About the Village
Whitchurch-on-Thames is a picturesque village with a population of about 790, lying within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Most of the village is designated as a Conservation Area. We have an ancient church, a thriving primary school and two welcoming pubs. Across the River Thames, reached by a 100-year-old toll bridge, are the shops and trains of Pangbourne, Berkshire.
The Toll Bridge
Since 1792 there has been a toll bridge across the Thames, linking Whitchurch-on-Thames in Oxfordshire with Pangbourne in Berkshire. The present bridge, built in 1902, is the third on the site. It is a Grade II listed structure and has a statutory weight limit of 7.5 tonnes.
The bridge is owned and operated by the privately owned Whitchurch Bridge Company under Acts of Parliament of 1792 and 1988. The company's website provides full information.
The bridge is scheduled for a complete reconstruction during the winter of 2012/13 and is expected to be closed for this purpose between October 2012 and April 2013. Further information can be found on our News and Parish Council pages and on the bridge company's webpage.The Pubs
A warm welcome awaits you in the village's two pubs, The Greyhound and The Ferryboat.
The Greyhound is managed by Bob and Richard, father and son! They took over the Greyhound in September 2011 and are very enthusiastic about encouraging customers from the village. Opening hours are all day, every day from 11 am until closing time. They are serving a full menu from 11am until 3pm and from 6pm until 9pm. On Sunday they serve a Sunday roast at 7:95. There are two real ales on offer at any one time from a large portfolio of beers. Tel 0118 984 4800
The Ferryboat
is managed by David (the food) and Jesse (the bar). Tel: 0118 984 2161.
Opening hours are: Monday closed all day; Tuesday to Thursday 12 to 3
and 6 to 11; Friday and Saturday 12 to 3 and 6 to 12; Sunday 12 to
10.30.
Village Hall
The village hall is situated in Manor Road, off the High Street. It has recently been refurbished and is available for hire. Details of facilities and hire charges are on the village hall page.
The Picture Gallery
In the High Street, the village shop of earlier times is now Modern Artists Gallery and has a display of contemporary art on two floors.
Bozedown Alpacas
In fields on both sides of Hardwick Road large numbers of alpacas can be seen. Bozedown Alpacas, founded in 1989, is one of the largest alpaca breeding and stud centres in the country.
Village History
Read a brief history of Whitchurch-on-Thames.
The Maze
Installed in 2004, the Maze can be found at the eastern end of the village beside Hardwick Road. Planted with thyme and overlooked by a sundial, this is a haven for wildlife and picnickers.
Local Walks
A Guide to Walks around Whitchurch shows 12 walks in the Whitchurch area with a map commentary by Eric Hartley.
Local Attractions
Video Page
The Video Page has short videos made by Nick Brazil on life in the village. The page also gives details of Nick's DVD Mr Toad's Village, all about Whitchurch, and tells you how to obtain your copy.
BBC Interviews
Recordings from Radio Oxford's "Magical Mystery Tour" visit to Whitchurch-on-Thames on 23rd July 2004.