Ancient Beauty VALE OF WHITE HORSE

Families

HIDDEN GEMS

The Vale of White Horse stretches from the edge of Oxford to the threshold of the Cotswolds. Its enchanting landscape is marked by a mysterious pagan past - the very name comes from the oldest chalk figure in Britain, dating back over 3,000 years.

It offers many walking and cycling trails. Mile upon mile of the Thames Path leads you to wonderful waterside pubs, hidden villages and glorious countryside. Wayland’s Smithy is one of the most impressive prehistoric tombs in Britain.

Abingdon-on-Thames is the largest town in the Vale, its historic town centre dominated by the grandeur of the 17th century County Hall. It presides over the cobbled Market Place, a favourite café haunt for walkers and cyclists taking a break from the Thames Path and other routes in the surrounding countryside.

Nearby is The Crown & Thistle coaching inn and the ancient Abbey Buildings which host the Abingdon Traditional Craft Fair every November.

Wantage is an ancient market town and birthplace of King Alfred the Great. Visit the awardwinning Vale & Downland Museum which tells the story of the White Horse Grove, on the outskirts of Wantage, has grown from a settlement recorded in the Doomsday Book.

Faringdon has been welcoming visitors for many centuries. Take a break in one of the quirky coffee shops, or climb to the top of the hill above Faringdon to see the gothic Folly Tower and views across four counties. Nearby grab a drink, eat or stay at Mollie’s Motel & Diner Oxfordshire.