Coombe Park

Downs, Moorland in Oxfordshire South Oxfordshire

England

Coombe Park

Edge of the Terrace, Basildon Park An ornamental wall at the edge of the formal garden on the east side of Basildon House.
Edge of the Terrace, Basildon Park Credit: Des Blenkinsopp

Coombe Park is a stunning estate located in Oxfordshire, England, renowned for its picturesque downs and moorland. Nestled amidst the beautiful countryside, this vast expanse of land spans over hundreds of acres, offering visitors a tranquil and idyllic retreat.

The downs of Coombe Park are a sight to behold, with their rolling hills and lush greenery. The landscape here is characterized by open grasslands dotted with patches of woodland, creating a diverse and rich ecosystem that is home to an array of flora and fauna. The downs provide ample opportunities for walking, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of the area.

Adjacent to the downs is the moorland, which adds another layer of charm to Coombe Park. The moorland is characterized by its heather-covered expanses, providing a stunning display of purple hues during the flowering season. This unique habitat attracts a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals.

Coombe Park is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a place of historical significance. The estate is steeped in history, with traces of ancient settlements and archaeological sites dotting the landscape. Visitors can explore these remnants, gaining insights into the region's past.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Coombe Park offers various amenities and facilities for visitors to enjoy. These include walking trails, picnic areas, and even a visitor center that provides information and exhibits on the local environment and history.

