The Bull at Wargrave, Berkshire
Overview
The Bull at Wargrave is a historic pub with rooms in the heart of a Thames-side Berkshire village. This former coaching inn combines exposed beams and cosy interiors with double, twin and family accommodation, making a welcoming base for exploring Wargrave, Henley-on-Thames and the surrounding Thames Valley.
Enjoy home-cooked pub meals, relax beside the inglenook fireplace in winter or spend a warmer afternoon in the walled garden. Its tales of ghostly visitors, including a phantom cat, add another layer of character to a stay in this centuries-old inn.
The Property
Double and twin rooms have en-suite bathrooms with a bath and shower, tea and coffee facilities and Wi-Fi. Double is the standard bed arrangement; a twin setup with two single beds requires at least 48 hours notice.
The family room has a king-size double bed and a standard single bed. It is designed for two adults and one child and is not suitable for three adults. It also has an en-suite bath and shower, tea and coffee facilities and Wi-Fi. Bed-and-breakfast accommodation includes a hearty breakfast.
Downstairs, two lounge bars and two dining rooms provide space for meals and drinks, with one dining room overlooking the garden. Exposed beams, pictures and cosy corners give the interiors a traditional village-pub feel. A working inglenook fireplace brings a log fire to one of the bars during winter.
The kitchen serves pub dishes, lighter lunches and sandwiches, alongside a Sunday roast. Outside, the shared walled garden has picnic tables and parasols for drinks and outdoor dining.
Guests should contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival to arrange check-in.
For the Cat
Cats are welcome. A pet charge of £10 per accommodation, per stay applies.
Haunted History & Halloween
The Bull is a former coaching inn dating to the 15th century, and its long history comes with stories of unusual visitors.
One tale concerns the spirit of a former landlord’s wife from the 1800s, said to have been forced to leave after an affair. According to the pub’s ghost stories, her presence has been associated with moving tables, glasses falling from shelves and a tap on a guest’s shoulder.
There is also a distinctly feline legend: a phantom cat is reportedly seen roaming the pub. A housekeeper is said to have found cat-shaped impressions in freshly made bed linen after leaving the room closed. These are reported ghost stories and local folklore, adding an atmospheric twist to a stay at the inn.
Accessibility
The historic interiors include changes in floor level. Upper floors are reached by stairs, and there is no lift.
Location
The Bull sits in the centre of Wargrave, a Thames-side village in Berkshire near Henley-on-Thames. The River Thames is around a four-minute walk away, while Wargrave railway station is approximately seven minutes away on foot.
The village provides a starting point for exploring the Thames Valley and its surrounding countryside. Walking routes link Wargrave with Henley, including a route via Remenham Hill of approximately 5.6 miles. For a shorter outing, Henley has a two-mile loop through Mill Meadows and along the Thames Path.
Henley offers another riverside setting to explore, while the wider Thames Path passes through water meadows, villages and historic towns including Reading, Marlow and Windsor.
