Attractions in Wallingford - What to do, see and visit during your stay
Wallingford is a delightful choice for a short family getaway.
The town has most recently become known for providing a host of settings for the hit TV series Midsomer Murders and was home to the greatest crime fiction writer of them all - Dame Agatha Christie who used Wallingford and its surroundings in many of her books. However this seemingly relaxed market town has a history far more interesting than any work of fiction.
Wallingford is reputed to be the best preserved Saxon settlement in England, whose ramparts were built in the 9th century on the orders of King Alfred to defend against a Danish invasion In its heyday Wallingford rivalled Alfred's administrative capital of Winchester in size and importance and, by the 11th century had become Berkshire's leading town. In the aftermath of the Norman invasion in 1066, William the Conqueror had a castle built in Wallingford which became prominent due to its prime location in this central southern region. It's importance to royalty continued when the castle became the stronghold of Empress Matilda during her conflict with her cousin King Stephen in the 12th century but it was Matilda's son Henry II who would grant the town it's charter in 1155 to thank the town for it's support during the civil war. Indeed it is one of only four towns mentioned in Magna Carta in 1215.
The town is justly proud of its heritage of which this is merely a taste. To help you get the full flavour of what Wallingford has to offer the town has devised a range of 7 walking tours around the area - 3 town tours suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, 3 scenic riverside walks and a walk to visit the excavation site at Queen's Arbour for any archaeology buffs.
Guides are available to download at
http://www.wallingford.co.uk/
You will also be able to download a commentary that is available in MP3 format or a written script for those with hearing difficulties.
If the weather is bad or if you're pushed for time, the town's centrally based museum has displays about Wallingford throughout the ages and has something for both children and adults.
The museum is based in Flint House, a mediaeval building in the High Street. Displays show a fascinating insight into Victorian life and include a walk-in shop with it's domestic area and workshop visible at the rear; a Victorian pub - although drinks are not for sale and the rather less quaint conditions in the local.
A 'walk through time' experience also allows you to trace the town's history from its Saxon roots through the rise of the castle, into a 'cloister' denoting religious places and events and finishes in the 'market place' under the pillars of the 17th century Town Hall
Other family activities should include a visit to Wallingford's very own Heritage Railway. Diesel and visiting steam locomotives regularly run along the old branch line connecting Wallingford to the nearby village of Cholsey. To avoid disappointment check the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway website first for details of operating days and, if rail is your interest, remember that Didcot is only a few miles west of Wallingford and is home to the famous Didcot Railway Centre with a unique collection of Great Western Railway steam rail memorabilia which will keep you entertained for hours.
Nature lovers should head for the ancient historic Wittenham Clumps. The name comes from the two clumps of beech trees which adorn the hills. These are the oldest known planted beech trees in England and are over 300 years old. The clumps are now a nature reserve and are home to an array of wildlife.
A visit to Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, should be arranged in advance (telephone 01491 833938) to ensure that a guide is available to show you round.
While a day out at Beale Park on the banks of the Thames near Pangbourne offers fun, adventure, animals, beautiful gardens, play and activities for the whole family.
Further afield
Wallingford's location also makes it easy to visit other parts of South Oxfordshire, and neighbouring Berkshire whether by public transport, or by car. Blenheim Palace seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill with its impressive Vanbrugh architecture is only a short journey north whilst Windsor Castle lies some 30 miles to the south east.
If however you prefer to explore your immediate surroundings on foot or by cycle you will appreciate Wallingford's close proximity to the Ridgeway where you can enjoy some of England's most historic and fascinating countryside.
