Car Hire Faringdon

Faringdon is a town where the past feels close to the surface, with medieval streets, historic estates and rural landmarks offering insight at every turn. Its lower population count of 7,000 make it an ideal location for relaxing getaway. Sitting in the west of Oxfordshire, it’s easily reached by road via the A420 and lies within comfortable distance of both major routes and quiet backroads. From the hilltops near Botley, the approach into town opens up to sweeping countryside dotted with trails and stonework. It’s a place best explored in spring or early autumn, when gardens bloom and walking paths are at their best. Travellers from Didcot often make the journey for its balance of heritage and open green space.

Attractions In Faringdon

Exploring Faringdon is less about ticking off a list and more about letting the landscape guide you. The town holds a quiet variety—from ancient hillforts and walled gardens to heritage barns and wood-carved follies. These aren’t headline-grabbing sites, but they reward attention, especially if you like your history hands-on and your walking paths uncrowded.

Buscot Park

Buscot Park stands out not only for its elegance but for the way it invites visitors to slow down and wander. This 18th-century estate, now under the care of the National Trust, pairs formal gardens with walled walkways, sculptures and water features that create a rich yet peaceful atmosphere.

Approaching from Coleshill, the grounds open into vibrant seasonal blooms, from wisteria to well-trimmed borders, ideal for quiet photography or long afternoon strolls. Benches, toilets and shaded corners near the car park make it an easy spot for picnics and longer visits. Whether you’re drawn by landscape design or just a beautiful walk, this remains one of Faringdon’s most rewarding places to explore.

Faringdon Doorless Phone Box

The doorless phone box on Aspen Court might seem like an odd inclusion, but it perfectly captures Faringdon’s flair for the unexpected. Once a standard red telephone kiosk, it’s been preserved as a landmark despite missing its defining feature—the door. Locals have embraced it as part of the town’s quirky spirit, and it now serves as a piece of quiet street theatre more than a relic of communication. It’s not interactive, nor is it grand, but it adds a layer of curiosity to a walk through town. For those who love eccentric landmarks, it’s a smile-inducing detour that reflects the personality of the place.

Sand Hill

Sand Hill is less a defined attraction and more a subtle historical feature, rising just enough above its surroundings to hint at its layered past. Situated along a route that has likely seen foot and cart traffic for centuries, it represents the gentle topography that has helped shape Faringdon’s layout. The area is closely tied to the town’s early development and may have served defensive, agricultural or settlement purposes over time. Today, it feels unassuming—a quiet residential slope with echoes of something older beneath the surface. It’s the kind of landmark that rewards those who enjoy reading the land as much as the plaques.

Uffington Castle

Uffington Castle isn’t a castle in the traditional sense, but rather a striking Iron Age hillfort with sweeping views across the Vale of White Horse. The earthworks remain visible, forming a wide ring that once marked a strategic defensive site. These days, the fort’s high grassy setting offers a peaceful walk and panoramic countryside views. Interested parties driving from Carterton often stop here for the scenery alone. Parking is available, though there’s a fee, and you won’t find cafés or toilets nearby. Sheep roam freely, and while the hill holds no ruins, the landscape itself tells the story—quiet, open and deeply rooted in Britain’s prehistoric past.

Whitehorse Hill

Whitehorse Hill is one of the area’s most iconic ancient landmarks, known for the large chalk figure carved into the hillside and its sweeping views across Oxfordshire. The site is part of a larger network that includes Uffington Castle and Wayland’s Smithy, making it ideal for a circular walk filled with historical resonance. From the National Trust car park, the walk is gentle and scenic, passing grazing sheep and winding up to the hill’s summit. It’s dog-friendly (on leads), though there are no facilities on site. With or without a love for history, the views and atmosphere make this one of the best outdoor experiences near Faringdon.

