Map Of Didcot And Surrounding Areas

Map Of Didcot And Surrounding Areas

Introduction

Welcome to Didcot and its surrounding areas! This travel guide is designed to help you discover the best attractions, food, adventures, and experiences the region has to offer. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, you’re sure to find something new and exciting to explore.

Top Attractions

Didcot Railway Centre

The Didcot Railway Centre is a must-visit for train enthusiasts. This living museum features a collection of vintage steam engines, railway artifacts, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can take a ride on a steam train or tour the workshops to see how trains are restored and maintained.

Wittenham Clumps

For panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, head to Wittenham Clumps. These two hills are topped with Iron Age hill forts and offer stunning vistas of the Thames Valley. The area is also a popular spot for picnics, walks, and birdwatching.

Hidden Gems

Blewbury

The village of Blewbury is a hidden gem with a rich history. It’s home to a 12th-century church, a medieval manor house, and a traditional pub. Visitors can also explore the surrounding countryside on walking trails and bridleways.

Cholsey Marsh

Cholsey Marsh is a tranquil nature reserve that’s perfect for a peaceful walk or birdwatching. The marsh is home to a variety of bird species, including kingfishers, herons, and warblers. Visitors can also see wildflowers, butterflies, and dragonflies in the summer months.

Food Scene

The Red Lion

The Red Lion is a popular gastropub in the heart of Didcot. The menu features classic British dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, such as fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and Eton mess. The pub also has a wide selection of local beers and ciders.

Wallingford Farmers’ Market

The Wallingford Farmers’ Market is held on the third Saturday of every month and features a variety of local produce, artisanal bread, cheese, and meat. Visitors can sample food and drink from the vendors and chat with the producers about their products.

Budget-Friendly Tips

The Ridgeway

The Ridgeway is a 87-mile long-distance trail that runs through the chalk hills of southern England. Visitors can explore sections of the trail for free and enjoy stunning views of the countryside. The trail is also home to ancient burial mounds and hill forts.

Abingdon Market

The Abingdon Market is held on Mondays and features a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, and household items. Visitors can find bargains and unique souvenirs while soaking up the local atmosphere.

Outdoor Adventures

Thames Path

The Thames Path is a 184-mile long-distance trail that follows the River Thames from its source to the sea. Visitors can explore sections of the trail on foot or by bike and see historic towns, villages, and landmarks along the way.

Chiltern Hills

The Chiltern Hills are a range of rolling hills that offer a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and horse riding. Visitors can explore beech woodlands, chalk grasslands, and ancient woodlands while enjoying the fresh air and stunning views.

Historical Landmarks

Abingdon Abbey

The Abingdon Abbey was founded in the 7th century and played an important role in the history of the region. Visitors can see the remains of the abbey, including the 14th-century gateway and the chapter house. The abbey is also home to a museum that tells the story of the site.

Uffington White Horse

The Uffington White Horse is a prehistoric chalk figure that is over 3,000 years old. Visitors can see the horse from a distance or hike up the nearby hill to get a closer look. The site also features an Iron Age hill fort and a bronze age burial mound.

Family-Friendly Activities

Pendon Museum

The Pendon Museum is a model railway museum that features incredibly detailed recreations of rural scenes from the 1920s and 1930s. Visitors can see trains running through landscapes that include fields, villages, and farms. The museum also has interactive exhibits and workshops for children.

Earth Trust Centre

The Earth Trust Centre is a nature reserve and environmental education centre that offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as pond dipping, bug hunting, and den building. Visitors can also explore the nature trails and learn about the local wildlife.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences

Little Wittenham Nature Reserve

The Little Wittenham Nature Reserve is a hidden gem that’s off the beaten path. It’s home to a variety of habitats, including woodland, meadow, and wetland. Visitors can see wildflowers, butterflies, and dragonflies in the summer months and enjoy peaceful walks along the River Thames.

Blewburton Hill

Blewburton Hill is an Iron Age hill fort that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The site is off the beaten path and can only be accessed by foot. Visitors can explore the remains of the fort and imagine what life was like for the ancient Britons who lived there.

Natural Wonders

Ashdown House

Ashdown House is a 17th-century country house that’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands. Visitors can explore the house and see the impressive staircase, the Long Gallery, and the painted ceilings. The gardens feature a walled garden, a lake, and a wildflower meadow.

Benson Lock

Benson Lock is a lock on the River Thames that’s surrounded by beautiful countryside. Visitors can watch boats passing through the lock and enjoy picnics by the river. The area is also a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Crown & Thistle

The Crown & Thistle is a popular pub in Abingdon that offers live music, comedy, and quiz nights. The pub also has a wide selection of local beers and ciders and serves classic pub food.

The Wheatsheaf

The Wheatsheaf is a cozy pub in Didcot that offers a relaxed atmosphere and a selection of real ales and pub snacks. Visitors can play darts, watch sports on TV, or chat with the friendly locals.

Local Markets

Wallingford Market

The Wallingford Market is held every Friday and features a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, artisanal bread, cheese, and meat. Visitors can also find crafts, clothing, and household items at the market.

Abingdon Charter Market

The Abingdon Charter Market is held every Monday and features a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, and household items. Visitors can also find antiques, books, and collectibles at the market.

Beaches and Mountains

The Ridgeway

The Ridgeway is a 87-mile long-distance trail that runs through the chalk hills of southern England. Visitors can explore sections of the trail and enjoy stunning views of the countryside. The trail also passes through the Vale of White Horse, which features a white horse chalk figure on a hillside.

The Thames Path

The Thames Path is a 184-mile long-distance trail that follows the River Thames from its source to the sea. Visitors can explore sections of the trail and see historic towns, villages, and landmarks along the way. The trail also passes through the Chiltern Hills, which offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Cultural Immersion

Abbey Cinema

The Abbey Cinema is a historic cinema in Abingdon that shows a variety of films, including blockbusters, independent films, and foreign language films. The cinema also hosts film festivals and special events throughout the year.

Cornerstone Arts Centre

The Cornerstone Arts Centre is a cultural hub in Didcot that offers a variety of arts and entertainment events, such as theatre, dance, music, and comedy. Visitors can also take part in workshops and classes in a variety of disciplines.

Art and Music Scene

The Theatre at Didcot Civic Hall

The Theatre at Didcot Civic Hall is a small theatre that hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts. The theatre also has a bar and a cafe that serve drinks and snacks.

Abingdon Music Centre

The Abingdon Music Centre is a community music centre that offers a variety of music lessons, workshops