Best attractions and places to see around Greenham include a mix of historical sites, challenging trails, and local establishments. The region offers diverse landscapes, from steep climbs to ancient hillforts and riverside pubs. It provides opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural exploration within a natural setting.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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The hillfort on the top of the hill has never been excavated, but the land and ditch are sharply defined and well preserved. This Iron Age fort is roughly rectangular and enclosed seven acres within an embankment and ditch. There are two probable entrances to the east and west. The work seems to have been undertaken by several different labour forces, each working on a section of the defences, but for some reason the task was abandoned and the fort left unfinished. Great to walk along the unfinished ramparts, it's windy and flipping huge!!!
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This is a fantastic country pub located on the banks of the River Kennet near Woolhampton. The pub has existed since 1850, and serves up a range of delicious dishes as well as cask ales. A great place to stop on a long walk.
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This is a wonderful spot with a lovely display of seasonal wildflowers that bloom within the spring and summer months.
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This is a great little climb. My Garmin has occasionally told me that the gradient goes up to 10%! The long descent to Ashley Warren after the peak of the climb is also good. You just need to be aware of the warning signs for livestock & children, and the fact that it's single track, barely wide enough to pass oncoming traffic.
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Douai Abbey is a Benedictine Abbey at Upper Woolhampton, near Thatcham, in the English county of Berkshire, situated within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth. Monks from the monastery of St. Edmund's, in Douai, France, came to Woolhampton in 1903 when the community left France as a result of anti-clerical legislation. The abbey church is listed Grade II* on the National Heritage List for England. [...] The abbey church was opened in 1933 but only completed in 1993 due to financial constraints. The monastery was greatly expanded in the 1960s with the building of the new monastery designed by Sir Frederick Gibberd. The abbey had in its charge Douai School until the latter's closure in 1999. In 2005, two monks returned to Douai, France to form a community there and restore the historic links to English monasticism. Cit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douai_Abbey
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The present church at Yattendon was built in about 1450 by Sir John Norreys of Ockwells Manor & Yattendon Castle. He was the Master of the Wardrobe to King Henry VI and could well afford it. He is remembered by small sculptures at the doorway and the Norreys arms in one of the windows (although this was the geometric arms adopted by his 17th century descendants, not the ravens that he used). [...] The local architect, Alfred Waterhouse, added the porch and vestry in 1881 and the spire fifteen years later. He also heavily restored the rood screen. It just about retains some of the original 15th century woodwork. The staircase to the missing rood loft is a particularly fine example. Yattendon Church is famous for the use of the Yattendon Hymnal which was edited by Waterhouse's son-in-law, Robert Bridges, the poet laureate, in 1899. It is a collection of ancient hymns designed for the use of a village choir and is considered a pioneering landmark in the history of texted English hymns. The building has an interesting array of wall monuments, most of which are not listed in the Buildings of England. Cit. http://www.berkshirehistory.com/churches/yattendon.html
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Nice and friendly country pub on the Kennet and Avon canal (as well as National Cycle Network Route 4), this is one of my favourite places in Berkshire. This pub can be easily reached by bike from Reading avoiding traffic via the canal towpath (which is where NCN Route 4 runs, just beware of some stretches were the path is uneven and needs to be treaded with some caution) and is set in a beautiful spot with a huge beer garden that is great for those Summer barbecues. In fact, on those warm Summer days I would recommend an easy ride along the canal to treat yourself to a nice Sunday roast and a couple of pints, followed by another easy ride back to town. The food is nice and warming and reasonably priced, dogs are welcome indoors in the bar area and in the garden and the staff are friendly. Bike racks to lock your bikes are also present, but they are on the road at the front rather than hidden away at the back, so not the safest of places if you are visiting in the evening and sitting indoors.
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The Greenham area offers a variety of trails. For instance, the Watership Down Climb is known for its challenging, steep ascent, reaching up to a 16% incline in parts. However, there are also easier options available. You can find many easy hikes around Greenham, including loops around Greenham Common and the Control Tower.
While specific parking details for each attraction are not always listed, many popular walking areas like Greenham Common have designated parking. For walks near Greenham Common, you can often find parking available, though it's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Greenham is accessible by public transport, particularly to areas like Greenham Common. Local bus services connect Greenham with nearby towns such as Newbury and Thatcham, which have train stations. From these points, you can often find routes that lead to or near the main attractions.
Yes, the Greenham area offers family-friendly options. Greenham Common itself is a great place for families to explore, with open spaces and historical bunkers. The Rowbarge pub is also family-friendly, offering a large beer garden and a welcoming atmosphere on the Kennet and Avon canal.
Many areas around Greenham are dog-friendly, especially the numerous walking trails and open spaces like Greenham Common. The Rowbarge pub, located on the Kennet and Avon canal, explicitly welcomes dogs indoors in the bar area and in its large beer garden, making it a great stop for those with canine companions.
Yes, there are accessible options. The Rowbarge pub is noted as wheelchair-accessible, offering a comfortable experience for all visitors. While some trails may be challenging, parts of Greenham Common and the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath offer flatter, more accessible routes.
Greenham offers attractions year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the seasonal wildflowers at sites like Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort and for outdoor activities along the canal. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, and winter walks can be refreshing, especially on Greenham Common, though some paths might be muddy.
For hiking in Greenham, it's advisable to wear comfortable, layered clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended, especially for trails like the Watership Down Climb, which can be steep and have uneven surfaces. In winter, waterproofs and extra layers are essential.
Greenham Common and Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort are excellent spots for wildlife. Ladle Hill is a calcareous grassland habitat, known for its seasonal wildflowers, which attract various insects and birds. Greenham Common is home to diverse bird species and other small mammals, especially within its nature reserve areas.
Greenham offers numerous walking opportunities. You can explore easy hikes around Greenham, including circular routes around Greenham Common, such as the Greenham Common Control Tower loop or the Greenham Common Bunkers loop. For more challenging options, the Watership Down Climb offers a rewarding experience with scenic views.
The Greenham area is rich in history. You can visit Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort, a Scheduled Monument with well-preserved ramparts. Other notable historical sites include St Peter and St Paul Church in Yattendon, dating back to 1450, and Douai Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with a fascinating history and impressive architecture.
Beyond exploring the attractions, Greenham is a hub for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on various trails, from easy loops to challenging climbs. The area is also popular for gravel biking and cycling, with routes along the Kennet and Avon Canal and through scenic countryside.
While not widely advertised, exploring the smaller villages and their local churches, such as St Peter and St Paul Church in Yattendon, can reveal charming historical details. The unfinished ramparts of Ladle Hill Iron Age Hillfort also offer a unique glimpse into ancient history, often less crowded than more prominent sites.


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