Mapledurham is a quiet, rural village on the river Thames, hidden away down a steep, narrow lane. The village  formed part of the landscape of The Wind in the Willows, and if you visit you can appreciate how extraordinarily well author Kenneth Grahame has captured the essence and feel of the place.  The Packhorse was originally a farm on the Mapledurham House estate dating from the 1600's, but now performs just as vital a role at the heart of the village dispensing comfort and cheer to locals and visitors alike.