The Great House at Sonning
Thames Street, Reading · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: SCP Hotels
Riverside hotel on Thames Street in Sonning, near Reading, with 49 rooms and a restaurant right on the water's edge.
What's nearby
- Sonning Bridge next door
- St Andrew’s Church next door
- The Bull Inn, Sonning-on-Thames 150m away
- The Mill at Sonning 200m away
- Sonning Lock 400m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Great House at Sonning
Sonning's riverside setting makes for pleasant walks along the Thames, with Reading itself just a short drive away for anyone wanting shops, stations or a change of scene. The Great House at Sonning makes the most of its position on Thames Street, with the water on its doorstep and a garden that takes full advantage of the outlook.
The hotel has 49 rooms, and its restaurant and bar are a focus for guests and locals alike, serving dishes such as steaks, roasts and a vegan pizza that gets particular mention. Breakfast is included, and the garden and riverside terrace add a relaxed spot for a drink outside. Free WiFi and free on-site parking cover the practical side of a stay, and the bar has a cosy, welcoming feel backed up by attentive staff, though service can slow down at busier times.
It suits guests who want a restaurant-led stay with a genuine riverside setting, close enough to Reading for a day out but calm enough to feel away from it. Free parking on site makes arriving by car straightforward.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We had an absolutely wonderful time! We had our 'wedding breakfast' on the terrace at The Great House on Friday 29th May 2026. We booked a table for 16 people for lunch and our request for a secluded table (due to medical reasons) was honoured with no problem at all. All the staff involved were absolutely fantastic, from the reservation staff to the serving staff, nothing was too much trouble. They even took some photos for us and allowed us to use one of the glass igloos for photos too. Thank you for providing us with a wonderful experience that we shall remember forever.
2 months ago · via Google
We recently held our wedding here and guests stayed at the hotel. The overall feedback was excellent. The setting is stunning. The events team were brilliant and very supportive. Freja looked after the logistics of our wedding and was superb from the moment we met her. The sharing menu was very well received. Reception staff were very efficient and helpful with guests. Particularly Esther and Hannah but all were great. There were a few niggles about slow breakfast drinks service but this did not detract from our wonderful stay so thank you to everyone.
2 months ago · via Google
Stayed here as a solo traveller for work and had a great experience. The room was clean, comfortable and quiet, making it easy to unwind after a long day. The location by the river is beautiful and much more relaxing than staying in a standard business hotel. The on-site Coppa Club was really convenient for both dinner and breakfast, with a good atmosphere and friendly staff. Parking was easy, Wi-Fi was reliable, and the whole stay was hassle-free. I’d definitely stay here again when working in the area.
a month ago · via Google
Booked through Booking.com, as was better than the hotel’s own system, in that payment only required just before arrival. The hotel sent useful information a few days before. Reception was helpful, and our rooms in the new building lovely. We particularly enjoyed the extra space in the twin room. The fridge is a good size, and a fan helps as well hit a warm spell.
a month ago · via Google
People say this restaurant offers delicious food, with highlights including perfectly cooked steaks, tasty roasts, and excellent vegan pizza. They also mention the beautiful riverside location, cozy atmosphere, and friendly, attentive staff.
Some reviews mention the service can be slow.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- The Great House, Thames Street, Sonning, Reading, RG4 6UT Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Thames Street, Reading
- Good for children
- Yes
- Good for groups
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Reading