It is no secret that our region is home to a number of famous faces, seeking to leave behind the spotlight in the city, for a slower pace of life. Stunning views, picturesque towns and villages, and a more tranquil lifestyle await them in the Wiltshire countryside.
Many of us know the local hotspots where you might spot a celeb, and just next door, the county of Berkshire can also boast some well known residents, past and present. One very small village in the area is no stranger to A-listers, from royalty to rock-stars.
Boasting riverside vistas and gorgeous homes, its no surprise that Pangbourne, on the River Thames near Reading has drawn in the rich and famous. If you fancy a visit, it is also around 45 minutes from Aldbourne so it could even be worth a day trip.
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It has even been named among the best places to live in the region in previous years, reports The Mirror. The secluded spot is believed to have inspired The Wind in the Willows with the author Kenneth Grahame retiring to a small cottage in the village before his death.
Still a charming place to spend the day, modern day Pangbourne is characterised by its independent shopping and thriving pubs and cafes - the perfect place to potter. Its waterside location also makes it a great spot for wildlife watchers, with a number of visitors passing through on the National Thames Pathway.
Pangbourne is home to St Andrews school - the prep school that Kate Middleton attended for nine years before turning 13. Kate once described her time in Pangbourne as the 'happiest years of my life' and even had dreams of returning to the village and working as a teacher one day.
You could even take a trip to see the Thames Boathouse - the stunning riverside home where Jimmy Page formed Led Zeppelin back in 1968. Or, the Swan Inn is the perfect place for a pint and the end point for Jerome K Jerome's famous 'Three Men in a Boat'.
The town itself offers small boutique shops, The Modern Artist Gallery and the Pangbourne Meadows which are perfect for a picnic.
And for fans of Pride and Prejudice - Pangbourne is also only half an hour's walk from Basildon Park, which was the set for the 2005 film. The popular filming location is no stranger to a famous face, who you might even see popping into town for a bite to eat.
And if that is not enough entertainment, you can also visit Beale Park Wildlife Park. The stunning 350 acre riverside park houses 160 wildlife species from all over the world as well as beautiful gardens, train rides, cafes and adventure play.
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