Wallingford

Wallingford is a delightful market town nestling adjacent to both the River Thames and the ancient ruins of Wallingford Castle. The wealth of independent shops, coupled with its ancient historical connections make Wallingford a perfect get-away for a quiet weekend, taking in the delights of this pretty Oxfordshire town.

Wallingford is situated 50 miles west of London but easily accessible by car from both the M40 and the M4, and a short taxi ride from Cholsey railway station which is served by Great Western trains from Paddington. 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 also 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 square is now a theatre and cinema and features prominently in the detective series Midsomer Murders - Wallingford is the setting for Causton!

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.

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 visited the 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.

The railway arrived in 1866 and today's attractions include Cholsey and Wallingford Railway, which runs steam and theme days, although unfortunately there is no regular connection on the Wallingford ‘bunk line' as it was affectionately called, as the train service from Cholsey ceased in 1959.

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.

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.

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.

You can get further information from the Wallingford Town Information Centre.

Wallingford
Wallingford Town Information Centre
Town Hall
Market Place
Wallingford
Oxfordshire
OX10 0EG
Great Britain

Tel: +44 (0)1491 826972
E-Mail: wallingfordtic@btconnect.com

WWW: http://www.wallingford.co.uk