Things to do

Rowing at Henley-on-Thames

Henly Royal Regatta

Stoke Row is a small, rural village set high in the Chilterns, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and therefore has splendid walking opportunities and cycling, on and off road. There is a local equestrian centre and a comprehensive network of bridleways.

Just a few of the places within easy reach of Rose Cottage.

  • Relaxation. Henley is famous for its Royal Regatta, held on the 1st weekend of July. It is a lovely town to visit at any time of year, with many cafes, pubs and restaurants, shops, the River and Rowing museum and the river.
  • Scenery. The surrounding area is full of nice scenery – why not visit Watlington hill or Dinton pastures.
  • Retail Therapy. Reading is 20 minutes away and has the ‘Oracle’ shopping centre and many other main retailers.
  • Culture. Oxford is 30 minutes to the ‘Park and Ride’, and has much to offer.
  • Entertainment. London is 30 miles away and an easy day trip by train from Reading.

Stoke Row is a convenient location for venues such as Stonor Park, Bix Manor, Sue Ryder Nettlebed and the Oratory School.

The Village

The village has a shop with Post office and a Garage. There are regular services at the Church and Chapel, and the Maharaja’s well to visit. There is the ‘Cherry Tree’ pub which is a good place for a pint, but also a really good meal, and the ‘Crooked Billet’ restaurant, where the food is renowned and music nights are sometimes held.

The Maharajah’s Well
A short stroll away
The Maharajah’s Well is a rather unexpected sight in a small village in the Chilterns with its gilded dome and elephant sitting astride the well housing.

The well was paid for by a Indian Maharajah in 1864, as the local area governor, who was from Stoke Row, had told the story of a boy in the village who had been beaten by his mother after drinking the last of the water in the house during a drought. At that time in the nineteenth century to replenish the supply meant a several-mile round trip to fetch and carry the water by hand. The Maharajah was so touched by the story that he financed the digging of the well, along with a keeper’s cottage and a cherry orchard to provide for the upkeep of the well.

Today it still attracts many visitors simply because it is a beautiful thing to see, has a fascinating history and is in a pretty garden setting. Access to the well environs is free at all times, including Bank Holidays and weekends.

For more information about the well, see: stokerow.net, Peppardnews, BBC.

The Crooked Billet restaurant
Next door
The Crooked Billet is a charming eatery with Inglenook fireplaces, low timbered ceilings, flagstone floors and old scrubbed pine tables. It was chosen as a location for big screen movies including Patriot Games and Landgirls, as well as numerous television programmes and commercials. It also hosted Titanic star Kate Winslet’s wedding reception.

It was once the hideout of notorious highwayman, Dick Turpin, who was romantically attached to the landlord’s daughter, Bess.

The Cherry Tree Pub
At the top of the road
Set in a 400 year old listed building, Guests can enjoy a fine drinking and dining experience amongst contemporary décor and modern, comfortable furnishings that complement the original flagstone floors, beamed ceilings and fireplaces.

The menu features a variety of classic European dishes with a modern twist using quality, fresh ingredients and local produce. A home-made Sunday roast is also offered. The full bar includes Brakspear Real Ale, fine Malt Whiskies, chilled Vodkas and a large wine list.

Within easy reach

Mapledurham House and Watermill
15 minutes drive – click for directions
Mapledurham House is the historic home of the Blount family. The watermill is the last working watermill on the river Thames and still grinds grain into flour which is available for sale in the gift shop or through local outlets. The house and watermill can be visited on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter until the end of September.