Combe Gibbet Inkpen
Experience breathtaking panoramic views across three counties from this historic hilltop, a perfect spot for reflection and photography.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Unbeatable views and magical light
Combe Gibbet Inkpen
Best Time
Unbeatable views and magical light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking panoramic views across three counties from this historic hilltop, a perfect spot for reflection and photography.
"Best sunset in Britain! Take your partner for a fantastic sunset picnic to this wonderful place."
🚗 Drive Carefully
The road to the car park can be lumpy. Drive slowly and mind the terrain.
🌅 Sunset Picnic Spot
Pack a picnic for a romantic sunset experience with incredible views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Views
Soak in sweeping vistas across three counties. A truly breathtaking sight on a clear day.
Combe Gibbet Monument
The iconic wooden structure stands as a stark reminder of the site's grim history.
Sunset Spectacle
Witness a magical sunset that paints the sky with vibrant colors. Perfect for a romantic picnic.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Views, Respect the History
Best Time for a Memorable Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Carefully
The road to the car park can be lumpy. Drive slowly and mind the terrain.
🌅 Sunset Picnic Spot
Pack a picnic for a romantic sunset experience with incredible views.
🚶♀️ Walking & Cycling
Great for walks or cycling, with a byway alongside for off-road adventures. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Car Photography
A popular spot for car enthusiasts to capture stunning shots. :camerawithflash:
I'm making a Lord of the Rings style map of Berkshire and need your help with quirky locations!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Carefully
The road to the car park can be lumpy. Drive slowly and mind the terrain.
🌅 Sunset Picnic Spot
Pack a picnic for a romantic sunset experience with incredible views.
🚶♀️ Walking & Cycling
Great for walks or cycling, with a byway alongside for off-road adventures. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Car Photography
A popular spot for car enthusiasts to capture stunning shots. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Combe Gibbet for its absolutely breathtaking panoramic views, making it a top spot for photography and enjoying nature. The historical monument adds a unique, albeit grim, dimension to the experience. While the drive and car park can be rough, the stunning vistas and the magic of a sunset picnic make it a highly recommended destination for a memorable afternoon out.
"Outstanding views all the way around, incredible historical monument and so much fun for an afternoon out
Great place to take photos of your car too, for those interested"
Euan Gannon
"Best sunset in Britain! Take your partner for a fantastic sunset picnic to this wonderful place. Although the history of this place is a bit grim as they used to hang people here, at least they had a wonderful last view of the whole area.
I took my wife here and apparently I’ve now got 100.000 extra browny points ;)
Go go go"
W Heuvel
"Took a break from the normal evening routine 20.08.2025 and took myself here.. and who can blame me .. Been here many times before and each time it's breathtaking.."
John Baker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Combe Gibbet is accessible by car. The nearest parking is a lumpy car park near the monument. Be prepared for a potentially uneven road leading up to it.
Combe Gibbet is located west of Reading, offering a scenic drive for those looking for a view outside the city.
Yes, you can drive directly to the car park at Combe Gibbet. It's a popular spot for drivers seeking scenic views.
The road leading to the car park can be lumpy and uneven, especially in wet conditions. Drive with caution.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Combe Gibbet is a natural landmark and historical site, so there is no entrance fee. Access to the monument and surrounding views is free. :free:
Combe Gibbet is an open-air location and can be visited at any time. However, for the best experience and safety, daytime visits are recommended. :clock1:
No booking is required for Combe Gibbet. It's a public space that you can visit spontaneously. :ticket:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, explore the historical monument, take photos, and have a picnic. It's also a great spot for walking and cycling.
Yes, families can enjoy the open space and the historical aspect. However, supervise children closely due to the elevated location and historical context. :family_ww:
Absolutely! Combe Gibbet is a fantastic location for photography, especially for landscapes and car enthusiasts. :camerawithflash:
Historically, Combe Gibbet was a place of execution, where criminals were hanged in chains. The current gibbet is a reconstruction.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at Combe Gibbet. It's a natural site, so come prepared. :toilet:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Combe Gibbet. You'll need to travel to nearby towns like Hungerford or Marlborough for restaurants and pubs. :restaurant:
Yes, Combe Gibbet is an ideal spot for a picnic, especially during sunset. Remember to take all your litter with you. :sandwich:
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours, around sunrise and sunset, offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Clear days provide the best visibility for panoramic shots. :sunriseovermountains::city_sunset:
You can capture stunning landscape vistas, the iconic gibbet monument, and even car photography due to its popularity with car clubs. :car:
There are no specific photography restrictions, but always be mindful of other visitors and the historical nature of the site. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Car Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Hikers and Cyclists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grim History of Combe Gibbet
The practice of gibbeting was a brutal form of punishment, and the location on a prominent hill ensured the spectacle was visible to many. While the historical context is chilling, the enduring beauty of the landscape offers a sense of peace and reflection for modern visitors. It’s a place that prompts contemplation about justice, history, and the passage of time.
Capturing the Breathtaking Views
Many visitors recommend visiting during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise or before sunset – to capture the most dramatic light. The way the sun casts shadows and illuminates the landscape can transform the view into something truly magical. It's also a popular spot for car enthusiasts looking to photograph their vehicles against this impressive natural canvas.
Planning Your Visit: Practicalities
Comfortable footwear is recommended if you plan to walk around the area. The site is popular for walking and cycling, and a byway runs alongside, offering opportunities for more adventurous outings on motorbikes or 4x4s.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit