Wallingford

The wealth of independent shops, historical connections and traditional English architecture make Wallingford a perfect weekend get-away. No wonder it features so many times in the quintessentially English TV series, Midsomer Murders.

Easily accessible from the M40, M4 and A34, or from Paddington with a short taxi ride from Cholsey railway station, Wallingford provides a beautiful countryside option between Reading and Oxford. New mooring facilities are available for those arriving by boat on the Thames - a five minute amble past antique shops and cafes will see you in Wallingford's bustling market square.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of independent shops selling both luxury goods and daily essentials. With its royal charter, Wallingford hosts plenty of markets and there are also a number of successful antiques businesses. Coupled with cafés and restaurants, visitors can be sure of a relaxing stay in Wallingford.

Mooring facilities are available on either bank, and Wallingford boasts a Thames-side campsite, open-air swimming pool and large public park. Royal Swan Upping is a July attraction and Wallingford Castle Meadows and Castle Gardens are popular recreational facilities.