The Welcome Guide
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The Welcome Guide
Your guide to Oxfordshire's services
Oxfordshire is a fantastic place to live and work, and we hope you will find our Welcome Guide useful as you begin to discover the county — whether it is shops you are after, or some of the more curious nooks and crannies.
Didcot
The arrival of the Great Western Railway in the 19th century transformed Didcot from a village to a town which has become famous for its living museum recreating the golden age of steam.
Henley
Located on the banks of the River Thames, Henley is famous for its Royal Regatta held each summer since 1839.
County Living
The city of dreaming spires may be packed into a small area geographically, but it punches above its weight in every other respect.
Recycling, Libraries and Thames Valley Police
Information on recycling, libraries and Thames Valley Police.
Local Food
With its own marmalade and sauce, Oxford is almost as well known for its food as it is its university, and all over the county you can find top restaurants, delis, gastro pubs and more than its fair share of celebrity chefs.
Witney
Once world-famous for the blankets that were made there, Witney is a lively market town 13 miles west of Oxford.
Wantage
To mark its significance as the birthplace of King Alfred the Great, Wantage’s market square is dominated by a statue of the monarch.
Wallingford
This market town was, for a time, home to author Agatha Christie, who is buried in nearby Cholsey.
Kidlington
Five miles north of Oxford, Kidlington’s skyline is dominated by the 800-year-old St Mary’s Church’s spire, known as Our Lady’s Needle.
Chipping Norton
Surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque limestone villages, Chipping Norton or ‘Chippy’ as it is affectionately known, makes a good base for exploring the Cotswolds.
Dorchester
Once on the busy coaching route to London, Dorchester is now a peaceful village standing at the confluence of the rivers Thames and Thame.
Burford
Burford is often referred to as the Gateway to the Cotswolds and the bustling old town makes a good introduction to this famous area of English countryside.
Bicester
There are two sides to Bicester — the historic which has its roots in the 16th century Market Square, and the ultra-fashionable that centres on Bicester Village designer outlet.
Banbury
Best known for the nursery rhyme Ride A Cock Horse, this market town’s heart is the Banbury Cross, complete with statue of the ‘Fyne Lady’ on her white horse.
Abingdon
Once home to the iconic MG motor car, Abingdon still retains a charming mix of older-style architecture, modern shops and housing, with its historic roots reflected in its beautiful seventh-century Abbey buildings.
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