Faringdon: Folly Hill, local history and market life

Faringdon lies on a ridge between the valleys of the Ock and Thames rivers, offering far-reaching views of the surrounding area. This gives the location a distinct range of attractions: a prominent tower in a wooded area, historic buildings, walking and cycling routes, and markets.

Folly Hill and the woodland

Faringdon Folly Tower is 100 feet tall and stands on Folly Hill in a circular, four-acre wooded area. Scots pines and broadleaf trees grow there. There are also numerous sculptures for visitors to seek out and discover. If you are interested in outdoor art, these works offer their own reason to explore the woodland closely.

The woodland is not public land; however, the public is granted what is known as “permissive access” there. Check the current access conditions before your visit.

Walks and cycling routes

The Folly Pink Walk is an approximately 3-mile circular route starting from the Market Place. It passes through Badbury and goes to the Folly. The Badbury Blue Walk is also a circular route, but starts at the Southampton Street Car Park and covers approximately 6 miles. Along the way, it passes over Badbury Hill and through Badbury Clump to the National Trust’s Great Coxwell Barn.

The approximate distances offer a useful comparison: the Badbury Blue Walk is about twice as long as the Folly Pink Walk, and the two routes start in different places. When choosing between them, you can therefore take into account both the planned distance and the respective starting point. The distances for both walks are approximate.

A guide to three stroller-friendly walks around the town is also available for Faringdon. The designated cycling routes also all start and finish in Faringdon. This makes the town a shared starting point for different ways of exploring the surrounding area on foot or by bike. Check the latest route information before setting out.

All Saints’ Church and Old Town Hall

All Saints’ Church dates from the 12th century and is listed as a Grade I building because of its exceptional architectural and historic significance. One striking detail is at the end of the nave, where a cannonball is embedded in the wall.

Faringdon’s Old Town Hall stands on the Market Place, supported by classic stone columns. The building dates from the late 17th century. It was funded and built by public subscription after the Civil War. Together with the church, it offers a clear comparison in age: the history of All Saints’ dates back to the 12th century, while the Town Hall belongs to a much later period.

Market days and local produce

A traditional market is held at the Market Place every Tuesday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. The monthly farmers’ market is also held at the Market Place, on the first Tuesday of each month. For planning purposes, it is helpful to distinguish between the weekly market day and the monthly event; check the dates before your visit.

The farmers’ market offers, among other things, cheese, meat products, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and chutneys. If you would like to plan your stay around a market visit, the first Tuesday of the month is the right time to plan specifically for the farmers’ market. The combination of regular market days and varied route options gives you concrete points of reference for prioritising your interests during your stay in Faringdon.

Discover more destinations: Alvescot, Ambrosden, Shipton Under Wychwood, Oxford, Chadlington, Great Milton, Long Wittenham, Church Handborough.

For the county-wide travel overview: Oxfordshire.