Attractions and Places To See around Hermitage - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Hermitage include a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. The region offers sprawling parks, significant memorials, and unique local businesses. Visitors can explore well-preserved historical landmarks and enjoy extensive outdoor opportunities. Hermitage provides a diverse range of attractions for those interested in history, nature, and local culture.
Best attractions and places to see around Hermitage
- The most popular attractions is The Bell Inn, Aldworth, a historical pub that dates back to the 15th century. This country pub is known for its traditional atmosphere and has been continuously run by the same family since the 18th century.
- Another must-see spot is Streatley Hill Climb, a challenging cycle way. This climb features steep gradients, making it a notable ascent for cyclists in the region.
- Visitors also love The Rowbarge, a country pub and restaurant located on the Kennet and Avon canal. It offers a welcoming atmosphere, food, and a large beer garden, making it a popular stop for those exploring the area by bike or on foot.
- Hermitage is known for its historical sites, natural features, and cultural venues. The area offers a variety of attractions, from preserved canal locks and abbeys to local wineries and performing arts academies.
- The attractions around Hermitage are appreciated by the komoot community, with 44 upvotes and 7 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Streatley Hill Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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The Rowbarge
Highlight • Pub
This pub can be easily reached by bike from Reading avoiding traffic via the canal towpath (which is where NCN Route 4 runs, just beware of some stretches were the path is uneven and needs to be treaded with some caution) and is set in a beautiful spot with a huge beer garden that is great for those Summer barbecues.
In fact, on those warm Summer days I would recommend an easy ride along the canal to treat yourself to a nice Sunday roast and a couple of pints, followed by another easy ride back to town.
The food is nice and warming and reasonably priced, dogs are welcome indoors in the bar area and in the garden and the staff are friendly.
Bike racks to lock your bikes are also present, but they are on the road at the front rather than hidden away at the back, so not the safest of places if you are visiting in the evening and sitting indoors.
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St Peter and St Paul Church, Yattendon
Highlight • Historical Site
He is remembered by small sculptures at the doorway and the Norreys arms in one of the windows (although this was the geometric arms adopted by his 17th century descendants, not the ravens that he used).
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The local architect, Alfred Waterhouse, added the porch and vestry in 1881 and the spire fifteen years later. He also heavily restored the rood screen. It just about retains some of the original 15th century woodwork. The staircase to the missing rood loft is a particularly fine example.
Yattendon Church is famous for the use of the Yattendon Hymnal which was edited by Waterhouse's son-in-law, Robert Bridges, the poet laureate, in 1899. It is a collection of ancient hymns designed for the use of a village choir and is considered a pioneering landmark in the history of texted English hymns.
The building has an interesting array of wall monuments, most of which are not listed in the Buildings of England.
Cit. berkshirehistory.com/churches/yattendon.html
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Douai Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
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The Bell Inn, Aldworth
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
Streatley Hill from Streatley is a short but savage climb, averaging 12% with ramps hitting 18%. The narrow residential road quickly heads up through trees, with smooth tarmac but little room to weave or recover. Hit it in your easiest gear from the start and stay seated to maintain traction on the steepest pitches. It’s over in less than half a kilometre, but every metre hurts. Nail this one, and you’ve ticked off one of Berkshire’s steepest ascents.
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Rumoured to once have been a medieval hall house or manor before it became a pub. It was built in the 15th century or possibly earlier, It has two rooms, a large panelled tap room with inglenook fireplace and quarry-tiled floor, and a smaller L-shaped room. The bar itself is a servery with sliding glass partitions and hatches, and has no bar fittings at all save for ebony handpumps, which were fitted in 1902. The pub is also notable for having been owned and run by the same family continuously since the 18th century. The pub is a free house and sells beers from a number of local breweries.
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long and slow but forgiving if you pace it well
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This is a fantastic country pub located on the banks of the River Kennet near Woolhampton. The pub has existed since 1850, and serves up a range of delicious dishes as well as cask ales. A great place to stop on a long walk.
