This market town was, for a time, home to author Agatha Christie, who is buried in nearby Cholsey.

Around the Market Place and side streets are a variety of specialist shops, a department store, a large supermarket, restaurants, cafes and the Corn Exchange, which doubles as a theatre and cinema.

William the Conqueror built Wallingford castle, which was used as a royal residence until the time of the Black Death. The castle was demolished by the order of Oliver Cromwell in 1646, after a 65-day siege.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Basildon Park: Lower Basildon, Berkshire. An 18th century Palladian mansion. House open March 10 to October 31, Wednesdays to Sundays and Bank Holidays, noon to 5pm. 0118 984 3040.

Benson Veteran Cycle Museum: 61 Brook Street, Benson, Wallingford. Open Januar to December, by appointment only, call 01491 838414.

Cholsey and Wallingford Railway: Hithercroft Road. Restored two-mile line between Wallingford and Cholsey. For a timetable of operating days and seasonal specials, call 01491 835067.

Wallingford Museum: Flint House, 52 High Street. Recreation of Victorian street, and a sight-and-sound walk through historic Wallingford. For opening times please call 01491 835065, or visit the website: www.wallingfordmuseum.org.uk

USEFUL INFORMATION

Wallingford Town Council: Call 01491 835373 or visit the website: www.wallingfordtown.co.uk

Post office: St Martin’s Street.

Tourist Information Centre: Town Hall, Market Place, Wallingford. Call 01491 826 972.

The Castle Leisure Centre: Wallingford School Site, St George’s Road. 01491 839755.

Newspapers: Wallingford Herald, every Thursday, 40p, Oxford Mail, daily, 40p. The Oxford Times, every Thursday, 80p. Website: www.heraldseries.co.uk