There’s so much to love about living on a river, from the natural beauty and tranquility, to the recreational opportunities and unique ecosystems that support a huge diversity of wildlife. In our latest blog, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite riverside retreats in the South to inspire you ahead of your next move.
Windsor
The historic town of Windsor is renowned the world over for its magnificent castle. The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, it has been the home of 40 monarchs since being founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century.
Windsor’s long history is reflected in the wide range of different types of property available, with some of the most beautiful houses enjoying panoramic views across the River Thames, or of the castle.
For families, Windsor offers a strong state and independent school presence and is home to Eton College, one of the world’s most prestigious boys’ schools. Founded in 1440 by Henry VI, Eton has educated 19 British Prime Ministers and remains a focal point of the town.
Oozing sophistication with a boutique vibe, Windsor offers a diverse range of shops, many wonderful restaurants and cultural opportunities. The Theatre Royal is a stunning venue and if museums are your thing, you are spoilt for choice with the Museum of Eton Life and Natural History Museum. For top quality racing, Windsor Royal Racecourse runs a series of race day experiences throughout the year, and the River Thames, which runs adjacent to the town, offers fantastic riverside walks into the countryside and all the usual water sports activity options.
You can’t leave Windsor without following in the footsteps of Kings and Queens down The Long Walk, stretching almost two and a half miles up to the copper statue of King George III, whilst the 4800 acres of Windsor Great Park is a beautiful place to unwind amidst the 500 strong population of magnificent red deer.
Henley-on-Thames
Frequently voted one of the most beautiful towns in the UK, Henley-on-Thames definitely qualifies as a fantastic riverside location. This lovely Oxfordshire town is also surrounded by the stunning countryside of the Chiltern Hills, a great place to wander and take in the breathtaking views and tranquil picnic spots.
Although best known for its annual Royal Regatta, which attracts some of the world’s finest rowers, Henley offers many opportunities for water sport lovers all year round, including canoe hire and boat rides. There’s always lots going on thanks to Henley’s enviable events calendar and extensive boutique shopping scene. The wide High Street with many timber clad buildings is home to a range of specialist shops, cafes and restaurants giving the town a buzzy feel. There is a weekly market held every Thursday and a monthly farmers market. If you crave culture, try the Festival of Music and Arts, the Henley Food Festival, Kenton Theatre or various museums and galleries.
The town also boasts fantastic public transport links with easy train access to London and a frequent bus service. There are some great schools in and around Henley too, making this an excellent place for young families to consider moving to. Trinity Primary and Gillotts Secondary school are great choices from the state sector, whilst Rupert House School, St Mary’s Prep School, The Oratory School and Shiplake College are excellent independent school choices.
Hamble
The gorgeous Hampshire village of Hamble is famous for its sailing heritage. It offers the perfect combination of coast and countryside, with both fantastic views across the water and stunning country walks within easy reach.
The quaint, cobbled streets of Hamble are lined with some great cafes and restaurants, offering sumptuous seafood meals and the chance to see and be seen by the glitterati sailing their yachts on the river. Be sure to make the most of the opportunity to be on the water by booking a river cruise or taking a sailing lesson whilst in situ. In fact, with numerous marinas and home to one of the world’s finest yacht clubs, Hamble is a mecca for all sailing enthusiasts.
Hamble has an illustrious history and is well known for its role in the D-Day landings, with many of the boats that headed to Normandy setting off from the village. It also saw the country’s largest spitfire repair depot, with many of these key fighter planes being restored to working order at Hamble throughout the war years.
With easy access to the M3 motorway and trains connecting Hamble to London Waterloo via Southampton and Fareham, Hamble is a popular destination for homeowners looking to escape London whilst remaining within striking distance of the capital.
It truly is a picture-postcard location, with stunning homes to be found in both the village centre and the surrounding countryside. From chocolate-box cottages to larger country houses and the architecturally striking Bauhaus-style properties of the Crowsport Estate, Hamble can provide something for everyone.
Goring
This particularly picturesque village, located on the bank of River Thames, is situated between the Chiltern Hills and the North West Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Known as The Goring Gap, bridging Oxfordshire and Berkshire, the area is renowned for its wide array of wildlife, found within a rich tapestry of woodland, riverside pathways, rolling hills and wildflower meadows.
The village itself has a small high street with a few shops, restaurants and pubs, as well as a beautiful Norman church, built in the early 12th century and a 19th century railway line designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. In July, the Goring Gap Boat Club organises a regatta that includes around 600 rowers competing in races.
For families, there are some great schools in the area, including Oratory Prep, Moulsford, Cranford House School and Pangbourne College. Goring is also very accessible to London with regular trains into Paddington in under an hour.
A great place for long, crisp autumn walks followed by a drink at the pub by a roaring fire, Goring is a peaceful and beautiful village with a strong community and lovely, old-fashioned feel. With lots of traditional country cottages, as well as some older period homes too, it’s ideal for anyone looking for rest and relaxation within a beautiful environment.
Planning your next move?
If you’re dreaming of a riverside retreat, why not take the first step today by getting in touch with team Bradbourne? We can guide you through the process and find the perfect property for you to live out your riverside fantasy.