The Cottage Inn Upper Bucklebury Motorhome Stopover Information

About the Pub  🍺

The Cottage Inn is a welcoming pub located at 26 Broad Lane, Upper Bucklebury, West Berkshire, RG7 6QJ. It has a rich history with varied incarnations, currently run by Gary Bush, who transformed it into a community hub with a sports bar, decent beer (featuring West Berkshire Brewery), house wine, and quality pub food at reasonable prices. The pub is family-friendly with a paddock that hosts chickens and goats, children's play equipment, and picnic tables in the beer garden. It has been awarded CAMRA Community Pub of the Year multiple times and holds a special place in local life as a social and event venue.

Opening Times ⏰

• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: 5:00pm - 11:00pm (Food served 5:30pm - 8:30pm)
• Wednesday: 11:30am - 2:30pm (Food served 11:30am - 2:00pm)
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday - Saturday: 12:00pm - 8:30pm (Food served 12:00pm - 2:00pm & 5:30pm - 8:30pm)
• Sunday: 12:00pm - 7:00pm (Food served 12:00pm - 7:00pm)

Food & Drink 🍽️

The Cottage Inn offers classic pub food at reasonable prices with mains around £9.00 and a children's menu at £6.00. Their menu focuses on good quality, simple dishes. House wine and beers from the West Berkshire Brewery are the highlights. The pub also welcomes families with their outdoor play spaces and animals for children to enjoy. The food service times are split between lunch and evening sessions, with closures midweek, making Sunday a good day for a relaxed meal.

Facilities 🛠️

• Family and dog friendly environment.
• Children's play equipment and a paddock with chickens and goats.
• Picnic tables in the beer garden for outdoor seating.
• Community events and sports bar area.
• Limited food service hours; no service Monday and Thursday.

Dog Friendly 🐕

The pub is dog friendly, allowing patrons to bring their dogs both inside and in the outdoor beer garden. This complements the family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of outdoor space.

Beer Garden & Outdoor Space 🌿

The Cottage Inn boasts a beer garden with picnic tables where adults can relax while children play safely on the outdoor equipment or in the paddock. The presence of chickens and goats adds to the charm of the outdoor experience.

Reviews ⭐

The Cottage Inn enjoys positive recognition for being a friendly, community-centered pub with good value food and drink. It has won CAMRA Community Pub of the Year several times, illustrating its reputation for quality in both beer and atmosphere. Reviewers often highlight its welcoming nature, family-friendly facilities, and active role in local events.

Things to Do Nearby (Within 5 Miles) 🚗

1. Bucklebury Common

A historic open area once used as an army camp during WWII, Bucklebury Common offers tranquil woodland walks, diverse wildlife and open landscapes perfect for nature lovers and hikers seeking a peaceful retreat close to the pub.

2. Basildon Park (National Trust)

Just a few miles away, Basildon Park is a stunning Georgian mansion set in extensive parkland. Visitors can explore the richly decorated house, beautiful gardens, and lakeside walks. It’s ideal for history buffs and those enjoying stately homes and countryside strolls.

3. The Living Rainforest

A tropical glasshouse near Bucklebury with a unique collection of exotic plants and animals including butterflies, birds, and reptiles. It’s a great family-friendly attraction offering educational exhibits and immersive wildlife experiences under one roof.

4. Bucklebury Farm Park

A family-friendly farm park offering interaction with farm animals, indoor and outdoor play areas, and nature trails. The park provides a fun day out for children and an insight into rural life close to Upper Bucklebury.

5. Nature Discovery Centre

This nearby wildlife centre offers trails, ponds, and birdwatching opportunities within a managed natural habitat. It’s perfect for spotting a wide variety of local wildlife including birds and insects and is a peaceful spot for nature enthusiasts.