The Great House, Sonning, Berkshire Hotel Reading Exterior photoThe Great House, Sonning, Berkshire Hotel Reading Exterior photoThe Great House, Sonning, Berkshire Hotel Reading Room photo

The Great House, Sonning, Berkshire, Reading

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From$127 /night
Check-in
02Sept
Check-out
03Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Thames St, Sonning-On-Thames, Reading, RG4 6UT
-
Near The Mill at Sonning
Great
8.3
9.1
/10
4.8
4.3
/5

4-star riverside retreat in Sonning-on-Thames

Location

The Great House sits on a quiet stretch of the Thames, just an hour's drive from London. This former Elizabethan coaching inn offers stunning views of the river, with opportunities to relax on the rolling lawn or enjoy a glass-covered terrace. The picturesque village of Sonning-on-Thames, described by Jerome K. Jerome as 'the most fairy-like little nook on the whole river,' surrounds the hotel.

Rooms

Each room at The Great House is individually designed to provide a distinctive experience for guests. Comfortable beds invite relaxation after exploring the area or spending a day by the water. Pet-friendly accommodations allow dogs to join guests for their country escape.

Dining

Dining at The Great House includes all-day grazing options with a focus on seasonal flavors. The menu features dishes such as rare-seared tuna, grass-fed steaks, and perfect Sunday roasts. Riverside views make every meal a picturesque experience, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or late-night snacks.

Events Space

The hotel offers versatile spaces for hosting a variety of events, from corporate conferences to intimate private gatherings. The Secret Room accommodates up to 16 people with views over the garden and river. Larger parties can be hosted by combining different event spaces to suit any group's needs.

Outdoor Experience

Guests can unwind on the partly-covered terrace which allows for riverfront enjoyment throughout the year. The hotel's lawn is equipped with deckchairs, providing an inviting space to spend leisure time. Four igloos are available as private dining spaces, offering a unique way to celebrate while enjoying the serene river backdrop.

Highlights

Location: Quiet stretch of the Thames

Rooms: Individually designed accommodations

Dining: Seasonal flavors

Events Space: The Secret Room

“The Coppa Club's excellent cuisine and the appealing riverside setting are definite highlights. I appreciate the blend of historic charm with modern, clean rooms, though some may find the lack of air conditioning an issue during warmer months. It's a picturesque location, particularly suitable for those prioritizing dining and riverside ambiance.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Select your room type

The Great House, Sonning, Berkshire offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Casual Double Room
    2 persons
    17 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Coffee machine
  • Biggy Double Room
    2 persons
    19 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Coffee machine
  • Cosy Double Room
    2 persons
    11 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Coffee machine
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Great House, Sonning, Berkshire offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Security
  • Lift
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Cycling
  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Board games
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Bathtub
  • Shower cabin
  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Direct dial telephone
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

At The Great House in Sonning, Berkshire, dining comes alive at the vibrant Coppa Club. With a menu inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this inviting venue beckons with a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for relaxing breakfasts or evening gatherings. Delight in refreshing botanical cocktails while enjoying an array of nutritious options.
  • Coppa Club

    Mediterranean
    Ambiance
    Family-friendly, modern setting with a warm and welcoming atmosphere
    Key Offerings
    Enjoy a range of meals from breakfast to dinner, featuring options like watermelon with yogurt, muesli, and smashed avocado, alongside gluten-free and vegetarian selections. A botanical seeded gin menu in partnership with Fever-Tree offers delightful drink pairings.
    Reservation
    Reservations are not needed
    Open daily from 08:00 to 21:00

The Great House, Sonning, Berkshire Location

Thames St, Sonning-On-Thames, Reading, RG4 6UT
Explore Reading
Explore Sonning and Beyond
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
St Andrew's Church
St Andrew's Church
3 minutes' walk
Historic church featuring stunning architecture. Regular services and open for visitors, showcasing beautiful stained glass.
The Mill at Sonning
The Mill at Sonning
3 minutes' walk
A unique dinner theatre located on the River Thames offering a mix of entertainment and fine dining in a charming setting.
Caversham Lakes
Caversham Lakes
20 minutes' walk
Scenic lakes ideal for fishing, walking, and picnics. A peaceful nature retreat perfect for day outings with family and friends.
Museum of Berkshire Aviation
Museum of Berkshire Aviation
9-minute drive
An intriguing aviation museum highlighting aviation history in Berkshire with a range of vintage aircraft on display.
Canoeing on the Thames
6-minute drive
Canoeing day trips available with equipment, suitable for all skill levels, offering thrilling views of the Thames.
Loddon Nature Reserve
Loddon Nature Reserve
5-minute drive
A tranquil spot with well-marked trails, perfect for walking or birdwatching. Ideal for those seeking relaxation in nature.
The Bull Inn Restaurant
3 minutes' walk
A cozy pub serving traditional British cuisine with a modern twist. Renowned for its Sunday roasts and local ale selection.
The French Horn
5-minute drive
Gourmet dining offering French cuisine with local ingredients. Scenic riverside views make it perfect for intimate dinners.
The Mill at Sonning
The Mill at Sonning
3 minutes' walk
Dinner theatre with a vibrant atmosphere featuring live performances and delicious food. A lively option for couples and families.
Reading Concert Hall
10-minute drive
An excellent venue for live music and performances, hosting a variety of acts. Family-friendly options available regularly.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Reading 7 min  ·  2.8 mi
  • Airports
    London Heathrow (LHR) 59 min  ·  24.3 mi
    London City (LCY) 112 min  ·  46.4 mi
  • Train
    Earley Train Station 6 min  ·  2.4 mi
    Reading Railway Station 7 min  ·  2.8 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 4 min  ·  1000 ft
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 06:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A american breakfast is served at affordable prices.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
49
Former name
the great house at sonning

