sonning

Sonning, often referred to as Sonning-on-Thames, is a village and civil parish in Berkshire, England. It sits on the north bank of the River Thames, opposite Reading, and is part of the borough of Wokingham. The parish includes the village itself and surrounding rural areas, and is known for its historic riverside setting.

The parish landscape combines residential housing with historic buildings. The village church of St Andrew serves as a local landmark, and the riverside area features The Great House at Sonning, a historic inn that operates as a hotel and restaurant. The presence of timber-framed houses and other traditional architecture reflects the area’s medieval origins. The Thames Path and river frontage are popular with visitors and residents alike.

Historically, Sonning has roots in the medieval period and has retained much of its traditional character. In contemporary times, it is primarily a residential community, valued for quiet streets, scenic views, and proximity to Reading and the broader Berkshire region.

Governance is via a parish council, with wider administration provided by Wokingham Borough Council. The parish forms part of the local electoral area and contributes to planning and community services at the borough level.

See also: Sonning (disambiguation); The Great House at Sonning; River Thames.