Nestled on the Berkshire-Surrey border between Wokingham, Sandhurst and Bracknell, Crowthorne is a village that continues to attract families, professionals and retirees looking for a high quality of life. With a population of nearly 8,000, it provides excellent schools, beautiful green spaces, a thriving local community and a growing range of independent businesses, so it’s easy to see why so many people choose to call Crowthorne home.
At Michael Hardy, our Crowthorne office is located on Duke’s Ride, placing us at the heart of the local community and giving us first-hand insight into what makes the village such a sought-after place to live. Whether you’re considering moving to the area, relocating within the village or looking for your next rental property, here’s our guide to life in Crowthorne.
Property in Crowthorne
One of Crowthorne’s greatest strengths is the variety of homes available. The village offers everything from charming Victorian and Edwardian cottages close to the centre, to substantial detached family homes on leafy residential roads. There are also a growing number of modern developments, including Buckler’s Park, which has become a popular choice for families seeking contemporary homes surrounded by green space.
Buyers looking for character often gravitate towards properties around the village centre, while those seeking larger family homes are drawn to established residential areas such as Edgcumbe Park, Wellingtonia Avenue and Pinewood. The village also offers apartments, retirement properties and investment opportunities, making it attractive to buyers and tenants at every stage of life.
With demand consistently strong and relatively limited housing supply compared with neighbouring towns, Crowthorne remains one of Berkshire’s most desirable property markets.
Schools and Education
Education is one of the main reasons families move to Crowthorne. The village is perhaps best known as the home of Wellington College, one of the UK’s most prestigious independent schools. Set within stunning grounds on the edge of the village, Wellington College is recognised internationally for its academic achievements, sporting facilities and beautiful architecture.
Families also benefit from a range of highly regarded state schools, including:
- Edgbarrow School
- Crowthorne Church of England Primary School
- Oaklands Infant School
- Wildmoor Heath School
The combination of excellent educational opportunities and a family-friendly environment continues to make Crowthorne a popular choice for those relocating from London and surrounding towns. As school admissions and catchment areas can change, we always recommend checking directly with schools and local authorities for the latest information.
Shopping and Everyday Amenities
While Crowthorne retains its village character, residents enjoy a wide range of amenities on their doorstep. The High Street and surrounding roads are home to a mixture of independent retailers, specialist businesses and essential services. Local favourites include gift shops, florists, cycle retailers, beauty salons, pharmacies and convenience stores, creating a vibrant and community-focused shopping environment.
For day-to-day grocery shopping, residents have access to supermarkets including Lidl, Co-op Food, Tesco Express and Marks & Spencer Food. Larger supermarkets and retail centres can also be found nearby in Wokingham, Bracknell, Camberley and Reading. One of the things residents value most about Crowthorne is the ability to support independent local businesses while still enjoying the convenience of larger retailers nearby.
Cafés, Delis and Coffee Shops
Crowthorne’s food and drink scene has evolved significantly in recent years and now offers a fantastic choice of independent cafés, bakeries and coffee shops.
A particular local favourite is Loic’s Deli, located on Duke’s Ride. Offering freshly prepared sandwiches, artisan produce, pastries and excellent coffee, it is a popular destination for breakfast, lunch and weekend treats. Nearby on the High Street, Artichoke Café continues to attract loyal customers with its welcoming atmosphere, homemade food and excellent coffee. It’s the kind of independent café that perfectly reflects the village’s community spirit.
Residents also enjoy meeting friends and family at venues such as:
- Two Sisters
- U. Bakery & Café
- Stables Coffee Co.
- Esquires Coffee
These independent businesses help create the friendly village atmosphere that many residents value so highly. Whether you’re grabbing a takeaway coffee before the school run, enjoying brunch with friends or stopping for lunch while shopping locally, Crowthorne offers far more choice than many villages of a similar size.
Restaurants and Dining
Despite its village setting, Crowthorne and the surrounding area offer an impressive selection of dining options. Within the village itself, residents enjoy a variety of independent restaurants and eateries serving everything from modern European dishes to international cuisine. Food lovers are also fortunate to be close to some exceptional dining destinations. Just a short drive away in Bagshot is Pennyhill Park, home to the Michelin-starred The Latymer restaurant. Under the leadership of renowned chef Steve Smith, The Latymer has earned a reputation as one of the finest dining experiences in the South East, attracting visitors from across the country. For everyday dining, residents also benefit from easy access to restaurants in Wokingham, Bracknell, Sandhurst and Camberley.
