Revealed: 'Best' places to live in Berkshire
A NATIONAL lifestyle guide has chosen the top 10 places to live in Berkshire.
Four of them are in West Berkshire.
One or two may surprise you – and there are notable omissions, too.
And which villages lay claim to "fun loving cocktail crews" – or to being "the birthplace of Led Zeppelin?"
Muddy Stilletos' introduction to the list states: "A county so fancy it's called Royal Berkshire.
"Now home to the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Queen’s final resting place, Berks boasts a constellation of Michelin star restaurants, has inspired literary greats and is one of the most commutable counties in the country."
Here are the four places in West Berkshire that made the grade and why, according to Muddy Stilletos:
NEWBURY
"Soak up the history, river location and period architecture.
"Newbury is a vibrant market town with a buzzy foodie scene and indie shops aplenty, that’s just a stone’s throw from open countryside.
"It’s home to the Queen’s favourite racecourse and Downton Abbey, and it is one of the happiest places to live in the UK.
"This West Berkshire market town also has a cool cultural and foodie scene, a gaggle of indie businesses and stonking road and rail links – Bicester Village, London, Oxford, New Forest and Reading all less than an hour away.
"Be still our beating hearts.
"Culture vultures will love the big name exhibitions at The Base – it’s not a huge space but the quality of the artists featured here is superb.
"For stage and screen fans, the Corn Exchange has a packed programme of theatre, film and comedy, The Watermill theatre in nearby Bagnor is a small, beautiful and staging first class shows.
"From Shakespeare to the bookish Christmas production, it never disappoints.
"Keep your eyes peels for the big outdoor art events in Newbury too. "This year’s concrete domino run was a massive hit, and The Fire Garden and Lantern Trails have been spectacular in the past."
HUNGERFORD
"Step back in time and enjoy an abundance of period property, ancient traditions and a love of shopping.
"Hungerford is a treasure trove of fabulous.
"A pretty market town with the kind of period drama that leaves the well-heeled weak at the knees.
"Hungerford is nestled in the North Wessex Downs, has rivers, ancient marshland and a treasure trail of antique shops and fashion boutiques.
"Surprisingly vibrant for a town of this size, but the community spirit is strong.
"Emma at The Hungerford Bookshop often books big name authors, there’s an annual arts festival and cinema nights are put on at The Croft.
"For a more formal arty party, The Watermill theatre is only 15 minutes down the road, as is Newbury where you can enjoy a day at the races, art exhibitions and touring shows.
"Brace yourself for ‘Kissing Day’ – part of a 14th-century tradition known as Hocktide when Tutti Men would collect Easter rents."
YATTENDON
"Live the rural dream in a village with roses-around-the-door charm, a buzzy social scene and cosy country pubs?
"Yattendon isn’t cheap, but it’s quintessentially Berkshire.
"In recent years, Yattendon’s been a firm favourite for families escaping the big smoke.
"Why? It’s rom-com pretty for starters with a harmonious selection of grand houses and cute cottages.
"It’s surrounded by good state and independent schools, and appeals to both the traditional hunting, shooting and fishing crowd, and fun-loving cocktail crews.
"Who said country life was boring? Yattendon has a tennis and cricket club, a boutique gym, and there’s plenty of walks to satisfy the welly brigade.
"If you love a pub walk, there’s plenty of woodland paths offering up displays of snowdrops, bluebells and foxgloves.
"Kids will love Bucklebury Farm Park and The Living Rainforest and Frilsham Park, with its climbing frame and zipwire, is a bit of free fun to enjoy.
"A little further afield you’ll find Newbury Racecourse and Royal Berkshire Shooting School.
" The big social event is the Yattendon and Frilsham Fête in May, Oktoberwest Beer Festival is a crowd-pleaser and drop in at Yattendon’s Classic Car Show… if only to sample the cream teas."
PANGBOURNE
"A Berkshire box ticker, Pangbourne has it all – river location, great schools, cosy pubs and you can whizz into London in less than an hour.
"What’s not to love?
"It ain’t cheap.
"One of the loveliest river villages in Berkshire that’s a speedy 45-minute commute to Paddington – but you’ll pay for it.
"It’s long been a sought-after hub for families and urban exiles attracted to its many pubs, indie shops and the easy travel to London, Reading, Oxford and Heathrow.
"The stunning Basildon Park (it’s starred at Bridgerton, Downton Abbey and Pride & Prejudice) is just outside Pangbourne.
"Head to the meadow to mess about on the river.
"Water activity centre Adventure Dolphin is great for kids who want to learn to paddleboard, canoe or kayak.
"And a few miles outside the village, Beale Wildlife Park is home to 160 species and loved up pair of lynx.
"Or go lock, stock and two smoking barrels at The Royal Berkshire Shooting School – the Duchess of Cambridge, Holly Willoughby and Ant & Dec have all visited.
"Love a literary connection?
"DH Lawrence and Kenneth Grahame both lived here and EH Shepherd’s famous illustrations for The Wind in the Willows were inspired by Pangbourne.
"It’s also the birthplace of Led Zeppelin.
"Jimmy Page moved to the village in the 1960s, met Robert Plant there and the rest his rock ‘n’ roll history."
The other six places in the top 10 list for Berkshire are Caversham, Windsor, Wokingham, Sunninghill, Cookham and Sonning.
