Walking Holidays from The Old Crown: Thames Path, Buscot Park and Beyond
- Sebastiaan Evans
- Apr 4
- 8 min read
Faringdon sits at the meeting point of some of the finest walking country in southern England. The Thames Path runs within a few miles to the south, the Ridgeway crosses the downs to the east, and the Cotswolds AONB begins just to the west. In every direction, there are footpaths, bridleways, and ancient trackways crossing open countryside, river meadows, and rolling farmland.
The Old Crown Coaching Inn is perfectly placed as a base for walking breaks. It sits in the centre of Faringdon, with free parking for your car, a proper breakfast to fuel the day, and a bar and restaurant to return to after a day on your feet. This guide covers the best walks you can do from or near The Old Crown, with practical details on distance, difficulty, and where to stop along the way.
Why Faringdon is an Ideal Base for Walking
Central location: Faringdon sits between the Thames Valley, the Cotswolds, and the Berkshire Downs. Multiple long-distance trails are within a short drive
Varied terrain: River meadows, chalk downland, woodland, and open farmland are all accessible within 15 minutes
Quieter paths: Unlike the busy Cotswolds tourist trails, paths around Faringdon are often deserted. You can walk for hours and barely see another person
Practical base: The Old Crown offers free parking (leave your car for the day), a full breakfast, drying facilities, and packed lunches by arrangement
Good pub stops: Several excellent pubs sit along or near the walking routes, so you can plan a walk around a proper lunch
Walk 1: Thames Path, Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge
Detail | Info | Difficulty | Notes |
Distance | 8 miles (13 km) | Easy | Flat riverside path, mostly well-surfaced |
Time | 3.5 to 4.5 hours | Allow extra time for pub stops | |
Start | Lechlade | 15 minutes by car from The Old Crown | |
End | Tadpole Bridge | 10 minutes by car from The Old Crown | |
Terrain | Flat | River meadows, some stiles, can be muddy in winter | |
Refreshments | The Trout Inn | At Tadpole Bridge, right at the end of the walk |
This is one of the most beautiful sections of the Thames Path national trail. The route follows the river upstream from Lechlade through open water meadows, past St John's Lock (the highest lock on the Thames), and along quiet stretches where the river narrows to a gentle stream.
The landscape is flat and open, with wide skies and long views across the valley. In spring, the meadows are full of wildflowers. In summer, you may see kingfishers and herons along the riverbank. The path is well-waymarked throughout.
Getting there: Drive to Lechlade (15 minutes from The Old Crown) and park near the centre of town. Walk the Thames Path westward to Tadpole Bridge. Arrange a taxi back to Lechlade to collect your car, or arrange a pick-up from The Old Crown.
Where to eat: The Trout Inn at Tadpole Bridge sits right at the end of this walk. It is a riverside pub with a garden overlooking the Thames, serving traditional pub food and local ales. Book ahead on weekends.
Walk 2: Buscot Park and Buscot Village Circular
Detail | Info | Difficulty | Notes |
Distance | 4 miles (6.5 km) | Easy | Gentle countryside loop |
Time | 1.5 to 2 hours | Plus time for the house and gardens | |
Start/End | Buscot Park car park | 10 minutes by car from The Old Crown | |
Terrain | Flat to gentle | Field paths, estate tracks, short road sections | |
Refreshments | Buscot Park tearoom | Open when the house/gardens are open |
Buscot Park is a National Trust property with one of the finest Italianate water gardens in England, an outstanding collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings, and beautiful parkland overlooking the Thames Valley. This circular walk combines a visit to the estate with a gentle loop through the surrounding countryside.
Start at the Buscot Park car park and walk through the estate grounds, past the walled garden and down towards Buscot village. The village has a pretty church and a handful of stone cottages. From the village, follow the footpath south along field edges with views across the Thames flood plain, then loop back via the estate drive.
Tip: Check National Trust opening times before you go. The house, gardens, and tearoom have separate opening days. The parkland walks are accessible even when the house is closed.
Combine with: A longer walk by continuing from Buscot village down to the Thames Path at Eaton Hastings, adding approximately 3 miles to the route.
Walk 3: Great Coxwell Barn and Badbury Hill
Detail | Info | Difficulty | Notes |
Distance | 5 miles (8 km) | Easy to moderate | One steady climb up Badbury Hill |
Time | 2 to 2.5 hours | Plus time to explore the barn | |
Start/End | Great Coxwell village | 5 minutes by car from The Old Crown | |
Terrain | Mixed | Field paths, woodland, one hill climb | |
Refreshments | Return to The Old Crown | No pubs on route |
Great Coxwell Barn is a magnificent 13th-century tithe barn, described by William Morris as 'the finest piece of architecture in England'. It is managed by the National Trust and is free to visit. The barn alone is worth the trip, but this walk extends the visit into a satisfying loop taking in Badbury Hill.
From the barn, follow footpaths south across farmland towards Badbury Hill, a wooded hilltop managed by the National Trust. The hill is topped with ancient woodland, including some fine beech trees, and offers views across the Vale of the White Horse. The climb is steady but never steep. Return via Coleshill village, passing the Radnor Arms if you want to stop for a drink.
Best time: Spring for bluebells in Badbury Hill woods. Autumn for beech leaf colour. The barn is atmospheric in any weather.
