Stoke Row

This little village is probably the friendliest, nicest place I have had the privilege of visiting so far. It is very small - a hamlet really - but has much to offer. I confess I am biased; much of my family are from Stoke Row and some remain. My great, great aunt was, according to my grandad, the keeper of the Majaraja of Benares' well (photo below) and we have many family photos of little old people sitting outside this lovely shaped building.

Stoke Row is the highest village in the Chilterns. It has its own primary school , garage, post office, shop, cherry orchard (open to the public), two pubs, and of course, a park. 

The easiest way of arriving is from the A4074 - the Reading Road from the Crowmarsh roundabout - travelling towards Reading. Turn off on your right towards Checkendon, well signposted - and follow the directions through the village towards Stoke Row. There is a sign for Checkendon post office and shop but don't turn right. It's a couple of miles through lovely countryside. 

Find this park on the google map I made for you. 

When you arrive you will see there is available parking for visitors behind the 'well loved' hall. The village shop is on the same side of the road as the car park and the park is directly opposite.

This shop and post office is the repository for lost property and the 'go to' place for children who become distressed in the park. The ladies who work in here are truly lovely. 

There is an actual bakery in the shop - where bread is made fresh. Pretty impressive. 

Stoke Row garage - petrol served at the pump.

Friendliest garage owner I've ever met. You don't get this service from Esso!

The park is directly opposite the shop.  A variety of equipment for different ages. 

I really like the look of this little mound - looks like a fun place to play. 








The important thing for me about this sign is that it acknowledges people's right to pick the fruit, albeit at their own risk.










There are two pubs in Stoke Row. This is the Cherry Tree Inn. The Crooked Billet is harder to find and you may feel you are becoming lost trying to follow it. According to the garage owner, the Crocked Billet was the first 'gastro pub' in the country, so well worth a visit if you like that sort of thing. Details to follow. 

Maharaja's Well, and Keeper's Cottage - now privately owned. Initially I took my son here because he was obsessed with the 'Fireman Sam' episode where Naughty Norman gets trapped down a well. 

Nearby parks

Checkendon, Woodcote, South Stoke, Ipsden, Gallowstree Common. 

Also nearby, if you have NT membership or are willing to pay: Greys Court, Rotherfield Greys.

Stoke Row has a geocache.