South Oxfordshire
Wallingford
Wallingford is a vibrant and thriving market town situated on the banks of the River Thames. There is an abundance of historical sites to discover, as well as restaurants and bars to suit all tastes.
Outside Spaces
Wallingford has several large green spaces, including The Kinecroft just off the town centre, and The Bull Croft which also has play equipment for children. Crowmarsh Recreation Ground, which is situated just across the river has a wonderful playground and field. We are very lucky to have Wallingford Castle Gardens within the town. Wallingford Castle was once a powerful Royal fortress, and within the gardens there are still large sections of the castle ruins intact. The Castle Gardens are the perfect place to have a picnic or a wander. Please note that no dogs are allowed within the Gardens. In the summer months, we are very fortunate that Wallingford has an outdoor swimming pool alongside the River Thames, as well as a newly renovated splash park for children. Booking for the swimming pool is via www.better.org.uk (search Riverside Pool Wallingford), and the splash park is free entry with no booking required.
Thames Path
From its location on the banks of the River Thames, Wallingford gives you excellent access if you want to walk a section of the famous Thames Path. You can access the Path close to Wallingford Bridge, from Castle Lane (between The Town Arms and The Boat House pubs) the footpath is signposted to walk in the direction of Oxford, towards Benson Lock and Shillingford. Alternatively you can walk in the direction of Reading, walking down Thames Street and following the signposts to take you onto the Path.
Shopping
Wallingford has a diverse range of local independent shops, alongside the well recognised Waitrose and Lidl supermarkets.
- The Cookhouse Deli boasts a mouthwatering variety of deli produce
- Lamb Arcade antiques emporium is a must for any treasure hunters, and also houses the wonderful Wallingford Tearoom, which are famous locally for their exceptional afternoon teas
- Wallingford Bookshop is a local gem, the helpful staff always have great recommendations. They even operate a postal gift service for people where you can get a book a month delivered to friend or family member based on their favourite authors or genres.
- Help I’ve Broken It mobile phone repair shop come very highly recommended in the town - honest advice and repairs quickly undertaken.
- Champions is a little Aladdin’s cave; a traditional hardware store that stock almost anything you could need or think of, as well as being very well stocked with children’s toys and outdoor activities
Eating & Drinking
Wallingford has an abundance of excellent places to eat and drink, including (but not limited to!)
- Le Clos bar a vin - wine bar offering an exceptional range of wines and delicious food to share. Visit leclos.uk for more information
- Five Little Pigs - serving top quality, seasonal and locally-produced food and drink. Check out their menu at fivelittlepigs.co.uk
- The Dolphin - is where the locals would always recommend anyone to go for breakfast!
- The Town Arms - serving the best burgers in town! thetownarmswallingford.com
- Avanti - the best Italian by far avantiitalian.com History
In addition to the rich history surrounding the River Thames and Wallingford Castle, Wallingford was also home to the famous crime author, Agatha Christie, for over 40 years. She passed away in 1976 in her home, Winterbrook House, and is buried nearby at St Mary’s Church in Cholsey. You can follow the Agatha Christie trail around the town, which takes you to places connected with the bestselling Author. A Bronze statue of Agatha Christie sitting on a bench was recently unveiled in the town, and many visitors stop to take a moment alongside her, overlooking the Kinecroft. Wallingford Museum, situated in the High Street, is a delightful family friendly museum.
Immerse yourself in Wallingford’s story and bring history to life with artifacts and models from the town’s archives. See wallingfordmuseum.org.uk for the latest information and what’s on. The Cholsey & Wallingford Heritage Railway (also known locally as the Bunk Line) was originally part of a plan to construct a branch line that ran from Moulsford to Wallingford, then on to Watlington. However due to financial difficulties the project ceased after the Cholsey to Wallingford section was completed in July 1866. Nowadays this charming heritage line is run by volunteers and operates a number of special services on dates throughout the year. More
information is available on their website cholsey-wallingford-railway.com. Social Media Wallingford has a great Facebook page where people can ask for advice, help and recommendations about every local topic. Search for ‘Wallingford Piper’ – there may be a few hours wait to be authorised as it is all run by volunteers, but once you are in you can search previous topics or start your own.
Electric Car Charging
Electric car charging can be found in the car park of Lidl, and also in the Goldsmiths Lane Car Park (OX10 ODN) and Cattlemarket Car Park (OX10 0HF).
