Why Dorchester?
A charming, riverside, Oxfordshire village five miles from Wallingford, and nine miles from Oxford, Dorchester-on-Thames is steeped in history. Close to an Iron age hillfort, it was formerly a Celtic market centre, and a Roman town, but it was the advent of Christianity that truly put Dorchester-on-Thames on the map. St Birinus baptised the Saxon King Cynegils in 635 and established an Episcopal see that covered most of England.
Dorchester-on-Thames (image (c) James Turner 2007)
Building commenced in 1140 on an Augustinian monastery of which the magnificent medieval abbey church remains, still in use today for worship, music and events. Dorchester, today is a village of interesting and charming buildings, reflecting many architectural styles, and recently been a location for the Television series “Midsomer Murders”.
The surrounding landscape promises a beautiful and seductive escape with much for the outdoor enthusiast. The nature reserve of the imposing Sinodum Hills (known as Wittenham clumps) overlooks the village, and there are marvellous local walks and cycle rides that include the Clumps, nearby Clifton Hampden and the local Hurst Meadow.
Wittenham Clumps (image (c) South Oxfordshire District Council 2007)
So whether you come for a day visit, or spend longer for the local food and warm welcome of the hotels and B+B’s, Dorchester-on-Thames is truly a worthwhile destination.
Activities in and around Dorchester-on-Thames
Set in some of the finest countryside of the South East, on the borders of two Area's of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Dorchester is an idyllic rural destination.
Click on the options below to see what activities are available in and around Dorchester-on-Thames:
Days Lock (image (c) Brian Oliver 2006)
Planning your stay
Whether you come to Dorchester-on-Thames for the day or stay for a longer visit, click on the links below to find all you need to know about where to stay, where to eat and drink and other activities on offer in the area.
River Thame at Dorchester (image (c) Brian Oliver 2006)
Further Information
For more information visit:
The Village website at: www.dorchesteronthames.co.uk
The Dorchester Abbey website at: www.dorchester-abbey.org.uk
Informaiton is available locally in the village at the interactive touch screen points in the Abbey Museum and in Dorchester Abbey itself.
For a copy of the Dorchester map click here to download
For further information on the wider area please visit the following sites:
www.northmoortrust.co.uk
www.visitsouthoxfordshire.co.uk
www.chilternsaonb.org
www.northwessexdowns.org.uk
Dorchester-on-Thames is one of the destinations working with the Hidden Britain project here in the South East.
Click here to find out more about Hidden Britain.
Hidden Britain South East
