Faringdon

The market town of Faringdon is perched on a golden limestone ridge between two river valleys – the Ock and the Thames – Faringdon enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding area. On the threshold of the Cotswolds, distinctive regional stone is evident in buildings around the town.
 
The Anglo-Saxon kings of Wessex located a palace here and Faringdon is recorded in the Domesday Book. A weekly market was granted in 1218 and these continue to take place on Tuesdays in the central market-place, overlooked by the 17th century elevated market hall.

The Parish Church dates from the 13th century. A turbulent history has robbed it of many usual features including a spire but the interior reveals interesting features including scroll work and brasses. The churchyard is rumoured to have a ghost.

Faringdon is noted for the curious custom of dying pigeons with bright colours, a practice started by the eccentric Lord Berners when resident at Faringdon House. His on-going influence is still evident around the town through stone plaques with comments such as "Please do not throw stones at this notice". Faringdon house is privately owned and not open for public access.
A short stroll from central Faringdon are open fields and a network of footpaths and themed walks. Two of England's national trails - the Thames Path and the Ridgeway – are accessible within a short ride / drive.
On 1 February 2004, Faringdon became the first town in the South East of England to achieve Fairtrade Town status.

Five things to do in Faringdon:

• The Church of All Saints – splendid 1390 pipe organ
• Faringdon Folly – the last folly built in England is a stark 104ft high tower topped with gothic flourishes and mock battlements.
• Follow the town tour – a written commentary of significant historical buildings by local historian Jim Brown.
• Great Coxwell Barn - large, early 14th century monastic tithe barn cared for by the National Trust
• Badbury Hill and Woods - iron age hill fort and woodland renown for bluebell walks in April / May 
 

For more ideas on what to do in Faringdon download the Fabulous Faringdon brochure.