25 Feb 2015
Announcing a list of 10 unusual or quirky hidden gems to seek out on holiday in South Oxfordshire. Starting with.....
Yewhenge
Yewhenge is an accurate, third-size replica of Stonehenge growing at Waterperry Gardens near Thame. The yew trees were planted early in the new millennium to the exact same geographical coordinates as the historic ancient monument. Open all year.
Maharah's well
The Victorian Maharajah's Well is located at Stoke Row is five miles west of Henley on Thames. Built in 1864, it is the depth of two Nelson's columns and topped by a golden elephant. It was a gift from the Indian Maharajah of Benares to repay a similar community gift by Edward Reade, who was Lieutenant Governor of the North Western Provinces as well as Squire of nearby Ipsden. Open all year.
Watlington White Mark
Watlington White Mark was designed by local squire Edward Horne, who felt that the parish church of St. Leonard, when viewed from his home, would be more impressive if it appeared to have a spire. He had this unusual folly cut into the chalk escarpment of Watlington Hill in 1764. It is 36 feet (11 m) wide at its base and 270 feet (82 m) long.
The Clock with two elevens
Benson's parish church tower of St Helen was rebuilt in 1794. It has a single clock face on the east-facing side with hours displayed in Roman numerals. The clock face mistakenly has the nine o'clock marker painted as "XI". The eleven o'clock marker is also XI. Open all year.
Watercress beds
Part of a 6.5 acre local nature reserve, Ewelme Watercress Beds extend the entire length of the village. Although watercress is no longer grown commercially here, the beds are a reminder of times where it thrived and supplied London's Covent Garden. It is possible to visit the beds via organised visits, guided and self-guided tours during the year.
Rycroft Chapel
Ornate 15th Century chapel near Thame with exquisitely carved and painted woodwork, a musicians' gallery dating from 1610 and elaborate Baroque reredos dated 1682. The future Queen Elizabeth I was detained here during the reign of her sister Mary, and she returned many times once she became Queen. Open at weekends only.
Saxon fortifications
King Alfred's Saxon fortifications still surround the town of Wallingford on three sides – the largest and best surviving example of their kind in England. Huge mounds also denote the great Royal castle built by William the Conqueror and demolished by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. Open all year.
Mrs Mallowan
Mrs Mallowan, also known as the Queen of Crime Agatha Christie, lived quietly in Wallingford and its neighbouring parish of Cholsey for over 40 years from 1934 until her death in 1976, writing many of her novels here. There's an Agatha Christie Trail and exhibition at Wallingford Museum to discover more.
Midsomer Murders
Millions of people love Midsomer Murders and want to visit Inspector Barnaby land. The market towns and villages that bring Causton, Midsomer Newton and Badger's Drift to life lie within South Oxfordshire & The Chilterns. Follow self-drive trails, walking tours or get a guided tour and visit the locations seen on screen. Available all year.
Goring Gap
Recognised as one of the most beautiful stretches of the Thames, the Goring Gap is the setting for classic books The Wind in the Willows, Watership Down and Three Men in a Boat. Views of Goring Lock, the weirs and the rural landscape, especially as seen from the bridge, are some of the most photographed and painted scenes in England. Available all year.
