Welcome to the town of Watlington

This attractive market town stands between the Vale of Oxford and the steep slopes of the Chiltern Hills. The Town is steeped in history and is first recorded as a Saxon settlement in the 8th Century, but the discoveries of a Bronze Age Axe and Roman Coins suggest an earlier past.

When visiting Watlington you are sure to notice its magnificent Town Hall, built in the 17th Century to commemorate the restoration of the monarchy at the end of the civil war. The town contains many other historic buildings dating back to that period, and before, such as the lovely parish church of St Leonard’s, parts of which date back to the 12th Century.

The High Street is lined with interesting 15th, 16th and 17th Century buildings and the number of former pubs could surprise you.

Above the town, a white mark in the shape of an obelisk was carved into the chalk on Watlington Hill in the 18th Century. Oddly, when approaching the Town from Oxford the mark appears to extend the height of the Church Tower.

The Town is skirted by the ancient Icknield Way (now part of the Ridgeway National Trail) at the foot of the Chilterns making it a popular stop-off for walkers, naturalists, cyclists and horse riders.

Despite no longer having a market, Watlington is great venue for shopping offering a wide range of speciality foods and goods, from cheese, to cookware, fashion, homeware and antiques.
For a map of Watlington click Here.
To find out more about the businesses in Watlington click Here.

In addition there are a number of pubs and restaurants to choose from in Watlington where you can relax and enjoy good food and drink. There are also several comfortable and affordable places to stay within the town.

Watlington itself is also home to many colourful events throughout the year, it really offers something for everyone.

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