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10. Henley to Reading

The exit from Henley is as attractive as the entry from the north. At Marsh Lock the towpath runs out on a long wooden horse bridge into the middle of the river before passing Happy Valley. After Shiplake, where the water is briefly lost behind riverside residences, the Thames is a green corridor into Reading by way of attractive Sonning.

Refreshments

Henley: The Chocolate Cafe, Thames-Side (on riverside just upstream of The Angel). 9am-5pm (weekend 6pm). Not just chocolate food.

Henley: Angel on the Bridge. 11am-midnight. Food 12-3pm & 6pm-10pm (Sat 12-10pm & Sun 12-7pm).

Henley: River & Rowing Museum cafe. On towpath south of bridge. 10am-5pm. Admission charge only applies to museum displays.

Shiplake (Station end): The Baskerville Arms, Station Road. Wed-Sat 12-11pm; Sun 12-10pm. Menu includes pizza and panini. On the Thames Path.

Sonning: Sonning Lock Tea Garden. Apr-Oct 11am-5pm.

Sonning: The Bull, next to the churchyard. 11am-3pm & 5.30-11pm. All day at weekends.
Reading: Tesco cafe, on towpath between Horseshoe Bridge and King’s Meadow.

Accommodation

Henley: Alfrudis, 8 Norman Avenue RG9 1SG (01491 572161)
Henley: Alushta Bed & Breakfast, 23 Queen Street RG9 1AR (01491 636041).
Henley: Avalon, 36 Queen Street, RG9 1AP (01491 577829).
Henley: Lenwade, 3 Western Road, RG9 1JL (01491 573468).

Henley: Swiss Farm campsite (01491 573419). Mar-Oct.Take right fork at end of Bell Street.

Shiplake (Station end): The Baskerville Arms, Station Road. RG9 3NY (0118 940 3332). On the Thames Path.

Shiplake: Garden Room, Ashburton House, Lashbrook Road RG9 3NX (0118 940 2203).

Sonning: Great House at Sonning, Thames Street RG4 6UT (0118 969 2277).

Sonning: The Bull, High Street RG4 6UP (0118 969 3901). Next to churchyard.

Shiplake: 1 Kingsley, Crowsley Road RG9 3LU (0118 9403626). Off Mill Lane near lock.

Transport

Henley: National Rail.
Shiplake: National Rail.
Reading: National Rail.

Tourist Information

Henley: Henley Town Hall, Market Place, RG9 2AQ (01491 578034).

Map

OS Explorer 171 (Chiltern Hills West).