Discover Long Wittenham

Long Wittenham between the Thames and history

Long Wittenham lies on the banks of the Thames. A monument in Long Wittenham comprises four timber hall buildings constructed with posts set in trenches; they belong to a high-status Anglo-Saxon settlement. The combination of an archaeological settlement, church architecture and older buildings offers several distinct perspectives on the history of the place. For a trip with an interest in cultural history, this provides a useful framework: these remains span the Anglo-Saxon period to building changes in the 16th century.

Archaeology and architectural history

The Church of St Mary has origins in the 12th century, with additions made in the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Cruck Cottage dates from the 14th century and has a cross-wing from the 16th century. The dates show two different building histories: the church’s additions span several centuries, while the cottage’s original structure and cross-wing can be distinguished by period.

Landscape and surroundings

Castle Hill is located near the Wittenham Clumps, in the vicinity of Long Wittenham; Castle Hill is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The beeches on the Wittenham Clumps are considered the oldest known planted beeches on English hilltops and are over 300 years old. Castle Hill’s monument status and the history of the old beeches offer different points of interest.

Routes and orientation

An 800-metre public bridleway and footpath runs west from the High Street in Long Wittenham and forms part of the National Cycle Network’s Route 5 between Reading and Holyhead. The 800 metres refers to the local section of the path; Route 5 places it on the long-distance route between the stated endpoints. In Long Wittenham, the Thames Path is identified as an existing green infrastructure asset.

To reach the path at Ward’s Field, enter opposite Acklings Playground or via the concrete bridge at the corner of Ward’s Field. As access details may change, check the current situation before visiting.

Exhibitions and planning your visit

The Pendon Museum’s main exhibition focuses on a typical part of the Vale of White Horse as it looked in the 1920s and 1930s. Other exhibitions show how a traditional steam railway operated on a typical branch line in the West Country. The contrast in subject matter is between a regional scene and the depiction of railway operations. When choosing based on subject matter, distinguish between the regional scene in the main exhibition and railway operations in the other exhibitions.

The Sylva Wood Centre in Long Wittenham is not open to the public; visits are possible only by appointment or during events. Plan your visit around an arranged appointment or an event.

Discover more destinations: South Stoke, Bampton, Murcott, Watlington, Burford, Bletchingdon, Garford, Wantage

For the broader travel overview: Oxfordshire.