Pubs and Social Life
Traditional pubs remain an important part of village life in Crowthorne. The Crowthorne Inn continues to be a popular choice for residents looking for a relaxed atmosphere, good food and a traditional village pub experience. Nearby, The Golden Retriever offers a family-friendly environment with extensive indoor and outdoor seating, while Hall & Woodhouse provides a contemporary take on the classic British pub. The village also benefits from a number of clubs, societies and community groups, ensuring there are plenty of opportunities to meet people and get involved in local life. For craft beer enthusiasts, Duke’s Ride has become something of a local destination, with independent food and drink businesses helping to create a vibrant social hub within the village.
Leisure and Outdoor Activities
One of the biggest attractions of living in Crowthorne is the access to beautiful countryside and outdoor spaces. Heath Lake is a favourite among residents, offering scenic walks around the water and through surrounding woodland. It’s particularly popular with dog walkers, runners and families. Buckler’s Forest provides extensive walking and cycling routes through attractive woodland, while Wildmoor Heath Nature Reserve offers opportunities to enjoy one of the area’s most important heathland habitats. The nearby Wellington College grounds contribute significantly to the village’s green and spacious character, while numerous parks and recreational areas provide opportunities for sport and leisure. Residents also enjoy access to:
- Pinewood Leisure Centre
- Tennis clubs
- Cricket clubs
- Football clubs
- Golf courses
- Running groups
- Cycling routes
This combination of outdoor space and sporting facilities makes Crowthorne particularly appealing to active families and professionals.
Transport and Commuting
Crowthorne’s location is one of its major advantages. The village railway station provides connections to Reading, Guildford and beyond, while nearby Reading station offers fast services to London Paddington and the Elizabeth Line. For drivers, the village provides convenient access to:
- M3 motorway
- M4 motorway
- A329(M)
- Bracknell
- Reading
- Farnborough
- Camberley
This makes Crowthorne a practical choice for commuters seeking a more relaxed lifestyle without sacrificing connectivity.
Community and Village Life
What truly sets Crowthorne apart is its sense of community. Despite ongoing investment and development, the village has retained the friendly atmosphere that attracts people to the area in the first place. Local events, community groups, sports clubs and independent businesses all contribute to a strong sense of belonging. The village strikes a balance that can be difficult to find elsewhere: large enough to offer excellent amenities, yet small enough to maintain its distinctive character. For many residents, it’s this combination of convenience, community and countryside that makes Crowthorne such a special place to live.
Why Choose Crowthorne?
Crowthorne offers a lifestyle that appeals to a wide range of people. Families are drawn by the excellent schools and safe environment. Professionals appreciate the transport links and access to major employment centres. Retirees enjoy the green spaces, village atmosphere and local amenities. Add in attractive housing, independent cafés, excellent dining options, beautiful countryside and a thriving community, and it’s easy to understand why Crowthorne remains one of Berkshire’s most sought-after locations.
Thinking of Moving to Crowthorne?
Michael Hardy has been helping buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants move in and around Crowthorne since 1985. From our office on Duke’s Ride, our experienced local team provides expert advice on the village property market and surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for a family home close to excellent schools, a modern property at Buckler’s Park or an investment opportunity, we’d be delighted to help.
Contact our team today to discuss your property plans or browse our latest properties for sale and to rent in Crowthorne.
Crowthorne is a lovely village situated between Farnborough and Wokingham, in the Bracknell Forest district of Berkshire. Thanks to its close proximity to London, the village is a popular home for commuters and was, in fact, voted the second best place to live and bring up family in the whole of England and Wales (Family Friendly Hotspots Report 2013).
The survey considered schools, crime and safety, local amenities, green spaces and property prices amongst many other things, reinforcing many of the ideals which Crowthorne residents love about the village.
Housing and transport in Crowthorne
With a population of around 6,000, Crowthorne is a modest-sized village, with a bustling community spirit. Surrounded by plenty of beautiful open space and picturesque woods, Crowthorne is equally well-placed for easy access to the M3, M25 and M4 for those commuters wishing for a slice of peace away from the office.
The village is well connected by public transport, with regular trains running from Crowthorne station to London via Reading. There is also a network of bus routes running through the village connecting with Bracknell and Sandhurst.
