Welcome to Watlington.

Nestling in the shadows of the Chiltern Hills, Watlington offers a traditional market town welcome. The Town has much to offer residents and visitors alike with a number of specialist shops, pubs and other small businesses.   A lot of filming takes place in and around Watlington including the very popular Midsomer Murders. 

The Chiltern Hills is one of South England's finest landscapes and rise above the town to offer much to the outdoor enthusiast.  The Icknield Way (Ridgway National Trail) runs within half a mile of the town as does the Oxfordshire way.  Watlington is the heartland of the re-introduced red kites which can often be seen soaring above the roof tops. 

Independent high street.

Despite no longer having a market, Watlington is a great venue for shopping offering a wide range of speciality foods and goods, from cheese, to cookware, homeware and antiques. 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.

Thriving community.

Watlington is proud of its 'state of the art' playground and skate bowl at the Rec which includes something for all the family. If you prefer a tranquil place to sit, the Paddock is the place to picnic and admire the landscaped gardens. There is also a play area for younger children here.

With over 60 community organisations based in the town, there is always something going on and plenty to get involved with. Watlington is also home to many colourful events throughout the year, it really offers something for everyone.

Unspoilt environment.

The town is skirted by the ancient Ridgeway Trail at the foot of the Chilterns making it a popular stop-off for walkers, naturalists, cyclists and horse riders.

Watlington is passionate about preserving its unspoilt rural character and environment for future generations. Several of the town shops have gone plastic-free and there are lots of active environmental and volunteer groups that work tirelessly to keep Watlington looking its best.

Rich heritage.

The town is steeped in history and was 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. In the centre is the Town Hall.  This was built by Thomas Stonor to commemorate the restoration of the Monarchy at the end of the Civil War.

A mysterious white mark carved into the chalk lies above the town on Watlington Hill. Oddly, when approaching the town from Oxford the mark appears to extend the height of the Church Tower.

Reputedly England’s smallest town, nestling in the shadows of the Chiltern Hills, Watlington offers a traditional market town welcome. 

Supporting & enhancing the town we love.

Watlington Parish Council is committed to preserving the special character of the town and supporting community surrounding it. We are passionate about this wonderful place in which we live and work and work hard to sustain its uniqueness for future generations.

We hope this website provides all the information you need about Watlington, whether you are a resident, visitor or just passing through. If you have any questions that aren't answered on this site, then please do get in touch with us via the contact tab above..