National Trust – Buscot Old Parsonage

Buscot Old Parsonage is a National Trust-managed site that feels tucked away even by countryside standards. This former clergyman’s house sits near the edge of Buscot village and exudes a hushed, contemplative charm. Visitors sometimes stumble upon it during a stroll and find themselves enjoying the quietness more than they expected. The interior holds a modest grace, with traditional fittings and a stillness that feels almost theatrical. Though not a major attraction, it appeals to those who seek smaller, slower moments in their travels. Its sense of privacy is part of the draw, though it’s worth noting that surveillance cameras are in place across the property.

Faringdon Folly Tower

Built in 1935 by the flamboyant Lord Berners, Faringdon Folly Tower is the last major folly constructed in England and one of the town’s most eccentric landmarks. Rising above wooded slopes just outside the town, the tower is surrounded by an “enchanted” forest filled with whimsical wood and metal carvings that delight children and adults alike. Many visitors exploring from Wantage are drawn to the tower for its unique personality and atmosphere. With sweeping 360° views from the summit, excellent mobile reception and plenty of surprises among the trees, the site has become a beloved spot for families, dog walkers and even mobile gamers. The Folly’s blend of heritage, scenery and quirky charm makes it unforgettable.

Faringdon Pit

Faringdon Pit holds great scientific significance as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), thanks to the ancient fossils found in its gravel and marine deposits. Though its appearance might not suggest it at first glance, the site reveals evidence from the Cretaceous period, making it an important resource for palaeontologists and fossil enthusiasts. Visitors often come for peaceful walks or quiet exploration, appreciating the subtle but meaningful stories hidden within the layers of soil. While there are no formal facilities, the pit is known for its accessibility and tranquil setting. Whether you’re a seasoned geology enthusiast or just curious about the Earth’s deep history, it’s a quiet treasure worth discovering.

Kelmscott Manor

Once the summer retreat of designer and social thinker William Morris, Kelmscott Manor is steeped in artistic heritage and surrounded by beauty. The house is filled with Morris’s textiles and wallpaper designs, paintings by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and remarkable examples of period furniture. Its connection to the Arts and Crafts Movement has made it an inspiring stop for visitors from places like Witney and beyond. The atmosphere is calm and contemplative, enhanced by friendly volunteers who offer insights into the life of the Morris family. Outside, you’ll find a welcoming café, gift shop and nearby churchyard where Morris and his loved ones rest—all elements combining to create a moving cultural experience.

Humpty Hill

Sitting on the edge of town, Humpty Hill rewards visitors with wide-reaching views and a looping path ideal for a relaxed stroll. The open meadow is particularly cherished for its breathtaking sunsets, which draw in walkers year-round. Whether you’re after solitude or a scenic picnic spot, this natural rise offers a peaceful escape without straying far from Faringdon’s centre.

National Trust – Badbury

A short drive from Faringdon, this National Trust-managed woodland is a popular destination throughout the year, especially in April when bluebells carpet the ground in striking violet tones. The walking trails are peaceful and well-marked, framed by seasonal rapeseed flowers that light up the landscape under clear skies. Families on a day trip from Abingdon often favour this location for its blend of natural beauty and tranquillity, making it ideal for everything from short strolls to long afternoon rambles.

Tucker Park

Tucker Park provides a clean, spacious green just off Park Road, offering a quiet and enclosed area perfect for families and dog walkers alike. With a small playground and a large open field, it’s well-suited to picnics, games or a relaxed wander. Its tucked-away setting means it’s never too busy, and the park’s neat upkeep adds to the welcoming local feel.

National Trust – Great Coxwell Barn

The Great Coxwell Barn is a remarkable 13th-century tithe barn built by Cistercian monks, admired for its scale and intact medieval architecture. Its vast stone walls and soaring timber roof showcase the craftsmanship of its era, offering a vivid glimpse into monastic agricultural life. There’s no entry fee or time restriction—it’s open all day, every day. While signage is minimal, the setting speaks for itself, inviting quiet reflection. Many people travelling from Eynsham appreciate the stillness and simplicity. Parking is limited to a roadside strip, but most days you’ll find a space. With barely a soul in sight, it’s a quiet treasure that rewards those who make the short journey out.