Crowthorne offers a mix of architectural styles dating from the mid-1800s right up to contemporary new-build homes. There are current plans for a carefully considered large development around the village that will see many new houses and amenities being built.
Residents of Crowthorne have become some of the first in Berkshire to benefit from the rolling out of speedy internet connectivity, as part of the Superfast Berkshire project. It’s hoped that by September 2015, 90 per cent of Berkshire homes will be connected to fibre broadband.
Crowthorne schools
Boasting outstanding schools including the highly rated Crowthorne Church of England Primary School (ages 4-11) and the Oaklands Junior School (ages 7-11), there are four primaries in total and a range of nurseries. Secondary-age children are served by the Edgbarrow School, which was judged ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED. Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 scores are above the national average and this high level of schooling in the area makes it a popular choice for families.
Crowthorne is also home to the well-regarded Wellington College, one of the world’s top coeducational day and boarding schools. The establishment has even seen famous faces such as Will Young and Rory Bremner grace its hallowed halls.
Sports clubs and societies
An annual triathlon is just one of the notable events on the Crowthorne sporting calendar. A thriving variety of teams meet on a regular basis, including Crowthorne and Crown Wood Cricket Club, Crowthorne Rugby Club and the AFC Crowthorne football team. For golf fans the village has a tree-lined 18-hole course, as well as several other prominent clubs just a few miles away.
Being so close to the countryside offers a wealth of activities for outdoors enthusiasts, including a three acre lake dedicated to anglers, plenty of great walking routes and numerous cycle paths around the village.
For family days out the nearby California Country Park in Finchampstead and Shepherds Meadows in neighbouring Sandhurst offer exciting play parks and walking opportunities. Shepherd Meadows includes a skate park and wild flower meadows, while the California Country Park has an outdoor paddling pool which is open during the summer.
Edgbarrow Sports Centre has gym facilities as well as a range of indoor and outdoor options. Squash, basketball and short tennis courts are inside, whilst a new all-weather astroturf pitch has been laid outdoors.
For children, the village has active Cub, Scout, Brownie and Guide groups, not to mention various sports clubs and regular activities organised for youngsters by the sports centre.
Eating and drinking: restaurants, coffee shops and pubs in Crowthorne
There’s a delicious array of eateries dotted around the centre of Crowthorne village, including great pub food and a choice of restaurants. Plus, for those with a penchant for real ale there are numerous options for grabbing the perfect pint.
The High Street has popular coffee shops, bistros and delis to discover. Those searching for a fine dining experience can enjoy several Michelin-starred pubs and restaurants, all just a stone’s throw from Crowthorne. These include the Michael Wignall at the Latymer, which is just a few miles down the road at Bagshot.
A quick guide to shopping in Crowthorne
With a thriving High Street providing a variety of independent retailers, there’s certainly plenty of choice. The village centre offers several convenience stores for groceries, plus a Co-Operative and a Lidl supermarket. There’s also a good size Waitrose supermarket, just a few miles out of the village at College Town.
Traders hold regular ‘mini-markets’ offering local produce, and even a beach-themed ‘Crowthorne By Sea’ event in the summer. At Christmas time there’s late night opening and Santa’s Grottos, all of which really bring the community together.
Crowthorne community life
A close knit community, Crowthorne holds a vast array of activities throughout the year organised by members of the village, even on top of those already mentioned.
The Crowthorne Carnival is a popular event which takes place biennially and fosters a real community spirit – providing an opportunity for all residents to get involved and benefit from the activities. The event features a procession complete with carnival princess, live music and a treasure hunt.
For those with a flair for the dramatics, Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society meets weekly and puts on several shows a year, including a pantomime. These meetings typically take place in the Parish hall. The village also has its own symphony orchestra which puts on concerts and runs workshops. On top of this, there is a horticultural society and community awards for local volunteers.
The Crowthorne Village Action Group meets regularly to discuss local environmental issues and aims to uphold and maintain Crowthorne’s village feel. The group works closely with local councils to keep residents involved and informed of changes to the village.
The village of Crowthorne clearly has a lot to offer and remains a popular area for both current residents and newcomers. It continues to attract new people and the upcoming developments will see the village grow nicely. As well as ranking second in the Family Friendly Hotspots Report 2013, Crowthorne also featured in the top 20 list in 2014.