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Keep doing what you are doing, amazing spot and very welcome
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A real lung buster in cold weather. Partly resurfaced in late 2021 which fixed some of the most energy sapping surfaces, but at these gradients you’ll be suffering all the same…
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Hermitage?
The area around Hermitage offers several historical sites. You can explore The Bell Inn, Aldworth, a 15th-century pub with a rich history, or visit St Peter and St Paul Church, Yattendon, which dates back to around 1450. Another significant historical and religious building is Douai Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with a history stretching back to 1903 in Woolhampton.
Are there any good pubs or places to eat near the attractions?
Yes, there are a couple of notable pubs. The Bell Inn, Aldworth is a historic country pub known for its traditional atmosphere and real ales. Another great option is The Rowbarge, a country pub and restaurant located on the Kennet and Avon Canal, offering food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a large beer garden.
What cycling opportunities are available around Hermitage?
Hermitage is a great area for cycling. For road cyclists, there are routes like the 'Crown and Horns Pub – Bull Pit Road loop' or 'The Pantry Coffee Shop – Hillier Garden Centre Café loop'. If you prefer gravel biking, consider the 'Crookham Common Gravel Trail' or the 'Kennet and Avon Canal – Nunhide Lane Gravel Track loop'. Mountain bikers can explore routes such as 'The Rowbarge – Kennet and Avon Canal loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the dedicated guides for Road Cycling, Gravel Biking, and MTB Trails around Hermitage.
Are there challenging cycling routes for experienced riders?
Absolutely. One notable challenge is Streatley Hill Climb, known for its steep gradients, averaging 12% with ramps up to 18%. It's considered one of Berkshire's steepest ascents and is a popular spot for hill climbing enthusiasts. For gravel biking, the 'Ridgeway Track to Streatley – Goring Lock and Weir loop' is rated as difficult.
What kind of atmosphere can I expect at The Rowbarge pub?
The Rowbarge is described as a nice and friendly country pub. It's situated on the Kennet and Avon Canal, making it a popular stop for cyclists and walkers. It offers a welcoming atmosphere, good food, and a large beer garden, especially enjoyable on warm summer days. Dogs are also welcome indoors in the bar area and in the garden.
What is special about The Bell Inn, Aldworth?
The Bell Inn, Aldworth is a historic pub, possibly a medieval hall house, built in the 15th century. It's unique for having been owned and run by the same family continuously since the 18th century. It retains a traditional charm with a large panelled tap room, an inglenook fireplace, and serves real ales from local breweries.
Are there any family-friendly attractions in the area?
While specific family-focused attractions are not detailed, The Bell Inn, Aldworth is listed as family-friendly. Additionally, pubs like The Rowbarge with its large beer garden can be suitable for families looking for a relaxed outdoor setting.
What are the highlights for visitors according to the komoot community?
The komoot community appreciates the diverse attractions around Hermitage, with 44 upvotes and 7 photos shared by visitors. Popular spots include the historic The Bell Inn, Aldworth, the challenging Streatley Hill Climb for cyclists, and The Rowbarge, a country pub on the Kennet and Avon Canal.
Can I find religious buildings of interest near Hermitage?
Yes, two significant religious buildings are St Peter and St Paul Church, Yattendon, a 15th-century church known for its architecture and history, and Douai Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with an abbey church completed in 1993, offering a blend of historical and modern religious architecture.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see?
While the immediate highlights focus on historical sites and pubs, the area is known for its natural beauty, particularly along the Kennet and Avon Canal where The Rowbarge is located. This offers scenic views and opportunities for walks or rides along the towpath.
Are there any easy cycling routes for beginners?
Yes, for road cycling, routes like the 'Crown and Horns Pub – Bull Pit Road loop' and 'Grimsbury Castle Hillfort – Hillier Garden Centre Café loop' are rated as easy. For gravel biking, the 'Crookham Common Gravel Trail – Greenham Common Bunkers loop' is also an easy option. You can find these and more in the Road Cycling and Gravel Biking guides for Hermitage.
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