Overall, Coombe Park in Oxfordshire is a magnificent destination that combines breathtaking natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities, making it a must-visit location for anyone seeking an escape into nature.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Coombe Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.49308/-1.0976638 or Grid Reference SU6277. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Edge of the Terrace, Basildon Park An ornamental wall at the edge of the formal garden on the east side of Basildon House.
Edge of the Terrace, Basildon Park
An ornamental wall at the edge of the formal garden on the east side of Basildon House.
The Swan, Pangbourne As the writing on the wall makes clear, this riverside pub on Shooter's Hill is believed to date from 1642. Internally it is surprisingly large with a number of separate areas and there is a terrace overlooking the Thames on the other side. The pub gets a mention in Jerome K Jerome's classic 'Three Men in a Boat' - it was here that they abandoned their boat in the last chapter before getting a train to London for a good meal. According to one story, the county boundary between Berkshire and Oxfordshire used to pass through the building necessitating two separate licences and different closing times for each half of the bar. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4642616">SU6376 : The Swan Inn, Pangbourne</a> for a wider view.
The Swan, Pangbourne
As the writing on the wall makes clear, this riverside pub on Shooter's Hill is believed to date from 1642. Internally it is surprisingly large with a number of separate areas and there is a terrace overlooking the Thames on the other side. The pub gets a mention in Jerome K Jerome's classic 'Three Men in a Boat' - it was here that they abandoned their boat in the last chapter before getting a train to London for a good meal. According to one story, the county boundary between Berkshire and Oxfordshire used to pass through the building necessitating two separate licences and different closing times for each half of the bar. See SU6376 : The Swan Inn, Pangbourne for a wider view.
Weirpool, Pangbourne This large house overlooking the River Thames at Pangbourne - just below the weir - dates from about 1650 although there were alterations and additions in around 1900. It is grade II listed.
Weirpool, Pangbourne
This large house overlooking the River Thames at Pangbourne - just below the weir - dates from about 1650 although there were alterations and additions in around 1900. It is grade II listed.
To the station at Pangbourne This access road leads up from Shooter's Hill to Pangbourne station and then back down again - the loop sensibly designated as a one way street. The Great Western Railway buildings, iron railings and mock gas lamps all help to create a slightly olde-world atmosphere despite a few modern intrusions.
To the station at Pangbourne
This access road leads up from Shooter's Hill to Pangbourne station and then back down again - the loop sensibly designated as a one way street. The Great Western Railway buildings, iron railings and mock gas lamps all help to create a slightly olde-world atmosphere despite a few modern intrusions.
Under the railway at Pangbourne The bridge that connects Shooter's Hill with Station Road under the Great Western main line railway has a separate pedestrian subway section that is partly lined with white glazed bricks. It could be an unpleasant spot but in well-heeled Pangbourne it is kept acceptably clean and tidy with a refreshing absence of graffiti.
Under the railway at Pangbourne
The bridge that connects Shooter's Hill with Station Road under the Great Western main line railway has a separate pedestrian subway section that is partly lined with white glazed bricks. It could be an unpleasant spot but in well-heeled Pangbourne it is kept acceptably clean and tidy with a refreshing absence of graffiti.
Pangbourne village sign This well-maintained village sign stands adjacent to the village hall car park. It depicts Bertwulf, King of Mercia, who was granted land here in AD844.
Pangbourne village sign
This well-maintained village sign stands adjacent to the village hall car park. It depicts Bertwulf, King of Mercia, who was granted land here in AD844.
The Cross Keys, Pangbourne This Church Road pub is part of the Greene King estate and has a rear garden on the banks of the River Pang. The building dates from the early to mid 18th century, with 19th century alterations and additions, and is grade II listed.
The Cross Keys, Pangbourne
This Church Road pub is part of the Greene King estate and has a rear garden on the banks of the River Pang. The building dates from the early to mid 18th century, with 19th century alterations and additions, and is grade II listed.
Meadowside Road, Pangbourne Semi-detached houses of an unusual design in this residential part of Pangbourne.
Meadowside Road, Pangbourne
Semi-detached houses of an unusual design in this residential part of Pangbourne.
Path to Tidmarsh The path heads out of Pangbourne to accompany the River Pang which it crosses further along by means of a footbridge. Recent rain has left underfoot conditions very muddy in places.
Path to Tidmarsh
The path heads out of Pangbourne to accompany the River Pang which it crosses further along by means of a footbridge. Recent rain has left underfoot conditions very muddy in places.
Scarecrows at Pangbourne These two characters and their bicycle are presumably there to protect the vegetable garden. Anyway, they are colourful and fun.
Scarecrows at Pangbourne
These two characters and their bicycle are presumably there to protect the vegetable garden. Anyway, they are colourful and fun.
River Thames, Pangbourne A number of vessels are moored here on the Pangbourne bank of the river just upstream from Whitchurch Bridge.
River Thames, Pangbourne
A number of vessels are moored here on the Pangbourne bank of the river just upstream from Whitchurch Bridge.
Whitchurch Bridge - toll booth The first bridge spanning the River Thames connecting Whitchurch to Pangbourne was built in 1792; at the same time the toll house (seen here in the background) was constructed at the northern end of the bridge. The original timber bridge was replaced with another wooden bridge of a different design in 1853. That in turn was replaced with an iron bridge in 1902 which was strengthened in the 1920s. A fourth bridge was built in 2014 with a similar visual appearance to the 1902 bridge but better able to cope with modern traffic conditions. The bridge remains privately owned, changing hands for the first time in 2019 when it was sold to the General Estates Company Ltd; nevertheless it carries a classified road, the B471. The toll booth dates from 1992 and the current charge for cars is 60p.
Whitchurch Bridge - toll booth
The first bridge spanning the River Thames connecting Whitchurch to Pangbourne was built in 1792; at the same time the toll house (seen here in the background) was constructed at the northern end of the bridge. The original timber bridge was replaced with another wooden bridge of a different design in 1853. That in turn was replaced with an iron bridge in 1902 which was strengthened in the 1920s. A fourth bridge was built in 2014 with a similar visual appearance to the 1902 bridge but better able to cope with modern traffic conditions. The bridge remains privately owned, changing hands for the first time in 2019 when it was sold to the General Estates Company Ltd; nevertheless it carries a classified road, the B471. The toll booth dates from 1992 and the current charge for cars is 60p.
The Greyhound, Whitchurch-on-Thames One of two pubs in the village, the Greyhound was first recorded as a public house in 1831 and was converted by Blatch's Brewery of Theale, Berkshire from cottage properties; further major alterations were made in 1879. It is believed that the building may have been occupied at one time by a ferryman, although this would presumably have been before 1792 when the bridge was opened. Blatch's pub estate of 22 houses was absorbed by Ind Coope in 1965 and since 2021 the Greyhound has been part of Oak Taverns Group.
The Greyhound, Whitchurch-on-Thames
One of two pubs in the village, the Greyhound was first recorded as a public house in 1831 and was converted by Blatch's Brewery of Theale, Berkshire from cottage properties; further major alterations were made in 1879. It is believed that the building may have been occupied at one time by a ferryman, although this would presumably have been before 1792 when the bridge was opened. Blatch's pub estate of 22 houses was absorbed by Ind Coope in 1965 and since 2021 the Greyhound has been part of Oak Taverns Group.
Eastfield House, Pangbourne Surrounded by Heras fencing and boarded up, Eastfield House operated as a care home until its closure in 2016. As is usually the case with derelict properties like this, there is a long history of planning wrangles that are still not resolved. The owner is Majesticare and the house was registered to provide accommodation for 27 residents; the company first applied to demolish the building in 2014 but this was rejected. Despite obtaining permission (on appeal) in 2016 to build an extension that would increase the provision to 45 bedrooms, Majesticare then announced that the building was unsuitable for continued use as a care home for several reasons amongst which was the impossibility of providing en-suite facilities for all of the bedrooms. Their new proposal was for a completely new building in a similar red brick style that would have a larger basement to accommodate a kitchen and laundry. This was again refused by South Oxfordshire District Council on the grounds that it could adversely affect the conservation area and could harm two protected trees on the site. That decision was reported early in 2019 and three years later nothing appears to have happened except that, no doubt, the building is gradually deteriorating. This must surely be an unsatisfactory state of affairs for all concerned.
Eastfield House, Pangbourne
Surrounded by Heras fencing and boarded up, Eastfield House operated as a care home until its closure in 2016. As is usually the case with derelict properties like this, there is a long history of planning wrangles that are still not resolved. The owner is Majesticare and the house was registered to provide accommodation for 27 residents; the company first applied to demolish the building in 2014 but this was rejected. Despite obtaining permission (on appeal) in 2016 to build an extension that would increase the provision to 45 bedrooms, Majesticare then announced that the building was unsuitable for continued use as a care home for several reasons amongst which was the impossibility of providing en-suite facilities for all of the bedrooms. Their new proposal was for a completely new building in a similar red brick style that would have a larger basement to accommodate a kitchen and laundry. This was again refused by South Oxfordshire District Council on the grounds that it could adversely affect the conservation area and could harm two protected trees on the site. That decision was reported early in 2019 and three years later nothing appears to have happened except that, no doubt, the building is gradually deteriorating. This must surely be an unsatisfactory state of affairs for all concerned.
Muddy Lane, Whitchurch-on-Thames No doubt a local name that has been officially adopted, Muddy Lane seems appropriate following a period of heavy rainfall.
Muddy Lane, Whitchurch-on-Thames
No doubt a local name that has been officially adopted, Muddy Lane seems appropriate following a period of heavy rainfall.
Coombeside Cottage, Whitchurch-on-Thames Somehow reminiscent of a doll's house, this building, originally two cottages now one, is dated by Historic England as 'probably late 18th century' although other sources suggest 1820. The gothic-style windows are a distinctive feature although the one above the doors has been painted on the wall. At one time one of the cottages served as the village post office. It is grade II listed.
Coombeside Cottage, Whitchurch-on-Thames
Somehow reminiscent of a doll's house, this building, originally two cottages now one, is dated by Historic England as 'probably late 18th century' although other sources suggest 1820. The gothic-style windows are a distinctive feature although the one above the doors has been painted on the wall. At one time one of the cottages served as the village post office. It is grade II listed.
The approach to Basildon House
The approach to Basildon House
Path through the woods at Basildon Park
Path through the woods at Basildon Park
Show me another place!