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Great House, Sonning, Berkshire from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Great House is frequently praised for its riverside location and lovely garden, offering picturesque Thames walk options. Many guests appreciate the spacious, clean rooms featuring comfortable beds and practical amenities like a fridge. The restaurant experience is generally positive, though some guests have noted that certain rooms can feel a bit small, and lack air conditioning.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 657 verified reviews
8.4 /10
Great
87 %
Recommend
Location
9.2/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Breakfast
6.4/10
Value for money
8.1/10
Pros
Comfortable beds
Wonderful location
Excellent service
Cons
Tricky parking
Guest reviews
based on 657 reviews
8.4/10
based on 1063 reviews
8.3/10
Evelyn from United Kingdom
Couple
Casual Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 08, 2026
8.5/10

A lovely stay, minor hiccup aside

cute staff fresh milk good menu riverside space
The staff greeted me very warmly. The room included fresh milk in the fridge, a very welcome touch. The restaurant has a good menu, I had dinner and lunch there. The food tasted very nice. I also enjoyed the outdoor space next to the river.
Rooms
9/10
My room had stylish touches. It felt both well-equipped and very clean. There were tea and coffee making facilities available, along with fresh milk stored in the fridge for added convenience. The bed had soft pillows.
Dining
8/10
The on-site restaurant featured tasty food and provided efficient service. The breakfast included good coffee and various options.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Victorvictor from united kingdom
Single
casual double room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 01, 2026
9/10

charming stay by the river

great location high-quality decor tasty breakfast
The location was fantastic. the room had high-quality decor. breakfast in the restaurant was tasty with views over the river and the garden. I appreciated that.
0 Helpful
Scarlett from United Kingdom
Couple
Biggy Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 12, 2026
7/10

reasonable accommodation

river nearby comfortable bed friendly staff overpriced breakfast missing toothpaste toilet rolls
the location has a river nearby. the room was clean and the bed was comfortable. the staff members seemed friendly and cute to me.
breakfast felt woefully overpriced to me. toothpaste disappeared from my room after the first night. i also needed a few more toilet rolls, but this was quickly addressed.
0 Helpful
Jackson from Australia
Family with children
Clocktower Family Suite
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 02, 2026
9/10

pleasant room and attentive staff

river view comfortable bed tea facilities
I had a beautiful room with a river view (the river view was fantastic) and one of the most comfortable beds i've ever slept in. coffee and tea making facilities plus a fridge were in the room. our kids had their own corner with two lovely single beds in their room. It was perfect.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Great House, Sonning, Berkshire
Are there any twin bedded rooms available for the night of 10 March 2024?
10 March 2024
There is availability for twin bedded rooms on that date. Kindly proceed with the booking.
I plan to arrive by boat. Is there an option for mooring at the property?
24 April 2024
Two mooring spots are available and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternative mooring spots can be found nearby if needed.
What types of rooms accommodate dogs?
15 May 2024
Dog-friendly options include Cosy Double Rooms and Deluxe Dog Friendly Rooms. Be sure to mention in advance if you're bringing a pet.
Is there an extra fee if I bring a dog along during my stay?
12 June 2024
An additional £10 charge per dog applies to cover cleaning and includes a complimentary doggy pack.
How far is the hotel from the heart of Reading, and are taxis accessible from there?
19 July 2024
The property is approximately 8 kilometers from Reading city center, and there are reliable taxi services available.
Is your restaurant accommodating for dogs as well?
11 August 2024
Yes, the restaurant is dog-friendly. Just mention when booking that you will have a dog with you.
Which rooms are equipped with a bathtub?
23 September 2024
Baths are available in select River-facing Deluxe rooms, a Cosy Room, an Access Twin room, and the Coach House Apartment Suite.
What options are available for early check-in and do rooms include irons?
30 October 2024
All rooms come with irons and ironing boards. Early check-in requests can be made, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
Are there any ground floor accommodations, and is there elevator access?
22 November 2024
Ground floor rooms can be found in the clock tower building, which also has elevator access for convenience.
Is air conditioning provided in the guest rooms?
10 December 2024
There is no air conditioning, but electric free-standing fans are available in the rooms.
Are gluten-free meal options available at the restaurant?
5 January 2025
Yes, gluten-free options can be found on the menu. Feel free to check it out online.
Are there facilities for charging electric vehicles at the hotel?
15 January 2025
Currently, electric vehicle charging points are not available at the hotel.

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