The Lidl charger uses the Lidl Plus app and charges at about 47kw/hr and has 3 types of tethered connection.
Goldsmith Lane Car Park is within a 5 minute walk of the apartment, and has a number of EZ Charge Charging Stations. The same can be found at the Cattlemarket Car Park.
Didcot
Nestled in Oxfordshire, ten miles south of Oxford, Didcot is a busy town with excellent shopping and modern amenities. Situated along the Great Western Main Line railway (with quick rail links to central London), Didcot has long been a vital hub of transportation and industry.
Outside Spaces
Although it is better known for its railway heritage, Didcot also has several outside spaces where you can walk, explore and enjoy the fresh air. Didcot Millennium Woods is located in East Hagbourne and whilst a relatively young woods, has been growing for over 20 years now and a canopy is now beginning to form over the footpaths. There is a stone circle close to the
centre. If you fancy a peaceful walk with lovely views over South Oxfordshire, head to Wittenham Clumps. The much-loved “Clumps” are one of South Oxfordshire’s most iconic landmarks, and the most highly visited, free-to-access greenspace in the region. Standing proudly beside the River Thames they offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside. The Clumps are made up of Round Hill (to the left when facing the hills from the car park) and Castle Hill (to the right). Enjoy a figure of eight walk around the hilltops or head between them and down into Little Wittenham Wood. From majestic red kites swooping overhead to a carpet of wildflowers beneath your feet, there is always something to see on, or from, the Clumps. Listen for the spring birdsong, marvel at the busy bees and butterflies during the summer, admire the magnificent autumnal colours, or take in the wonderful wintry views.
Shopping, Food & Drink
The main shopping area of Didcot is The Orchard Shopping Centre. Anchored by Sainsbury’s superstore, other food retail outlets include M&S Food and COOK. Retail stores include Next, Boots, Dunelm, Jojo Maman Bebe, The Entertainer, and Waterstones to name but a few; so there really is something for everyone. The Shopping Centre also boasts a Cineworld cinema and recently opened is Sparkle Cafe, a soft-play cafe for young children which is invaluable on rainy days! There are plenty of places to eat and drink including well known favourites such as Nando’s, alongside smaller venues such as Berro Lounge and Boswells Cafe If you want to step away from the bustle of the crowds, The Royal Oak is just a few minutes away from Didcot town centre. This family-friendly pub serves classic pub grub and offers kids’ menus and all-day breakfasts. They also show a lot of live sports, including football, rugby and cricket.
There is an attractive beer garden with outdoor play area, as well as car parking, and free wi-fi.
The Royal Oak, 118 Park Rd, Didcot, OX11 8QR. 01235 815992.
Opening Hours:
11:30am - 11pm Sunday - Thursday, 11:30pm - 12:00am Friday - Saturday
Kitchen Open: 12pm - 9pm Monday - Friday, 11:30pm - 9pm Saturday, 12pm - 8:30pm Sunday.
Arts & History
If you enjoy the arts, pop to the Cornerstone Arts Centre, situated within the Orchard Shopping Centre. Opened in 2008 Cornerstone Arts Centre is the venue for all things creative, from theatre, music and comedy to art exhibitions, dance classes and yoga classes. With their own in-house arts cafe, the Nourish cafe will feed your soul with locally made produce and a welcoming atmosphere. Visit www.cornerstone-arts.org for more information and details of what is on. To immerse yourself in the heritage and history of the town, you will want to visit Didcot Railway Museum, where you can explore the unique collection of Great Western Railway steam locomotives, carriages, wagons, buildings and small artefacts. The 21 acre living museum is set around the original 1932 Engine Shed. The Railway Museum is open at set times throughout the year, with special events such as their Steam Days and Discovery dates. More information is available on their website didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk.
Electric Car Charging
The electric car charging point, located at The Orchard Centre, OX11 7LL, is part of the Pod Point network. There is one device with two connectors available at this charging station.
There is further electric vehicle charging available at Tesco Superstore Didcot, OX11 9BZ which is also part of the Pod Point network. There are 2 devices and 4 connectors available at this charging location.
Social Media
Didcot has a great Facebook page where people can ask for advice and help and recommendations about every local topic. Search for ‘Didcot Community’ – there may be a few hours wait to be authorised as it is all run by volunteers
but once you are in you can search previous topics or start your own.