Situated near the M40 within easy access of London, Oxford and the North, the town of Watlington has its inherent rural charm intact. The many speciality shops opened in recent years trade comfortably alongside the town's well-established and essential outlets and conveniently placed pubs.
Set between the Vale of Oxford and the steep slopes of the Chilterns, Watlington is steeped in history and is first recorded as a Saxon settlement in the 8th century, but discoveries of a Bronze Age axe and Roman coins suggest an earlier past. In the centre is the Town Hall, built by Thomas Stonor to commemorate the restoration of the monarchy at the end of the Civil War. The Hall initially served the three roles of market house, school and meeting place.
Watlington is skirted by an ancient Ridgeway Trail at the foot of the Chilterns making it a popular stop-off for walkers, naturalists, cyclists and horse riders. Watlington Festival is held on the last Bank Holiday of May.
