Rotherfield Peppard is just north of Sonning Common on the B481 road which links Caversham and Nettlebed. It is situated on an old overland pack route from Henley to Goring which can still be traced, partly on footpaths and partly on modern roads. The pack route is thought to be the origin of pub names such as the Pack Horse and the Pack Saddle which, although not in the village, are not far away.

The village's unusual name comes from the ancient settlement of Redrefeld, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book, and the family name of Pipard or Pypard who, in the reign of Edward I, held the manor at Wallingford. At that time the area became known as Retheresfelde Pipard.

Around the village there is evidence of pits from which chalk was excavated and excavations for flints, especially at nearby Stony Bottom. Flints were used as a building material throughout the Chilterns.

All Saints’ church is a pretty church with pink hydrangea shrubs ling the path from the lych gate to the entrance It has Norman origins and has three small 12th century windows.

Another notable historic bulding is Blounts Court, a mainly 17th century mansion with a history going back to the 14th century. Blounts Court is famous for a tulip tree planted there by King Charles I. Also the oldest Congregational Chapel in Oxfordshire can be found in the village.