Walk 4: Uffington White Horse and the Ridgeway
Detail | Info | Difficulty | Notes |
Distance | 6 miles (10 km) | Moderate | Exposed chalk downland with some climbs |
Time | 2.5 to 3.5 hours | Allow time to explore the White Horse | |
Start/End | White Horse Hill car park | 15 minutes by car from The Old Crown | |
Terrain | Chalk downland | Open and exposed, can be windy | |
Refreshments | The Fox and Hounds, Uffington | In the village below the hill |
The Uffington White Horse is a 3,000-year-old chalk figure carved into the hillside above the Vale of the White Horse. It is one of the most iconic ancient monuments in Britain, and the surrounding landscape is extraordinary: dramatic chalk ridges, the flat-topped Dragon Hill, and the dry valley known as The Manger.
This walk follows a section of the Ridgeway national trail, one of the oldest roads in Europe. From the White Horse Hill car park, head east along the Ridgeway with panoramic views across the vale. The path runs along the crest of the downs, with open sky in every direction. Loop back via Woolstone and Uffington village.
Getting there: Drive to the White Horse Hill car park (National Trust, pay and display) above Uffington. The car park sits at the top of the hill, so the walk begins at the highest point.
Where to eat: The Fox and Hounds in Uffington village serves pub food and local ales. Alternatively, return to The Old Crown for dinner after an afternoon on the downs.
Walk 5: Faringdon Folly Tower and Town Walk
Detail | Info | Difficulty | Notes |
Distance | 2 miles (3 km) | Easy | A gentle stroll from The Old Crown |
Time | 1 to 1.5 hours | Plus time at the Folly Tower | |
Start/End | The Old Crown Coaching Inn | Walk straight out the front door | |
Terrain | Pavements and parkland | Suitable for all abilities | |
Refreshments | The Old Crown Coaching Inn | Start and finish with us |
For a shorter walk or a rest-day stroll, Faringdon itself has plenty to explore on foot. Start at The Old Crown and walk through the market square, past the 17th-century Town Hall, and up to Faringdon Folly Tower.
The Folly Tower was built in 1935 by Lord Berners, the last significant folly to be built in England. On clear days, the views from the top extend across five counties. The surrounding hilltop woodland is open to the public and is a lovely spot for a short walk among the trees.
Combine with: An evening walk before dinner at The Old Crown. The Folly is particularly atmospheric at sunset.
Planning Your Walking Holiday from The Old Crown
What The Old Crown Offers Walkers
Full breakfast: A proper cooked breakfast to set you up for the day
Packed lunches: Available by arrangement. Let us know the evening before
Free parking: Leave your car safely while you walk. Drive to trailheads and return to The Old Crown each evening
Local knowledge: The team at The Old Crown can recommend routes, suggest variations, and advise on conditions
Evening meals: Return to a proper meal and a well-kept pint. No need to drive anywhere after a long day of walking
What to Bring
Footwear: Waterproof walking boots for the longer routes. Trail shoes are fine for the Faringdon town walk and Buscot Park
Layers: The Oxfordshire countryside can change quickly. A waterproof jacket and an extra layer are essential, even in summer
Map: OS Explorer 170 covers the Faringdon area including the Thames Path and White Horse. OS Explorer OL45 covers the Cotswolds sections
Water: Carry at least 1 litre per person. There are few water sources on the chalk downland routes
Sun protection: The Ridgeway and Thames Path are exposed. Hat and sunscreen in summer
Suggested Itineraries
Weekend walking break (2 nights): Day 1: Arrive, settle in, walk the Faringdon Folly route. Dinner at The Old Crown. Day 2: Thames Path from Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge (lunch at The Trout Inn). Day 3: Buscot Park circular before checkout.
Three-night walking holiday: Day 1: Faringdon Folly and town. Day 2: Great Coxwell Barn and Badbury Hill. Day 3: Uffington White Horse and the Ridgeway. Day 4: Thames Path, Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge, then depart.
Five-night explorer: All of the above, plus a day trip to the Cotswolds (Burford circular or Windrush Valley), and a rest day exploring Oxford on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Faringdon a good base for walking holidays?
Yes. Faringdon is within easy reach of the Thames Path, the Ridgeway, and the Cotswolds, giving you access to three of southern England's best walking areas from a single base. It is quieter and better value than staying in the Cotswolds themselves, while being just as well-positioned for the best routes.
Can I walk directly from The Old Crown?
The Faringdon Folly walk starts right from the front door. For the longer countryside routes, you will need a short drive (5 to 15 minutes) to reach the trailhead. Free parking at The Old Crown means you can leave your car and drive to different starting points each day.
Are the walks suitable for beginners?
Most walks in this guide are suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. The Thames Path and Buscot Park routes are flat and easy. The Uffington White Horse walk has some hill climbing and exposed sections but nothing technical. All routes follow well-marked paths.
What is the best time of year for walking near Faringdon?
Every season works. Spring (April to May) brings wildflowers, birdsong, and longer days. Summer (June to August) offers the most daylight but paths can be dry and exposed. Autumn (September to November) brings spectacular colours, especially in the beech woods at Badbury Hill. Winter (December to March) is quieter and atmospheric, though some paths can be muddy.
Are dogs welcome on these walks?
Dogs are welcome on all of the routes in this guide, though they should be kept on leads near livestock (common in the Thames Valley meadows). The Old Crown Coaching Inn accepts dogs in selected rooms. Check directly when booking.
How do I get back to my car after a linear walk?
For linear walks like the Thames Path (Lechlade to Tadpole Bridge), you can arrange a taxi between start and end points. Local taxi services operate in the Faringdon area. Alternatively, walk with a companion and leave a car at each end.
