Getting there

A weekend in Hampshire & Berkshire

Both venues sit along the A33 between Reading and Basingstoke — about an hour from London either way. Here's what we'd suggest. Drop us an email if you'd like a hand with the logistics.

By train
  • London Waterloo to Basingstoke: direct, about 45 min, every half hour. Taxis from Basingstoke to The Wellington Arms take about 10 min.
  • London Paddington to Reading: 30 min, with a connecting local train south to Stratfield Mortimer (20 min). The church is a short walk from the station — perfect for the ceremony.
  • From Basingstoke, a taxi to the church for the ceremony takes about 20 min, and to The Wellington Arms about 10 min.
By car
  • M3 northbound, exit at J6 (Basingstoke North), then the A33 towards Reading. The Wellington Arms is about 5 min from the motorway.
  • M4 eastbound, exit at J11 (Reading West), then the A33 southbound. Stratfield Mortimer is 15 min, The Wellington Arms a further 10 min.
  • Parking on site at both venues.

Where to stay

A handful of places we like

The area books up fast in spring, so have a look early. A few options we'd recommend, all within easy reach of both venues.

The Wellington Arms

The reception venue itself has 25 boutique ensuite rooms, including a honeymoon suite. The most convenient option — roll upstairs at the end of the evening. Mention the wedding when you book.

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Tylney Hall Hotel

A grand Victorian country house hotel in Rotherwick, about 10 min from The Wellington Arms. Lovely grounds, a pool, and the sort of full English that makes the drive worthwhile.

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Hotels in Basingstoke

Several mid-range options (Hilton, Marriott, Premier Inn) about 10 min from The Wellington Arms. Practical for early trains home on Sunday.

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Self-catering cottages

Several in the Hampshire and Berkshire villages nearby that sleep 4–8, well suited to family groups. We have a shortlist in the group email; drop us a note if the attachments got lost.

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Taxis

Local firms worth saving to your phone

Useful for station pickups and the Saturday-night journey back to wherever you're sleeping. Book ahead for the evening if you can; local cars get stacked on wedding weekends.

Streamline Taxis Basingstoke

Well-established Basingstoke firm. Good for station runs, late-night carriages after the reception, and transfers between venues.

Website

Reading Taxis

Covers the Reading end — useful if you are arriving at Reading station and heading to the church in Stratfield Mortimer.

Website

Uber

Available in both Basingstoke and Reading. Handy for one-off journeys; pre-book if you need a specific time on the wedding day itself.

Website

Nearby

If you've got a spare half day

  • Wellington Country Park, right next to The Wellington Arms — 350 acres with woodland walks, a miniature railway, and a farm. Ideal for the Sunday morning.
  • Stratfield Saye House, the Duke of Wellington's estate since 1817. Open seasonally for tours; a fascinating piece of history on the doorstep.
  • The Vyne, a National Trust Tudor manor house, about 15 min from the reception. Beautiful formal gardens for a Sunday wander.
  • Highclere Castle (yes, that one), about 20 min from the church. Worth the detour if Downton is your thing.
  • Winchester Cathedral city, about 30 min south — lovely for a morning stroll before the journey home.