5 /5 Shawn Downey: A Surprise Riverside Gem – With a Dog Spa and a Parking Plot Twist!
We stumbled upon the Boat House Pub in Wallingford -on-Thames quite by accident — and what a lovely detour it turned out to be!
Perched right beside the Thames, it’s the sort of place that makes you want to order a long drink, lean back, and pretend youre the captain of one of the boats gently cruising past. The wildlife was entertaining, the drinks chilled, and our meal was exactly what youd hope for on a lazy riverside afternoon.
So enchanted were we, we came back for breakfast the next morning — which says it all really.
Now, here’s the twist: not only is this place friendly to humans, but it’s basically a 5-star spa for dogs. We’re talking blankets, bowls of fresh water, and an apparently unlimited supply of dog treats. Frankly, we were tempted to bark just to get in on the pampering.
One thing to watch out for: do not assume there’s parking right outside unless you enjoy deciphering a jungle of “PRIVATE - NO TURNING - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED” signs. But fear not — a substantial public car park nearby offers free parking for the first hour and overnight on weekends, which totally adds to the charm and ease of the visit once you find it.
In short: delightful food, scenic riverside vibes, dogs treated like royalty, and even the parking turns out friendlier than first impressions suggest. Why not try it?