Experience Oxfordshire Guide 2019

Vale of White Horse
Ancient Beauty
The Vale of the White Horse country stretches from
the edge of Oxford to the threshold of the Cotswolds.
Its enchanting landscape is marked by a mysterious
pagan past – the very name comes from the oldest
chalk figure in Britain dating back over 3000 years.
The landscape’s beauty has inspired poets, painters and
musicians. It offers many walking and cycling trails. Mile upon
mile of the Thames Path leads you to wonderful waterside
pubs, hidden villages and glorious countryside. Waylands
Smithy is one of the most impressive prehistoric tombs in
Britain. It is approximately 5000 years old.
Abingdon-On-Thames is the largest town in the Vale
and can be reached by foot from the Thames Path or by
boat from the river. Abingdon makes an ideal base for a
holiday with great leisure facilities and a wealth of history to
be discovered.
Wantage is an ancient market town and birthplace of
King Alfred the Great. Visit the award-winning Downland
Museum with its interactive displays which tell the story of the
White Horse. Grove on the outskirts of Wantage has grown
from a settlement recorded in the Doomsday book. Enjoy a
walk along Letcombe Brook to discover a host of wildlife.
Faringdon has been
welcoming visitors for many
centuries. Enjoy a coffee
in one of the quirky coffee
shops, or climb to the top of
the hill above Faringdon to
see the Gothic Folly and you
can see views across four
counties. Make the most of
your time in the area and
visit Kelmscott Manor
between Faringdon and
Lechlade, once the country
home of poet William Morris.
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Around the County: Vale of White Horse
White Horse Hill
Faringdon Folly
Vale of White Horse: Ancient Beauty