Many people enjoy taking a mellow meander down the Thames Path in Wallingford due to its serene, scenic aura.
This illustrious path, well-known for its close proximity to the now decrepit Wallingford Norman castle, proved to be a perfect way to spend a mild Autumn’s day.
The Wallingford section of the Thames Path is 2.7 miles long, continuing from Benson and before Cholsey to make up the 75.7-to-78.4-mile stretch.
Origins of the bridge date back to 1068, where it was used effectively in a battle between Stephen and Henry of Anjou.
Unfortunately, the path is understandably prone to flooding, which impeded the castle meadows leading up to the once magnificent Wallingford castle.
The Motte and Bailey was built on William the Conqueror’s orders, and during the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell found it such an ally to the Royalists that he had it destroyed.
Amid the tranquility of nature, there are a selection of various establishments to stop at and quench your thirst or replenish your hunger, with an array of seating next to the river to capture phenomenal pictures of the wonderful wildlife, architecturally beautiful bridge or the endless emerald fields which accompany the river, a photographer’s dream!
Along with the endlessly historical riverside, Wallingford boasts a hauntingly talented female author; Agatha Christie, dubbed ‘The Queen of Crime’ lived in Winterbrook House on the outskirts of the village, and Wallingford Museum has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the respected novelist.
Similarly, the village of Wallingford can undeniably be described as an endearing combination of contemporary and traditional in style, and it should surely be a desired location for any tourists who want to enrich themselves with English history.
