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Berkshire & Thames Valley Regional Information Didcot

Didcot Property Finders

Thames Valley Regional Information

The earliest settlement of Didcot was sited on a wooded ridge arising from the surrounding marshlands. The Romans tried to drain the marshland by digging a ditch still seen today north of the town near Long Wittenham. The parish church and some houses and streets of the old village still straddle the southern incline of that ridge.

The town of Didcot is located 10 miles south of Oxford. Originally in Berkshire it became the largest town in south Oxfordshire, even though right on its boundary, when transferred to the district in 1974.

Didcot is probably best known for its power stations which have been voted as one of the worst eyesores in Britain. With the surrounding area being so flat they can be seen from up to 30 miles away. Some locals believe that they should become listed buildings! Didcot A is due to be decommissioned by 2015.
The town grew up in the 19th century following the building of the Great Western Railway from London to the West Country and now has approximately 25,000 residents.

The Orchard Centre became the new focus for shopping in 2005. A farmers market is held once a month. Three years later an arts and entertainment centre called Cornerstone was
opened.

The town continues to develop and has been designated as one of the three major growth areas in Oxfordshire.

Air
Heathrow would be the nearest airport from this town. Birmingham, Bristol and Luton would be other possibilities.

There is the small London Oxford Airport based near Kidlington. As from May 2012 there will be daily flights to the Isle Of Man and Jersey.

Road
Didcot is well placed for access to the M4, M40 and A34

Rail
First Great Western trains run frequently to London Paddington in 45 minutes

Due to the ease of commute to London and proximity to Oxford, prices are held up particularly for good family homes. New build estates provide plenty of affordable housing. The possibility of new housing on the site of Didcot A once decommissioned will be discussed although may be controversial.

There is a predominance of Victorian and Georgian housing along with the new builds.

Didcot has a relatively low unemployment record and the median annual earnings tend to be slightly above average.

It is at the heart of Science Vale UK, an area known for its enterprise and innovation in science and technology. One of the largest employers is Lombard Medical and also Boswells
Coffee Company.

There are several major scientific employers in the surrounding area. These include; United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority; Harwell Laboratory (Atomic Energy Research Establishment); Science and Technology facilities Council and Diamond Light Source. Of course, RWE npower also has a presence.

There are several nursery and primary schools details of which can be found at:

www.oxfordshire.gov.uk
State secondary schools :
Didcot Girls : with 6th form
St Birinus School : boys with 6th form

The usual amenities can be found in the town including an indoor leisure pool; Didcot Wave, and a multiplex cinema. The Cornerstone art centre offers exhibition space and classes as well as live performances.

The Ladygrove Loop was opened last year and is a walking, cycling and fitness route incorporating picnic areas and wildflower meadows.

Didcot Town football club are currently members of division One South & West and play at the NPower Loop Meadow Stadium.