Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire

Nine miles from Oxford, Dorchester-on-Thames is a charming village featuring a high street lined with timber-framed houses and a distinguished coaching inn dating back to the late 15th century.

Despite its size, the parish church, Dorchester Abbey, serves as a significant historical monument, rich in Medieval heritage.

Located at the convergence of the Rivers Thame and Thames, Dorchester boasts a scenic landscape of water meadows and isolated chalk hills.

Visitors can traverse a segment of the Thames Path, a National Trail, and select from a variety of intriguing museums nearby that showcase vintage Aston Martins and historical locomotives.

Let us examine the top attractions in Dorchester-on-Thames:

1. Dorchester Abbey

Established in the mid-12th century, Dorchester Abbey expanded throughout the Medieval era and showcases a complete range of Gothic architecture.

The structure exhibits Early English Gothic on the north side of the nave, Decorated Gothic in the choir and south side of the nave, and Perpendicular Gothic in the south porch.

Antiquarians will find much to appreciate, including the magnificent depiction of the Tree of Jesse in the east window and the 14th-century piscina sedilla located in the sanctuary.

The abbey features frescoes from 1340, along with several funerary monuments, including an exquisite 15th-century brass for knight Sir John Drayton.

Among the more unusual artifacts is the Norman baptismal font, one of the few surviving examples crafted from lead.

The abbey museum, located within the Abbey Guest House and cloister gallery, welcomes visitors Wednesday to Sunday during summer, displaying Bronze Age pottery alongside Norman stonework unearthed during excavations at the abbey.

2. Pendon Museum

Over 60 years in development, Pendon Museum features scale models that recreate the English countryside as it appeared in the 1930s.

These representations include Dartmoor, the fictional Madder Valley, and the expansive Vale of the White Horse, which illustrates a significant portion of Oxfordshire’s rural landscape between Oxford and Swindon.

The displayed scenes are noted for their remarkable detail, featuring meticulously crafted nature, cottages, vehicles, boats, and railways.

Every component showcased in the Vale of the White Horse is based on an actual building, location, or vehicle.

The handmade model railways constitute the core of each scene; the Vale of the White Horse features a Great Western Railway station and accurate reproductions of six different GWR steam locomotives.

3. Thames Path

In Dorchester, you will find yourself along a segment of the 184-mile National Trail, which winds eastward from the Thames’s source to the Thames Barrier in Charlton, London.

Aside from a few minor detours, the Thames Path offers a flat and accommodating walk through charming meadows and riverside woodlands.

During the summer months, a steady flow of narrowboats navigates the waters, and one is never more than an hour’s stroll away from a cozy pub.

For those with determination, a day walk could lead to Oxford; however, Abingdon upriver and Cholsey downriver make for more comfortable destinations.

As you proceed, you will encounter weirs and locks dating back to the 1700s, along with historic boathouses, numerous thatched cottages, and picturesque bridges.

4. Wittenham Clumps

Located on the opposite bank of the Thames, a pair of elevated chalk hills stand out prominently in the surrounding landscape.

The southernmost hill, Castle Hill (110m), served as the site of an Iron Age hillfort and showcases evidence of human habitation spanning over 4,000 years.

The adjacent Round Hill (120m) offers a captivating view encompassing all of Dorchester and the 18th-century Day’s Lock on the Thames.

An orientation table located on the north side points out notable landmarks, including Faringdon Folly, situated nearly 17 miles to the west.

5. Hurst Water Meadow

Along the eastern flank of Dorchester lies a series of preserved water meadows, all managed and protected for public enjoyment by the Hurst Water Meadow Trust.

From north to south, these include the Hurst Water Meadow, the Old Bridge Meadow, and the Overy Mead Piece at the confluence of the River Thame and the Thames.

The largest of these is Hurst Water Meadow, covering 18 acres, positioned on an island between the Thame and the Overy millstream.

This meadow experiences flooding approximately three times annually; however, during dry periods, it transforms into a scenic and atmospheric location, framed by Dorchester Abbey and the Wittenham Clumps.

6. Didcot Railway Centre

Open daily during the summer, the preserved Great Western Railway locomotive shed serves as an engine stabling point.

This site, once part of the line from London to Bristol, maintained engines that transported passengers to the coast for transatlantic steamliners.

The current structure, inaugurated in 1932, was closed in 1965 following the transition from steam to diesel traction on British railways.

Visitors can view several fascinating exhibits, including a replica of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Atmospheric Railway, which used air pressure for train propulsion.

An array of historic steam locomotives dating back to 1857 is available for exploration, many of which are operational and can be ridden along short stretches of track during Steamdays, particularly in July and August.

7. Day’s Lock

By following the path down to the Thames, you will quickly arrive at this historic pound lock constructed in 1789, adjacent to the small village of Little Wittenham.

This modest location holds significant historical importance in Thames navigation, as King James I’s Oxford-Burcot commission in 1605, which took place nearby, resulted in the establishment of the river’s first locks.

