Journey south in the county and you’ll find picturesque villages and historic market towns. Explore country houses, visit local museums and enjoy the unspoilt landscape of the Chilterns, river Thames and the Ridgeway.
Suggested itinerary
Explore country houses, visit local museums and enjoy the unspoilt landscape of South Oxfordshire and the Chiltern Hills. Relax in charming villages and enjoy the historic market towns with their unique mix of independent retailers and high street shops. In this 2 day itinerary we pick out the best things to see and do along the route along the River Thames, through Wallingford and South Oxfordshire, to Henley-on-Thames.
Read more...Morning
Wander the cobbled streets of Wallingford (10-minutes via bus from Benson), which has been important historically due to its excellent ford, and today the same crossing place has one of the finest bridges over the River Thames. Learn more about former resident, Dame Agatha Christie, in a circular walk taking in places linked to the author, and discover the town’s links with Midsomer Murders, as well as the ruins of Wallingford Castle and the excellent Wallingford Museum.
Read more...Discover more of Oxfordshire
Attractions
Didcot Railway Centre is a 25-acre railway museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s.
Harcourt Arboretum is home to 130 acres of British woodland, open wildflower meadows and trees from around the world.
The doors of the museum open onto the art and stories of the river, the history of Henley and more.
The Oxfordshire Walks app showcases 200+ walks such as Henley-on-Thames, Chiltern Hills and Christmas Common.
The historic Stonor Park is surrounded by 250 acres of sweeping grounds and beautiful gardens.
Waterperry gardens is home to 8 acres of inspirational gardens, a museum, garden shop, gallery and more.
Food and drink
Chef Raymond Blanc’s Restaurant is one of the best places to dine in the country and a site of gastronomic excellence.
The Black Horse is a beautiful pub and brasserie that is simply brimming with character in the heart of Thame.
The Chequers at Burcot is a gastropub located in the heart of Burcot with a menu catering to all tastes.
Secret Adventures organise special adventures including woodland feasts, foraging and wild cooking and more.
Shop local
This perfume boutique in the heart of Thame features a range of quality unisex niche perfumes and home fragrances.
Wallingford Local Producers Market provides fresh, local and handmade food and crafts, made by members of the community.
Housed in a 18th century barn, The Henley Distillery is a family-run distillery offering gin tours and tastings.
Accommodation
★★★★★ Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is a luxury hotel-restaurant set in elegant gardens in the Oxfordshire countryside.
★★★★ Close to Oxford, voco Oxford Thames hotel combines its medieval character with 21st-century style.
Self-catering. Snaptrip offers a great range of places to stay from cosy cottages to luxury stately homes in Oxfordshire.
Self-catering. Sykes Holiday Cottages offer an array of properties from pet-friendly cottages to those with hot tubs.
The Chequers at Burcot lies south of Oxford and offers 9 boutique rooms with all the comforts of home.
