Cookham

About

The Royal Manor of Cookham was held by the Crown until 1818 and today, although many changes have taken place, the village has made the most of its position and is now one of the most popular Thameside resorts with its many superb restaurants and inns, including Bel and the Dragon dating from 1417 and reputedly one of the oldest licensed houses in England!

The church of the Holy Trinity, although considerably restored, still exhibits parts of its Norman origins as well as many examples of later construction from early English to the late Perpendicular period when the tower was erected. The interior contains many interesting brasses and memorials.

The name of Cookham today is closely associated with Sir Stanley Spencer, one of the greatest British painters of the 20th century who lived in the village until his death in 1959 and who used its scenery as the background to many of his paintings. Another famous former resident was Kenneth Grahame, author of 'The Wind in the Willows'. He lived with his grandmother at ‘The Mount’ in Cookham Dean. It is thought this is where he wrote the book and it is certainly accepted that the river scenes between Cookham and Henley inspired the work along with Winter Hill above it.

Cookham is one of a number of locations along the Thames where the colourful Swan Upping Ceremony takes place during the third week of July. This is the time when the Queen's Swan Marker and The Royal Swan Uppers, who wear the scarlet uniform of Her Majesty The Queen, travel in traditional rowing skiffs, collecting data, assessing the health of young cygnets and examining them for any injuries.

The centre of the parish is at Cookham Rise, which has a modern shopping development and a station on the Maidenhead to Marlow branch line with connections for London. The favoured residential area of Cookham Dean is noted for the beauty of its cherry orchards in springtime and also the scenic attractions from the outstanding viewpoint of Winter Hill, now the property of the National Trust. There are many well signposted walks including those in other areas of the parish also administered by National Trust such as Cockmarsh and Cookham Dean Common.

Things to Do in Cookham

• The Stanley Spencer Gallery in the High Street is located in the old Methodist chapel to which Spencer was brought as a child. It’s open throughout the year and contains a fine collection of more than 120 of his works.
• A great day out for all the family, Cookham Regatta takes place in September.
• Why not enjoy a walk from Cookham to Marlow (7 miles) and return by train to Cookham?
• Or take the easy access route around Cookham Village and along parts of the Thames Path National Trail. Benches along the route provide a welcome resting place and refreshments are available both in the village and at The Bounty Cafe and Bar (seasonal) on the furthermost point of the route at Cock Marsh.
• Discover the River Thames with a boat trip to Maidenhead with Salters Steamers (summer only). Boats depart from Cookham Landing Stage and drop off at Boulters Lock. Take the bridge from Boulters Lock to Ray Mill Island, 4 acres of public garden. Check the website for scheduled cruises. You can walk back (Just over 3 miles) or return by train to Cookham (7 mins).

Accommodation

Stay at nearby Cliveden, one of the world's finest luxury hotels, this grand stately home is set in the heart of the Berkshire countryside, surrounded by 376 acres of magnificent formal gardens and parkland. .