Cookham

About

Historical Cookham

The Royal Manor of Cookham was held by the Crown until 1818 and today, although many changes have taken place, the village has made the most of its position and is now one of the most popular Thameside resorts with its many superb restaurants and inns, including Bel and the Dragon dating from 1417 and reputedly one of the oldest licensed houses in England.

The church of the Holy Trinity, although considerably restored, still exhibits parts of its Norman origins as well as many examples of later construction from early English to the late Perpendicular period when the tower was erected. The interior contains many interesting brasses and memorials.

Cookham: home to artists and authors

The name of Cookham today is closely associated with Sir Stanley Spencer, one of the greatest British painters of the 20th century who lived in the village until his death in 1959 and who used its scenery as the background to many of his paintings.

The Stanley Spencer Gallery in the High Street is located in the old Methodist chapel to which Spencer was brought as a child.  It’s open throughout the year and contains a fine collection of more than 120 of his works and hosts two exhibitions each year, in the summer and winter.

The Gallery offers a guided walk around Cookham – the heart of the village and the river path – combined with entry into the Gallery.  Or find your own way with the Gallery’s Walks Booklet.

Another famous former resident was Kenneth Grahame, author of 'The Wind in the Willows'. He lived with his grandmother at ‘The Mount’ in Cookham Dean. It is thought this is where he wrote the book and it is certainly accepted that the river scenes between Cookham and Henley inspired the work along with Winter Hill above it.

Things to do in Cookham

There are many well signposted walks including those in other areas of the parish also administered by National Trust such as Cockmarsh and Cookham Dean Common.

The centre of the parish is at Cookham Rise, which has a modern shopping development and a station on the Maidenhead to Marlow branch line with connections for London.

The favoured residential area of Cookham Dean is noted for the beauty of its cherry orchards in springtime and also the scenic attractions from the outstanding viewpoint of Winter Hill, now the property of the National Trust.

Events in Cookham

Cookham Dean Metre Market - weekly

Every Friday in Cookham Dean you’ll find local suppliers, offering quality produce at the weekly Metre Market. Packed with exciting products from hand-made meals, cupboard essentials, gifts galore, meats, cheese, flowers and delicious desserts.

Cookham Festival - May (alternate years)

The Cookham Festival was established back in 1967 and is a celebration of the arts by the village, for the village.  The three main areas are the spoken word, music and the visual arts and over 40 events take place over the festival fortnight.

Royal Swan Upping - July

Cookham is one of a number of locations along the Thames where the colourful Swan Upping Ceremony takes place during the third week of July. This is the time when the Royal Swan Marker collects important data by catching and assessing the health of young cygnets and examining them for any injuries.

Cookham Arts Club Annual Summer Exhibition - August

Enjoy perusing the art for sale at this annual display of work created by the members of the Cookham Arts Club.

Cookham and Maidenhead Arts Trail - September

Follow the Cookham and Maidenhead Arts Trail, meet the artists and makers face to face.

Visit Cookham.com for a regularly updated list of what's on in Cookham.

Accommodation in Cookham

Why not book some overnight accommodation and explore more of what charming Cookham has to offer? Places to stay in and around Cookham include Sheephouse Manor Cottages, Cliveden, Bel and the Dragon and The Crown of Cookham.

Food and drink in Cookham

Discover a wide range of places to eat and drink including The Ferry, Malik's, King's Arms, Old Swan Uppers, The White Oak and Tea Pot Tea Shop.

Further information

Discover more about Cookham on Cookham.com including history, events and things to do, and an online tour.