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Bull Inn

eeee - (888) 323-5826
Bull Inn, High Street Sonning On Thames, Wokingham -(888) 323-5826
Area: Reading East - Sonning
(Map)
4.3
HOTEL RATING: 
EXCELLENT
4.3 out of 5 (696 Ratings)
4.0 miles Reading Festival
v12 mins driving
BOOK ONLINE OR CALL - (888) 323-5826
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The Spotlight on Bull Inn

Historic Charm Meets Music Weekend Comfort

Nestled in the picturesque village of Sonning on Thames, the Bull Inn is a beautifully preserved 16th-century coaching inn that blends period character with contemporary comfort. Just a short 5-minute drive from Reading, this tranquil hideaway offers a cosy, countryside vibe while keeping you close to the action. Expect stylishly renovated rooms, exposed beams, and a warm, welcoming pub atmosphere that hits the right note for music lovers looking to wind down after a show.

Why Concert-goers love it

With Reading’s major venues just a quick drive away, the Bull Inn gives you the best of both worlds: easy access to live music and a peaceful escape from the post-gig crowds. The village setting means quiet nights for recovery, while the pub downstairs is open late enough for a celebratory pint or two. Check-in from 15:00 and a relaxed 11:00 check-out gives you time to sleep in after a late night out. While public transport options are limited, taxis and ride-shares are a quick solution for getting to and from events.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for a memorable and charming stay
  • Solo travelers seeing a bucket-list artist in Reading or Henley
  • Couples turning a concert night into a romantic countryside weekend
  • Fans who appreciate a quiet, stylish room to relax after the show
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who want quality without city-center prices

Food and Drink Options

The Bull is known for its excellent cuisine and selection of Fuller’s real ales. While there’s no 24/7 room service, the on-site restaurant and bar offer hearty meals and drinks that go late into the evening. Breakfast is available in the morning—perfect after a late night. For more dining choices, Reading’s wide selection of restaurants is just a short drive away.

Nightlife Options

While the Bull itself doesn’t host live music, it’s a great place to start or end your night with local ales and a cosy pub atmosphere. For late-night fun, Reading’s clubs, bars, and venues are easily accessible by taxi. Henley-on-Thames, just 6 miles away, also offers riverside pubs and occasional live events.

What People Say

Guests rave about the charming character of the inn, especially the original features in the rooms and the warm pub ambiance. The staff are frequently noted for being friendly and accommodating, and the food earns high marks for both quality and presentation. Many reviewers highlight the peaceful location, calling it a “perfect blend of countryside charm and town convenience.”

Areas for Improvement

Some guests mention that rooms can be a little warm during summer months due to the historic building lacking air conditioning. Also, being in a small village, there’s limited nightlife on foot, so you’ll want to plan transport if you're heading out late.

The Bottom Line

The Bull Inn is a quaint, comfortable base for concert-goers who want to enjoy the show, then retreat to a peaceful village pub with charm and character.
Enter Your Dates
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7
1 room
7
2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
j
Free Parking
w
Non Smoking
r
Pets Allowed
x
Free Breakfast
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
q
Accessible
Other Amenities
` Free Parking
` Garden
` Room Service
` Bar
` On-site parking
` Free Wi-Fi
` Restaurant(s)
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Key access
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed
` Process in place to check health of guests
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
` Contactless check-in/out
` balcony/terrace
` CCTV security in common areas
` Daily disinfection
` Non-smoking property
` Physical/social distancing guidelines
` Protective screen or physical barriers in appropriate areas
` Pets allowed (charges may apply)

Bull Inn Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Excellent (4.3 out of 5)

Write a review

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Philip Sat, 9 August 2025

The Bull Inn excels in...

Liked: Brilliant location, good food and friendly staff.
Disliked: Lack of air conditioning in very hot weather. They had air fans in each room.

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Richard Sat, 9 August 2025

Exceptional

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Bette Sat, 9 August 2025

Historic old Inn, close to...

Liked: Historic old Inn, close to lovely walks by the Thames
Disliked: The room was just above the outdoor eating area, so it was noisy in the evening, but ok with the window closed.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Nienke Fri, 8 August 2025

Perfect place, nice location

Liked: Rooms were styled with attention, very friendly staff.
Disliked: -

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Karen Thu, 7 August 2025

Comfortable stay in lovely room...

Liked: Setting around the garden.

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Elizabeth Thu, 7 August 2025

We enjoyed our stay and...

Liked: Beautiful location, quiet and peaceful. Lovely welcome warm when we arrived from Vassili. We loved our room.
Disliked: Nothing

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Sue Wed, 6 August 2025

An idyllic stay; to be...

Liked: There was an excellent choice of breakfasts to suit all - very good quality and well presented. My room was lovely, overlooking the courtyard, comfortable, lovely toiletry products and some little extras with tea and coffee. A bed and water bowl was provided for my dog which was a lovely touch. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, in particular Ray, who took my bags to my room prior to showing me there. He took time to tell me about where I could take my dog for walks and gave me information regarding my planned trip to Henley, recommending a Portugese restaurant, which unfortunately was closed on a Tuesday so it means I will have to visit The Bull Inn again in the future! My son and his girlfriend joined me for an evening meal which we all enjoyed. The quality of the food was such that we returned again the following day for lunch, which was equally as tasty! The location of the pub is out of the way, with a beautiful courtyard full of wisteria and pretty hanging baskets. The outdoor area is well covered and very welcome in the warmer weather. The staff were friendly and attentive and the food was delicious! Dogs were well catered for with water bowls, treats and blankets provided. All in all a lovely stay; I will be returning for further visits and I will certainly recommend both the food and the accommodation to friends.
Disliked: There was nothing I didn't like. I suppose at busier times it may be difficult to get a parking spot as the car park is only small. However, I did not have such a problem so I have nothing to complain about!

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Diane Sat, 2 August 2025

A lovely place to stay...

Liked: The staff were very friendly and helpful. The room was lovely and clean. The room also had a fan which was really good and the breakfast was great we will definitely book again

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Abraham Sun, 27 July 2025

Lots of history, good food...

Liked: The history and how close to the river it was. Very enjoyable
Disliked: The very low ceilings. As a tallMan, it might have been good to know.

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Samantha Sun, 27 July 2025

Superb

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Bull Inn High Street Sonning On Thames, Wokingham