Watlington

About

Reputedly England’s smallest town, nestling in the shadows of the Chiltern Hills, Watlington offers a traditional market town welcome.

With origins dating back to the 6th century, the proximity of the Icknield Way, civil war connections, and mention in the Domesday Book, Watlington is certainly steeped in history. The fine 17th Century Town Hall is accompanied by many 16th century and Georgian buildings, as well as the venerable church of St Leonard’s. Watlington exhibits the specialist shops, pubs, small businesses, and great hospitality, which make it the very epitome of a small English Market town.

The Chiltern Hills, one of South East England’s finest landscapes, rise above the town and offer much to the outdoor enthusiast.  The Icknield Way (Ridgeway National Trail) runs within ½ mile, as do Shakespeare’s way, and the Oxfordshire Way. Watlington is in the heartland of the re-introduced red kites, which can often be seen soaring above the roof tops.

Watlington is surrounded by charming villages, each with a distinctive character, historic buildings, and in many cases, a welcoming pub. Routes between these villages make an excellent day or half day’s walk, and a fabulous way of enjoying the superb countryside and landscape.

For more information, visit the official tourism website for Watlington.