Faringdon is a thriving Oxfordshire market town in the Vale of White Horse and lies about 30 minutes drive South West of Oxford. A beautiful town it lies between the two rivers the Ock and the Thames.
Its strategic position between the Thames and Ridgeway has given rise to a long history for the town. Faringdon (meaning 'fern-covered hill') was the first capital of the ancient kingdom of Wessex and Alfred the Great had his castle here.
The Domesday Book records a manor with mill, fishing and land for 15 ploughs. The great tithe barn at nearby Great Coxwell by the Abbey of Beaulieu bears evidence to the fertility of the Vale of the White Horse.
King John gave the town a royal charter in 1216 for a weekly market which continues to this day in the Market Place.
Faringdon enjoys panoramic views from its pretty perch on a golden limestone ridge between two beautiful river valleys, the Ock and the Thames. Its prominent position at the junction of ancient roads made it a historic centre for trade and travellers.
Faringdon makes a delightful holiday base for the threshold of the Cotswolds, with Oxford only a half-hour drive away. From Faringdon you can enjoy exploring four of England's most beautiful counties - Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
A few moments stroll from the centre of Faringdon leads to open fields and a network of footpaths. A short ride takes you to two national trails - The Thames Path and The Ridgeway and a variety of themed walks such as Willow Walk.
The Faringdon Folly Tower, completed in 1935, has become a local landmark. It was the last folly to be built in England, commissioned by a charming eccentric, Lord Bernes.
View from the top of the Faringdon Folly
Click and drag your mouse in the image to scroll around a full 360° Shift key to zoom in, Ctrl key to zoom out.
; "Faringdon")
button beside categories below to add content
