Why Watlington?
Reputedly England’s smallest town, nestling in the shadows of the Chiltern Hills, Watlington offers a traditional market town welcome.
Watlington (image (c) Watlington Parish Council 2007)
With origins dating back to the 6th century, the proximity of the Icknield Way, civil war connections, and mention in the Domesday Book, Watlington is certainly steeped in history. The fine 17th Century Town Hall is accompanied by many 16th century and Georgian buildings, as well as the venerable church of St Leonard’s. Watlington exhibits the specialist shops, pubs, small businesses, and great hospitality, which make it the very epitome of a small English Market town.
Bluebell Woods (image (c) Chilterns Conservation Board 2007)
The Chiltern Hills, one of South East England’s finest landscapes, rise above the town and offer much to the outdoor enthusiast. The Icknield Way (Ridgeway National Trail) runs within ½ mile, as do Shakespeare’s way, and the Oxfordshire Way. Watlington is in the heartland of the re-introduced red kites, which can often be seen soaring above the roof tops.
Watlington is surrounded by charming villages, each with a distinctive character, historic buildings, and in many cases, a welcoming pub. Routes between these villages make an excellent day or half day’s walk, and a fabulous way of enjoying the superb countryside and landscape.
Activities to enjoy in and around Watlington
Watlington lies in a beautiful, unspoilt corner of England. It is only a few miles to the north-west of London and yet has a very rural character.The rolling countryside around Watlington is dotted with farms, hidden valleys, sleepy villages and medieval hamlets. There is a wonderful network of rights of way, including the icknield way (ridgeway national trail), offering many possibilities for walking, riding and other activities.
Icknield Sign (image (c) Robert Barber 2007)
Click the options below to see what activities the area offers:
Planning your stay
Whether you come to Watlington 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.
Red Kite (image (c) Chilterns Conservation Board 2007)
Further Information
Watlington unfortunatley does not have it's own tourist information centre, however local information is available on the Watlington website at www.watlington.org which is the primary information resource for the area.
Watlington Mapboards (image (c) Tony Williamson 2007)
Further information is available in Watlington on any of the several mapboards located around the town and area
To download a copy of the mapboard click here
Local information is also available at:
St leonards Church, Watlington
St Margarets Church Lewknor
Much of the visitor interpretation in Watlington has been produced locally as part of the Hidden Britain project here in the South East.
Click here to find out more about Hidden Britain.
Hidden Britain South East
