Pictures of Wallingford
About Wallingford
Wallingford is a market town and riverside resort, it was originally built as a walled town at a strategic crossing of the River Thames by William the Conqueror. In fact, the town's picturesque multi-arched bridge is the oldest bridge spanning the Thames, it was built during the Conqueror's reign. Wallingford may have a history that began way back in the mist's of time, but today this charming town has buildings featured in current television shows, such as its small theatre, which has been used several times for the Midsomer Murders series.
A number of streets lead off the town's fine market square, these display a delightful mixture of properties ranging from quaint Tudor timber-frame, to the handsome stone buildings of the Georgian era. The town centre is a major conservation area, it is rich in architectural gems dating as far back as the 14th-century, whilst the landscape of the Thames is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The town's narrow streets provide visitors with an interesting shopping experience, in these you will find a wide variety of small owner-run shops offering a friendly welcome. In the Lamb Arcade you can seek out antique shops run by knowledgeable dealers, and when you tire, you can find plenty of pubs and restaurants where you can rest to restore your energy, or for those with a preference for the great outdoor the town has plenty of open spaces and flower filled parks to rest in.
Buildings worth taking a peek at include St. Leonard's Church, although much restored, this is Norman - as can be noted from the herringbone work, north door and arches east of the nave. Angiers Almshouses of 1681 and St. Peters Church with its unusual spire, a rebuild of 1860 are worth a look, so is the 17th-century Town Hall mounted on pillars which has splendid paintings by Hayller, Lawrence and Gainsborough. It also houses the town plate and the only known portrait of Judge Blackstone.
The town takes great pride in its Civic Ceremonies, at these times you can see the full council in colourful regalia, usually led by the mayor wearing his symbolic chain of office, and the Mace is processed.
A wander around reveals much that is pleasant, you can enjoy the tow paths of the Thames with their misty views of the river, its fluffy white swans and ducks with colourful feathers. On a river trip, through the lovely rural countryside there are delightful reeded water-meadows and glorious period houses crowned with tall chimneys to be spotted, ah yes, and the occasional heron or two.
Wallingford can be found around a 15 minute drive away from Oxford's "dreaming spires", it is within reach of the Ridgeway Path and the pleasant town's of Goring and Cholsey, which has the Wallingford and Cholsey Railway where you can drift back into the romantic age of steam by taking a trip on a beautifully preserved steam train.
Yes, this place has all of this and much more - why not give yourself a treat, have a weekend away in a lovely location that has something for everyone. Anyone wanting a romantic weekend away will find that Wallingford has lovely hotels both in the town and surrounding countryside.