The primary gauging station, which monitors the flow of the entire Thames, is also located at Day’s Lock.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that the World Poohsticks Championships have been hosted here annually since 1984, serving as a charitable fundraising event.

8. Aston Martin Heritage Trust Museum

A thrilling collection resides within a 15th-century barn located minutes from Drayton St Leonard.

Established in 1998 and opened to the public in 2002, this museum houses a remarkable assortment of pristine Aston Martins.

Among the automotive icons is the oldest known Aston Martin, a Bamford and Martin A3 from 1918, representing nearly a century of the manufacturer’s history, culminating in a rare pre-production Volante assembled in 2013. Display cases feature engines, models, components, clothing items, and other memorabilia from motorsport history.

9. Harcourt Arboretum

Situated in the village of Nuneham Courtenay, you can explore a satellite of the University of Oxford’s botanical garden.

This arboretum, established on the former grounds of Nuneham House, has housed a substantial portion of the university’s plant collection across 130 acres since 1963.

This serene and picturesque site, populated by peacocks, features one of the UK’s largest and most splendid collections of conifers.

Designated as a “pinetum,” this area was originally developed by the renowned 19th-century landscape designer William Sawrey Gilpin.

The monkey puzzle trees and giant redwoods that he planted have since matured into magnificent specimens.

There is enjoyment to be found throughout the seasons, from the vibrant bluebells in spring to the lush blossoms of rhododendrons and azaleas in early summer, and the splendid autumn foliage painting the landscape in reds and golds.

10. Wallingford Castle

Within the same borough, Wallingford Castle is located four miles downstream on the Thames and boasts a history predating the 11th-century Norman Conquest.

Originally established as a Saxon burgh, it controlled a crucial crossing point on the river.

Beginning in the 1200s, it transitioned into a Royal Castle; it is notable that historical figures such as Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, Simon de Montfort, and monarchs ranging from King Henry III to Isabella of France either resided at or visited this castle.

The last king to utilize the castle was Henry VIII, prior to its abandonment, after which its stones were transported downriver for the development of Windsor.

The expansive earthworks, ancient walls, and remnants of a priests’ college are situated within the 16.6-hectare Wallingford Castle Meadows, which has received the Green Flag award for the past decade.

11. Island Farm Donkey Sanctuary

The nearby village of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell is home to a widely appreciated donkey sanctuary, which remains open every day of the year, with the exception of Christmas.

Island Farm is dedicated to rescuing and caring for a large herd of donkeys who have been neglected or poorly treated.

While there is no entry fee to the sanctuary, donations are welcomed, and visitors can explore a gift shop and a café that operates on weekends.

Though Island Farm primarily focuses on donkeys, it has adopted other farm animals, including goats, sheep, ducks, geese, and a cherished pot-bellied pig named Percy.

12. Little Wittenham Wood

It is quicker to walk to this nature reserve located on the southern bank of the Thames than to drive from Dorchester.

Little Wittenham Wood is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and serves as an EU Special Area of Conservation.

Purchased by the Earth Trust in 1982, this land has been allowed to revert to its native woodland state.

Numerous concealed ponds within the woods provide essential habitat for the great crested newt.

With patience and a little luck, you may spot a kingfisher or otter while exploring, as there is a bird hide located beside the Thames.

13. Water Activities

Dorchester is surrounded by water in every direction.

Not only does the Thames curve to the south, with its tributary the Thame to the east, but there is also a network of lakes to the north, east, and west of the village.

The Queenford Lakes have served as a watersports center of excellence for over 50 years.

Two of these lakes are utilized by the Oxford Wakeboard and Ski Club, which offers various activities to non-members.

You can participate in beginner lessons for waterskiing and wakeboarding or enjoy a thrilling 15-minute high-speed ringo ride.

If you find yourself in the Dorchester region for an extended period, there are open water swimming sessions available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays throughout the spring and summer months.

14. Oxford Wet n Wild

When the summer heat hits, you can enjoy a delightful family day at this floating aqua park situated within the Queenford Lakes.

Open in the warmer months, Oxford Wet n Wild features a circuit of inflatable platforms, slides, and stairways that promise exhilarating and delightful fun.

Adults and children aged six years and above must wear life vests, and neoprene suits may be provided based on weather conditions, allowing for hours of sliding, climbing, bouncing, scrambling, and slipping through the course.

The venue also includes a café catering to children’s parties, and offers pedal boats and paddleboards for hire.

15. Dorchester-on-Thames Festival

The village fosters a strong sense of community, a spirit that is prominently evident during the Dorchester-on-Thames Festival.

This event occurs every other May, attracting approximately 3,000 individuals across more than 30 events each year.

The festival features concerts performed by various artists and ensembles, alongside wildlife walks, archaeology tours, art classes, and a food and gift fair.

Additionally, activities for children are available, such as drama workshops, science demonstrations, and classes focused on creating stop-motion films.