Dorchester-On-Thames

About

A small historic Oxfordshire village sits at the confluence of the rivers Thame and Thames, just 9 miles south of Oxford.

One of the oldest communities in the area, the village, local walks and its most well-known attraction, Dorchester Abbey are popular with visitors.

A Saxon Cathedral was established in Dorchester on Thames in the seventh century which was replaced by an Augustinian monastery in 1140. This was saved from Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries after it was purchased for £140 and bequeathed to the village. The medieval abbey church remains open for worship and as a concert venue hosting regular events including the English Music Festival.

The award-winning Cloister Gallery display, described as the best of its kind in the country, interprets the abbey’s story through a collection of carved and moulded medieval stonework while the Abbey Museum concentrates on the history of Dorchester itself.

Two original coaching inns remain in the village.  The surrounding area covers the Sinodun Hills and areas of great walking and cycling interest. 
Dorchester on Thames has found fame as a location for the Midsomer Murders television series.

The Village Walk explores the buildings in the village www.dorchester-on-thames.co.uk/information/walks/village-walk/