Coombe Park is located at Grid Ref: SU6277 (Lat: 51.49308, Lng: -1.0976638)

Administrative County: Oxfordshire

District: South Oxfordshire

Police Authority: Thames Valley

What 3 Words

///guess.trappings.sums. Near Pangbourne, Berkshire

Related Wikis

Pangbourne College Boat Club

Pangbourne College Boat Club is a rowing club based on the River Thames at Pangbourne College Boathouse, Shooters Hill, Pangbourne, Berkshire. == History... ==

Whitchurch-on-Thames

Whitchurch-on-Thames is a village and civil parish on the Oxfordshire bank of the River Thames, about 5.5 miles (9 km) northwest of Reading, Berkshire...

Whitchurch Lock

Whitchurch Lock is a lock and weir on the River Thames in England. It is a pound lock, built by the Thames Navigation Commissioners in 1787. It is on an...

Pangbourne railway station

Pangbourne railway station serves the village of Pangbourne in the county of Berkshire, and across the River Thames the village of Whitchurch-on-Thames...

River Pang

The River Pang is a small chalk stream river in the west of the English county of Berkshire, and a tributary of the River Thames. It runs for approximately...

Beale Wildlife Park

Beale Wildlife Park is situated by the River Thames, between the villages of Pangbourne and Lower Basildon in Berkshire, England. It has three main areas...

Whitchurch Bridge

Whitchurch Bridge is a toll bridge that carries the B471 road over the River Thames in England. It links the villages of Pangbourne in Berkshire, and Whitchurch...

Pangbourne

Pangbourne is a village and civil parish on the River Thames in Berkshire, England. Pangbourne has its own shops, schools, a railway station on the Great...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.49308,-1.0976638
Created By: Merkaartor 0.13
Lat/Long: 51.4964389/-1.0955857
Created By: Merkaartor 0.13
Lat/Long: 51.4960741/-1.0953497
Created By: Merkaartor 0.13
Lat/Long: 51.4955377/-1.0948991
Created By: Merkaartor 0.13
Lat/Long: 51.49513/-1.0945129
Created By: Merkaartor 0.13
Lat/Long: 51.4947867/-1.0941695
Created By: Merkaartor 0.13
Lat/Long: 51.4944863/-1.0937404
Created By: Merkaartor 0.13
Lat/Long: 51.4939284/-1.0923885
Turning Circle
Turning Circle: knuckle
Lat/Long: 51.4923735/-1.0908043
Direction: 160
Fixme: survey for panel count
Generator Method: photovoltaic
Generator Output Electricity: yes
Generator Solar Modules: 15
Generator Source: solar
Generator Type: solar_photovoltaic_panel
Location: roof
Power: generator
Lat/Long: 51.4921161/-1.0915889
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Coombe Park?

Leave your review of Coombe Park below (or comments, questions and feedback).