action from!
OXFORD WET N WILD – Berinsfield (11 miles) From May onwards this makes a great half day out for children, it is a privately owned lake with a huge floating aquapark which you book places on for an hour, they also have paddleboards and kayaks. There is a good onsite café too.
6 locals recommend
Oxford Wet N Wild
Drayton Road
6 locals recommend
OXFORD WET N WILD – Berinsfield (11 miles) From May onwards this makes a great half day out for children, it is a privately owned lake with a huge floating aquapark which you book places on for an hour, they also have paddleboards and kayaks. There is a good onsite café too.
BUCKLEBURY FARM AND DEER SAFARI PARK – Bucklebury (11 miles) Bucklebury Farm Park is great for younger children with animals like goats, llamas, lambs, guinea pigs etc plus lots of play equipment including a huge jumping pillow, zipline and slides, plus tractor rides and a cafe. Bucklebury is where Kate Middleton hails from too!
23 locals recommend
Bucklebury Farm & Deer Safari Park
23 locals recommend
BUCKLEBURY FARM AND DEER SAFARI PARK – Bucklebury (11 miles) Bucklebury Farm Park is great for younger children with animals like goats, llamas, lambs, guinea pigs etc plus lots of play equipment including a huge jumping pillow, zipline and slides, plus tractor rides and a cafe. Bucklebury is where Kate Middleton hails from too!
ESCAPE HUNT - Reading (11 miles) If you are trying to entertain older kids maybe try this escape room experience, it is in the centre of Reading and a really fun thing to do together for an hour, though it’s not cheap!
Escape Hunt Reading
19-23 King St
ESCAPE HUNT - Reading (11 miles) If you are trying to entertain older kids maybe try this escape room experience, it is in the centre of Reading and a really fun thing to do together for an hour, though it’s not cheap!
WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARK - Riseley (20 miles) Wellington Country Park is a country park south of Reading. It is set over 350 acres of woodlands with child friendly attractions, nature trails and a lake plus café and shop.
42 locals recommend
Wellington Country Park
Odiham Road
42 locals recommend
WELLINGTON COUNTRY PARK - Riseley (20 miles) Wellington Country Park is a country park south of Reading. It is set over 350 acres of woodlands with child friendly attractions, nature trails and a lake plus café and shop.
PITT RIVERS MUSEUM - Oxford (20 miles) A brilliant museum housing over 600,000 objects from around the world, including a collection of ‘shrunken heads’ which children certainly find fascinating! There is a shop but no café onsite.
97 locals recommend
Pitt Rivers Museum
Parks Road
97 locals recommend
PITT RIVERS MUSEUM - Oxford (20 miles) A brilliant museum housing over 600,000 objects from around the world, including a collection of ‘shrunken heads’ which children certainly find fascinating! There is a shop but no café onsite.
OXFORD CASTLE AND PRISON - Oxford (22 miles) Oxford Castle is a large, partly ruined Norman medieval castle. You can take a guided tour around it including climbing the tower for amazing views over Oxford. Afterwards kids can try out some ‘hard labour’ devices to get an idea of prison life. There is also a café onsite.
59 locals recommend
Oxford Castle & Prison
44-46 Oxford Castle
59 locals recommend
OXFORD CASTLE AND PRISON - Oxford (22 miles) Oxford Castle is a large, partly ruined Norman medieval castle. You can take a guided tour around it including climbing the tower for amazing views over Oxford. Afterwards kids can try out some ‘hard labour’ devices to get an idea of prison life. There is also a café onsite.
COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK – nr Burford (38 miles) Not very close to the Airbnb, but great for children who love big impressive animals like giraffes, rhinos and lions and there are lots of smaller ones too. There is a train running from April-Oct and the gardens are very attractive. There is also a great adventure playground in the woods and a children's farmyard and a few eating options.
442 locals recommend
Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
442 locals recommend
COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK – nr Burford (38 miles) Not very close to the Airbnb, but great for children who love big impressive animals like giraffes, rhinos and lions and there are lots of smaller ones too. There is a train running from April-Oct and the gardens are very attractive. There is also a great adventure playground in the woods and a children's farmyard and a few eating options.