Pictures of Dorchester-on-Thames
About Dorchester-on-Thames
This is a delightful village set beside the River Thames at a point where the historic river is joined by the lesser known River Thame.
The village is renowned for its Abbey Church of St.Peter and St.Paul, a place of worship for more than 1300 years. It is one of the largest churches in Oxfordshire and is believed to stand on the site of a former Saxon Cathedral belonging to the 7th-century. The church we enter today is the only remaining part of an Augustinian Abbey founded in 1140.
The church has a somewhat unpretentious exterior which is more than compensated for by an interior showing an exquisite mixture of Norman and Gothic Church architecture. The most interesting features of the church are the three windows in the choir which date from the 14th-century. The window in the north aisle represents the Tree of Jesse, here there is a highly unorthodox use of stone and glass, as the designer sought to use the stonework to suggest the branches. The large east window has a buttress down the middle, and in the lower part of the south window there is a vision of a funeral procession.
Other interesting church features include the cast lead font from 1140, and the magnificent ornamental canopies over senior clergy seats, there is also a stone carving of a crusader.
In the medieval guest house adjoining the abbey there is a museum where visitors can see a window commemorating Sir Winston Churchill. A bright tea-room serving home-made cakes and light snacks makes a pleasant resting place for refreshment.
Past history reveals this may have been a Saxon Cathedral town, it is also known to have been a Roman station. Today, it is a pretty place, with nice shops and pleasant walks along the river paths where it is fun to watch river life and enjoy the entertainment provided by the rich wildlife habitation.
The village has some attractive buildings of which the 400 year old White Hart Hotel is notable
Add town to favourites
Submit a history of Dorchester-on-Thames
Recommended towns & villages near Dorchester-on-Thames
 | This is a popular Thames side village which was the choice of Jerome K. Jerome for a setting for one of the riotous scenes of his "Three Men in a Boat" and it is easy to see just..... Information | Pictures (24) | Hotels |
 | Dreamy village where the River Tame is crossed by a 16th-century stone bridge... Information | Pictures (2) | Hotels |
 | Interesting town, developed around the gates of an abbey founded in 675... Information | Pictures (72) | Hotels |
 | East Hendred is one of the spring line villages nestling just below the Downs in the Vale of the White Horse, Oxfordshire... Information | Pictures (46) | Hotels |
 | Oxford's fame is perhaps second only to Windsor, it is an acclaimed seat of learning with a University whose first college was founded in 1249, almost half a century after the first charter granted to the town by Henry II... Information | Pictures (474) | Hotels |
All towns in OxfordshireComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandRecommended attractions near Dorchester-on-Thames
 | The wonderful abbey church of St.Peter and St.Paul has a history stretching back to the year 634, but the church we see today..... Information | Pictures (2) | Hotels |
 | Abingdon Abbey was founded in 675 and demolished following Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. During the life of the..... Information | Pictures (16) | Hotels |
 | Abingdon museum is housed in the centre of this ancient town in the spectacular 17th century County Hall. It includes displays..... Information | Pictures (6) | Hotels |
 | The militaria of the county regiment of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire now incorporated in the Royal Green Jackets. Includes a..... Information | Hotels |
 | .. Information | Pictures (52) | Hotels |
All attractions in Dorchester-on-ThamesAll attractions in OxfordshireComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandHotels & Accommodation in Dorchester-on-Thames
 | The George HotelHigh St, Dorchester On Thames, Oxfordshire, England (0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
The George is a XVth century coaching inn set in the heart of Oxfordshire. Dorchester-on-Thames is central to many major centres of commerce and historic sites in Southern England. The hotel combine...
More info and book online.. Price from £45.00 |
 |  Fleur De Lys Inn9 High St, Dorchester On Thames, Dorchester On Thames, Oxfordshire, England (0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
A charming inn nestling in the sleepy medieval village of Dorchester on Thames, 9 miles from Oxford. The inn has a dining room, cosy bar, great garden and 5 fabulous luxury en suite bedrooms. The 16...
More info and book online.. Price from £55.00 |
 | Shillingford Bridge HotelShillingford Hill, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, England (1.4 miles, 2.3 km, direction SE)
Situated on one of the loveliest reaches of the River Thames, between Oxford and Henley. With our fully refurbished ground floor, Shillingford is the ideal place to relax. Part of the Forestdale Hot...
More info and book online.. Price from £50.00 |
 | White Hart Hotel26 High Street, Dorchester-On-Thames, Oxfordshire, England (1.7 miles, 2.7 km, direction NE)
The White Hart Hotel and Restaurant are situated in the village of Dorchester-on- Thames, 8 miles south of Oxford. Its excellent reputation makes it an ideal base for any visitors to Oxford and the su...
More info and book online.. Price from £55.00 |
 | The Plough At Clifton HampdenAbingdon Road, Clifton Hampden, Oxfordshire, England (2.3 miles, 3.7 km, direction W)
This quintessential English Inn is situated 8 miles south of Oxford and 4 miles east of Abingdon. We are situated in the small village of Clifton Hampden, close to the River Thames. Our hotel dates ...
More info and book online.. Price from £65.00 |
More Dorchester-on-Thames hotels...Nearby travel help
| Culham Station | (3.3 miles, 5.3 km, direction W) |
| Appleford Station | (3.6 miles, 5.8 km, direction W) |
| M40 Junction 8 | (7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction NE) |
| M40 Junction 7 | (7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction NE) |
| London Heathrow Airport | (32.9 miles, 52.9 km, direction E) |
| London Luton Airport | (37.5 miles, 60.3 km, direction NE) |
| Dorchester-on-Thames to London | (45.6 miles, 73.4 km, direction E) |
