Exploring the Villages of Midsomer

I’ve been a bit neglectful of my Going Local series of late. I blame my international jet-setting and the dreary (typical) Spring weather in England! But at last I’m back with a post and I invite you to read on to find out about my weekend exploring Midsomer.

If you don’t know, Midsomer Murders is a television detective drama based on Caroline Graham’s Chief Inspector Barnaby book series. The stories take place in modern-day England and revolve around Tom Barnaby’s (later, John Barnaby’s) efforts to solve numerous murders that take place in the idyllic, picturesque but deadly villages of the fictional county of Midsomer.

Best explored by car, a circular trip from Reading or Oxford involves a drive of about 70 miles. If you’re starting from London add another 60 miles or so. With plenty of sights to see (and quaint English pubs to stop off at?) it would be best to plan on a full day out, especially if you want to wander off the beaten track a little and explore more of the countryside.

Whether or not you are a fan of the murder mystery TV show set in fictional ‘Midsomer’, you will fall in love with the little towns, villages and countryside of Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire that are its backdrop.

Henley-on-Thames

The starting point to our Midsomer driving tour was Henley-on-Thames, a pretty town on the banks of the River Thames. Henley is home to the famous Royal Regatta each year in late June/ early July as well as the Henley Festival and the Rewind Festival. Henley has often featured on the TV series as Causton and in the ‘Dead in the Water’ episode, DCI Barnaby took a keen interest in the rowing.

Nettlebed

Just a short ride from Henley is the village of Nettlebed, which sits on the edge of the Chiltern Hills. As far as I know, the village itself is not featured on the show. Nevertheless it makes a nice stop all the same with a number of quaint cottages to admire.

Warborough

From Nettlebed we meandered through the countryside passing the village of Warborough as we went. This village is often used in the series, especially in the opening credits. You will be able to spot a number of locations including the village green, the thatched 16th century pub and a number of the village’s typically English houses.

Watlington

Fifteen minutes later, we arrived in the old market town of Watlington, parked up and set off for a stroll around. Apparently, Watlington has won the title of ‘England’s Smallest Town’ and has also been used in various Midsomer Murder episodes. We also found out that it is the home to actor Jeremy Irons, who coincidentally my parents spotted on our walk around the town.

Thame

Our next stop was Thame, which also takes on the role of fictional ‘Causton’ in a number of episodes. Regular viewers of the series will recognise Thame’s town hall as Causton town hall. The town’s local markets often features within the series too. As well as the various filming locations in the town, we also came across a number of beautiful pubs and houses. All had thatched roofs, trailing roses or hanging baskets brightening up the streets. After a bit of walking about we decided to have a refreshment break in the Spreadeagle Hotel, which is frequently in the backdrop for filming. This lovely hotel, which is 16th century on the outside has a cosmopolitan interior and was a pleasant place to stop for a cup of tea.

The Miltons & The Haseleys

Travelling on from Thame, we wound our way through the picturesque surroundings in the direction of Wallingford. Our trip took us through the quintessential villages of the Miltons and the Haseleys. I could have spent all day photographing!

Dorchester-on-Thames

Eventually, we made it to Dorchester-on-Thames, whose medieval abbey church often plays a key role in episodes. The village’s 15th and 16th century coaching inns as well as the village post office also are filming locations.

Wallingford

Our last stop after Dorchester was Wallingford, which is probably the most recognisable Midsomer location and the original ‘Causton’. Wallingford, another market town, is on the banks of the Thames. Wallingford’s Market Place, bridge and the Corn Exchange have frequently been used in many of the series’ episodes.

For any die-hard fans out there who fancy taking a driving tour for themselves, or for people who just want to visit these beautiful villages, I would strongly suggest having a look on the Visit Midsomer website. You will find a lot more information and a few more driving itineraries too!

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Exploring the Villages of Midsomer