Clifton Hampden

Clifton Hampden to Sutton Courtenay

From Abingdon -Thames Path , OX14

 These two villages are well worth a visit......

There are two idyllic strolls from Abingdon to both the villages that will give you great pleasure. They are not exactly littered with landmarks along the way, but you just feel that nature is in pure harmony here.

The Churchyard at Sutton Courtenay has the grave of George Orwell - he of 1984 and Big Brother fame. He is buried under his real name of Eric Blair.

Getting to Sutton Courtenay should only take you about half an hour and you will have the chance to admire the route between Sutton weir and the throbbing heart of the River Thames. You could quite easily lie on these banks for an entire day contemplating life without civilisation. However, if you keep on walking you will chance upon several traditional riverside pubs.

The village of Clifton Hampden is distinguished by both an architectural and literary landmark. The memorable bridge was designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, and just as you are past that little curiosity, you will find the Barley Mow, which influenced Jerome K. Jerome's famous novel Three Men in a Boat. Apart from that, pretty cottages that are possibly inhabited by little gnomes make their presence very welcome. An altogether very English scene, and this visit makes you realise that the River Thames is full of surprises!

Visit www.visitvale.com for more info about the area.

Back to Interesting Towns/Pretty Villages