Discovering Watlington

Like many other South Oxfordshire folk I have driven through this pretty historic town en route to the M40 hundreds of times. On occasion I've paused to note from the car window the number of attractive and historic houses but never had I actually stopped there. That was until lock down. 

In the depths of the strictest restrictions and neighbour generously offered us half a loaf of freshly baked bread following a shopping trip to Watlington. A shopping trip? But it just has a Coop, right? Wrong.

From the B4009 it may appear this way but if you bother to stop and park the car (for free) to stroll away from the busy main road onto the quiet and very pretty high street visit you will discover a small but fabulous independent (and COVID safe!) shopping paradise. 

In the heart of the market square, housed within the ancient Town Hall, is a super fresh fruit and vegetable market. Across the road is the fantastic Orange Bakery where the scent of baking sour dough can pull in a Saturday morning queue which stretches the entire length of the High Street, and yes it is worth the wait. Calnan Brothers Butchers also have a recently refurbished shop opposite. A deli cafe, chocolate shop, sustainable refill convenience store and jewelers plus a number of homeware and clothing shops also line the High Street. 

Dare I say it a shopping trip to Watlington can feel like an episode of Midsomer Murders. Labradors and wicker shopping baskets adorn the residents who stroll happily around the virtually traffic free section of High Street as they stop to greet each other. 

The town doesn't just boast good shopping. Other highlights are it's position at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, a primary and secondary school plus pubs, a pharmacy, library, eateries and a petrol station. Oxford and Henley are both within easy reach and for London commuters the 24 hour Oxford Tube coach service stops just five minutes down the road at Lewknor. 

Future plans for a relief road should relinquish the town of the existing flow of M40 traffic however, swerve onto any one of the small and quiet side roads and you will find that the traffic hum instantly vanishes.

For a small town of under 3,000 residents Watlington really does have a surprising amount of offer, and for those looking for a rural lifestyle but not quite willing to surrender the convenience and buzz of a town or city Watlington could be just the perfect place.