Finchampstead is a picturesque village just a few miles out of Wokingham and a popular residential location. With a population of around 12,000, it has its own country park around Longmore Lake, on the edge of Barkham Common. Ideally situated close to Wokingham, Reading and Windsor, Finchampstead manages to still retain a country village feel, making it a wonderful location for family life or retirement. Here are just some of the features that Finchampstead residents love about the area…
Finchampstead’s royal history connections
A village rich in royal history, Finchampstead is said to have been frequented by many royals and even Roman emperors. The dramatic parish church of St James dates back to the 12th Century and sits on top of a prominent hill, thought to be a Roman earthwork. It is also home to a spring known as Dodwell’s (or Dozell’s) Well, which has many superstitions surrounding it, including its infamy in the early Middle Ages for supposedly flowing blood at times of national disaster!
Best of both worlds
Within walking distance of peaceful countryside, but close enough to Reading and Windsor for high street shopping, Finchampstead allows you to combine the best of both worlds. Sustenance and hydration shouldn’t be an issue either, as there are three pubs in the area, including the Queen’s Oak, which is said to be the only pub of that name in England and one of the oldest in the country. There are also a selection of other restaurants and fast food places from which to choose. Local museums, meanwhile, include the REME Museum of Technology and the nearby Reading Museum.
Out and about: things to do in Finchampstead
There are a whole host of events to discover, including the annual village fete. Community House, owned by Wokingham Borough Council is a great source for local services, info and events. There are a variety of sports clubs running in the area for those with an interest, including cricket, football and netball, with plenty of green space for young and old to roam about.
For those who love to walk, there are some truly beautiful strolls, which take advantage of the local woodland – Finchampstead has its origins as a tiny hamlet in the Royal Windsor hunting forests and much of the glory of this scenery can still be enjoyed today.
Family-friendly Finchampstead
There are several local primary schools, as well as a pre-school. Not only that, there are plenty of regular family friendly activities taking place at the Finchampstead Baptist Church Centre. The centre also runs a popular cafe and the local library. The Parish Council helps with the wonderful community feel of the village, and also offers information on everything from local walks to recycling on its website.
Finchampstead remains a popular residential location, with some really beautiful properties, both new and old. If you fancy finding out more about the history of the village then the Berkshire History website is worth a visit.