Little Faringdon

What makes it worth visiting is its genuine character as a working community rather than a tourist destination, which means you experience an authentic slice of rural Oxfordshire life without the crowds.

The village centres around traditional market town character, though considerably quieter than its larger neighbour Great Faringdon. You'll see period properties reflecting centuries of settlement, and the surrounding landscape opens out to countryside views stretching toward the River Thames to the north and the Ridgeway to the south. The area is excellent for walking, with the Ridgeway itself offering significant stretches for longer hikes if you're keen.

What's particularly interesting is Faringdon's recent history as the first Fairtrade Town in south-east England, awarded in 2004. This reflects the community's genuine commitment to ethical trading, which you'll notice in local shops and cafes where this values-driven approach is woven into daily life.

The village works well as a base for exploring the broader Vale of White Horse region or as a stopping point between Oxford and Swindon. It's only about ten miles from Wantage and reasonably positioned for accessing the wider Cotswolds. The quieter pace here appeals especially to visitors seeking something less crowded than the honeypot villages further east.