Wallingford

Wallingford is a pretty market town nestled between the River Thames and the ancient ruins of Wallingford Castle in the glorious South Oxfordshire countryside. The wealth of independent shops, historical connections and traditional English architecture make Wallingford a perfect weekend get-away. No wonder it features so many times in the quintessentially English TV series, Midsomer Murders.

Easily accessible from the M40, M4 and A34, or from Paddington with a short taxi ride from Cholsey railway station, Wallingford provides a beautiful countryside option between Reading and Oxford. New mooring facilities are available for those arriving by boat on the Thames - a five minute amble past antique shops and cafes will see you in Wallingford's bustling market square.

Visitors can learn about the town's history at Wallingford Museum. Did you know that that an early government mint existed in the town and the mace used in the House of Commons is a copy of Wallingford's? It is still used today in the town's mayor-making ceremony.

The 1856 Corn Exchange in the market place is now a theatre and cinema and features prominently in the detective series Midsomer Murders - Wallingford is the original setting for Causton!

Music lovers enjoy concerts at St.Peter's and at St.Mary's churches and each September a three-day BunkFest Festival of steam, music and dance takes place. Nostalgia lovers and families love the steam and theme days at the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway.

King Alfred, Dick Turpin and Agatha Christie are just three of the names linked with this historic town. Alfred built the town to defend himself from Viking raiders and his 9th Century street layout remains largely unchanged. Dick Turpin apparently visited a local hostelry and Agatha Christie, who lived on the outskirts, is buried nearby.

Wallingford is also the burial place of local resident Judge William Blackstone, author of the book ‘Commentaries on the Laws of England'. This was used by the founding fathers of the United States of America when drawing up that country's constitution. To learn more about Wallingford's history visit Wallingford History Gateway.

Wallingford has many historical connections; flint tools have been found nearby dating from the stone age period, although Wallingford was originally established by the Saxons who built a defensive wall around the town to protect against the Danes. Wallingford's beautiful 300-metre long bridge spans the Thames at the point where William the Conqueror crossed in 1066, and in 1155 Henry II held a ‘Great Council' in Wallingford and gave the town a Royal charter. Wallingford is the best preserved example of a Saxon town in England and will delight both historians and those happy just to browse around the town visiting its antique shops and charming cafés. Why not take a stroll around the town using this handy historical guide?

There are also three scenic walks around Wallingford, one strolling by the river and through the town, one taking in the riverside path and two bridges and the third taking in the river and Benson Lock. These three walks are all on one handy leaflet which is easy to print out and take with you. The new 'Pushchair walks' are easy and flat whether you have a pram or a wheelchair and can be completed in less than 50 minutes. Or if you fancy a stroll to Cholsey, why not follow the Dame Agatha Christie trail? Long distance walkers may know that the Thames path also weaves its way through the town, and there is also an interesting walk taking in the delights of the Castle ruins.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of independent shops selling both luxury goods and daily essentials. With its royal charter, Wallingford hosts plenty of markets and there are also a number of successful antiques businesses. Coupled with cafés and restaurants, visitors can be sure of a relaxing stay in Wallingford.

Mooring facilities are available on either bank, and Wallingford boasts a Thames-side campsite, open-air swimming pool and large public park. Royal Swan Upping is a July attraction and Wallingford Castle Meadows and Castle Gardens are popular recreational facilities.

You can get further information from the Wallingford Town Information Centre, Town Hall, Market Place, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 0EG, Great Britain. Tel: +44 (0)1491 826972

E-Mail: ticwallingford@freenet.co.uk
WWW: www.wallingford.co.uk

Wallingford branding

In consultation with local people, businesses and organisations, a unique marketing brand for Wallingford has been developed that can help to attract more visitors, customers, investment and prosperity to the area. The highly visible 'W' will become a hallmark for Wallingford and it will be able to be used around Wallingford in communications, promotions and marketing materials.

If you are a business or voluntary organisation, are based in Wallingford and would like to use the brand, please log on to submit your details.