With over 400 years of history, Bel & The Dragon situated in the picturesque Hampshire village of Kingsclere is about as characterful an inn as you'll find.
Kingsclere | West Berkshire Villages
Kingsclere is synonymous with the Sport of Kings and is a large village in Hampshire, England. It is steeped in history, the word ‘clere’ means bright or clearing and the King stems from King Alfred. Its Park House Stables has produced some of the greatest runners, including the legendary Mill Reef. The TV presenter and former jockey, Clare Balding, now runs it, with her brother Andrew who trained the Queen’s Horse Tactical, which won Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. Towards the end of World War Two, in 1944, a horrific shooting took place in Kingsclere, given the wartime censorship, this has been lost to history. Three people died at the drama in the Crown Inn. Two black USA soldiers died, and Landlady Rose Napper had a bullet go through her jaw and later died. The soldiers were part of a unit that had moved to Symonds Court, and they had decided to visit the local pubs. They were told they were off limits by the military police. USA soldiers later returned to the pub and the details unfolded. Nine soldiers were convicted for murder and jailed for life, the other ten got 10 years hard labour and dishonourable discharges.
AMENITIES AND FACILITIES
Kingsclere club is a community centre with a large garden and a patio area.
Accessibility
The ground floor is wheelchair accessible, and includes a spacious toilet with grab rails and low level sink. The main hall has a hearing loop system installed which is linked to a PA. The stair lift that once provided access to the first floor is out of order and beyond repair. Activities whose participant have an access need are being relocated downstairs until resolved.
Parking
If you are able to leave your car at home, please do; if you need to drive please park carefully. The Holding Field public car park (in front of the bowls club) is one minutes walk away — and was enlarged in 2019. We have bike racks and the bus stops for both Newbury and Basingstoke directions are outside the club.
Clubs &Activities
Iyengar Yoga
Iyengar Yoga Tuesdays 7:30pm to 9.00pm, term time only (Main Hall) Iyengar yoga focusses on detail, precision and alignment of poses to develop mobility and stability.
Yoga with Rachel Eaton
British Wheel of Yoga with Rachel Eaton Wednesday mornings 10.00- 11.00 Term time only (Main Hall).
Film Club
Kingsclere Film Club Films enjoyed on a big screen, with a glass of wine and nibbles if that is your preference. Second Saturday of the month, door open 7pm films start 7.30.
Gardening Association
Kingsclere Gardening Association Second Thursday of the month, 7.45pm to 9.30pm Oct to March (Main Hall).
Heritage Association
Kingsclere Heritage Association meets third Thursday of the month, 7.30pm to 9.00pm October to March (Main Hall ) .
Kingsclere Official Archives
Kingsclere Official Archives -Kingsclere Heritage Association is custodian of the Village Archives. Our archives have continuously grown since our inception and are now enlarged to be the official archives of the village
Keep Fit
Keep Fit Mondays 9.30am to 10.30am, term time only (Main Hall) A low impact exercise class using Aerobic and Latino dance moves, followed by toning exercises including Pilates
Moo Music
Moo Music Thursday mornings -Interactive and fun music sessions for 0-5 year olds.
Parish Paths Group
Kingsclere Parish Paths Group We are a friendly group of volunteers who generally meet up on the last Sunday of every month. Our aim is to keep rights of way open to the public
Photo Club
Kingsclere Photo Club1st Weds of each month 7.45pm to 9.30pm, throughout the yea
Pilates
Friday Pilates Friday mornings 11.15- 12.15am. Liz is a certified level 3 pilates instructor.
Saturday Flow Yoga
Start your weekend with a fun, energising and dynamic Vinyasa flow yoga class.
Tuesday Craft Club
Tuesday Craft Club Tuesdays 7.00pm to 9.00pm, throughout the year(Holding Room).
Twinning Association
Kingsclere Twinning Association meets on an ad-hoc basis for membership events, and special events.
Village Bunnies Toddler Group
Village Bunnies Toddler Group Tuesdays 9.00am to 11.00am, throughout the year (Main Hall).
Women’s Institute
Kingsclere and Headley Woodlands WI2nd Weds of the month, 1.30pm to 3.30pm throughout the year (Main Hall).
Real Me Yoga
Real Me Yoga Signposting real bodies towards a real life ...Live well : feel happy.
FOOD AND DRINK
Bel & Dragon
Nestled between chalk hills and springs, Bel & The Dragon Kingsclere, takes its place within the heart of the village. This Country Inn emulates Bel & The Dragon’s distinctly cosy and classic style and offers nine beautiful en-suite bedrooms in addition to an attractive bar, restaurant & terrace.
The Crown Inn
A charming, traditional freehold pub offering wholesome food and popular ales in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Situated in the heart of the stunning village of Kingsclere, they offer a cosy log fire to warm you on chilly days or you can take in the peaceful village atmosphere and watch the world go by from their outdoor heated seating area.
The Star Inn
The pub was established between 1844 and 1847 in a building originally used as a farm. When it became a pub, the original landlord was a Mr Charles Elliot. Around Kingsclere there is terrific walking and miles of cycle tracks. You can also follow the Kingsclere Millennium Trail, which reveals the village's history and secrets on a scenic walk around the area.
Honesty
Honesty Group is a food business who care about their food, where it comes from, what is in it and how it is produced. Founded by Romilla Arber in 2014, the business has since grown and is encouraging people everyday to care more about the food they consume.
SPORT
There is a bowling club, short mat bowls, cricket club, gardening association, rugby club, tennis club, cycling club, walking group, boules,
COMMUNICATION
The Kingsclere Tower is published and distributed to all households in the Parish every month, except January. It is also electronically published on this web site courtesy of Kingsclere Parish Council.
CHURCH
St. Mary's is the local church.
HEALTH
There is a Kingsclere Medical Practice
TRANSPORT
There is no railway, the main bus is the Link, between Basingstoke and Newbury. Transport can be arranged for hospital and doctors appointments where none is available.
THE PARISH COUNCIL
The parish council information can be found on their website.
school
There is a primary school -a thriving rural village school at the heart of the community, with a strong family-feel.
Try one of the hearty dishes with a glass of wine or perhaps a golden pint of cask-conditioned real ale
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