Living in Faringdon

Community life in Faringdon is centred around traditional events, local organisations, and a welcoming, sociable spirit. The town is known for hosting popular events including the Faringdon Folly Fest, farmers’ markets, and themed walks, all of which foster a strong sense of identity and pride.

Residents are served by a variety of groups and societies—from arts, gardening, and heritage to sports clubs for all ages. The Faringdon Community College Leisure Centre provides facilities for fitness and sports, while local churches and community halls are focal points for gatherings and charitable activities.

Faringdon is surrounded by beautiful green spaces such as the Faringdon Folly Tower woodlands, Tucker’s Park, and easy access to White Horse Hill. These encourage an outdoor lifestyle, including walking, cycling, and community gardening. The overall atmosphere is one of friendliness and mutual support.

Safety and crime rates in Faringdon are generally lower than in larger urban centres, contributing to its reputation as a peaceful and neighbourly town. The town’s size and close-knit community help foster a strong sense of vigilance and mutual care.

Incidents of serious crime remain relatively rare, with most reported issues centred around minor anti-social behaviour or occasional property offences. Thames Valley Police have a visible presence in the area, and Faringdon benefits from local 'Neighbourhood Policing Teams' who work with residents and businesses to address concerns proactively.

Efforts like community watch schemes, youth engagement initiatives, and regular police drop-in events are designed to maintain safety and build trust. Many residents regard Faringdon as a safe and friendly environment to live in, attracting families and retirees who value this aspect.

Parking in Faringdon is well managed compared to larger towns, with a mix of free and pay-and-display car parks situated near the town centre and key amenities. On-street parking is available in most residential areas, and residential permits are not generally required owing to lower congestion levels.

The A420 trunk road connects Faringdon directly to Oxford and Swindon, and the road network is supported by the proximity of the A417 and access to the M4 motorway via Swindon. Traffic levels are moderate, with peak-time congestion typically limited to school pick-up hours and main market days. For cyclists and walkers, Faringdon’s compact nature makes the town easy to navigate without a car.

Key road journey times from Faringdon:

• Oxford – approx. 40 minutes via A420 (18 miles)
• Swindon – approx. 25 minutes via A420 (12 miles)
• Abingdon – approx. 25 minutes via A420 (15 miles)
• Wantage – approx. 20 minutes via A417 (10 miles)

Faringdon offers a variety of food, pub, and nightlife options suitable for a small town while benefiting from an abundance of nearby countryside pubs and eateries. The town centre features several popular pubs, such as The Old Crown Coaching Inn and The Bell Hotel, known for their history and inviting atmospheres.

Independent cafés and bakeries, like Faringdon Coffee House, serve artisan coffee and local treats, while restaurants such as La Bobina add flair with Spanish-inspired menus. Classic British takeaways and a handful of international options provide variety for dining-in or takeaway meals.

Nightlife is relatively relaxed, with local pubs and occasional live music events being the main attractions. For more extensive nightlife, including cinemas, bars, and clubs, Swindon and Oxford offer a broader range of choices just a short journey away. Annual food festivals and community events ensure that the town’s social calendar is lively and welcoming.

School quality: Faringdon’s schools have good reputations and supportive Ofsted ratings, with options for all ages and convenient access to further education in neighbouring towns.

Parks and green space: The town is surrounded by parks, woodlands, and countryside walks, making outdoor activities and play easily accessible for families.

Childcare: Faringdon offers local nurseries and pre-schools, with some after-school clubs and family support services available through community centres and schools.

Safety: The area is considered safe, partly thanks to its close-knit community feel and proactive local policing initiatives.

Family activities: Events like the Folly Fest, library storytimes, and family walks encourage engagement for all ages, while the local leisure centre and nearby sports clubs provide energetic options for children.

Faringdon is popular with pet owners thanks to its abundance of walks, rural trails, and dog-friendly public spaces. The Folly Tower’s woodlands and Tucker’s Park are popular choices for dog walking, and the surrounding countryside provides miles of scenic routes for both daily strolls and longer hikes.

Local facilities include several veterinary surgeries, pet supply stores, and dog grooming services. Many of the town’s pubs and cafés are welcoming to pets, often offering bowls of water and outdoor seating. Housing in the area is generally pet-tolerant, with many landlords and homeowners accepting dogs and cats, especially in properties with gardens or outdoor spaces.

Faringdon’s position between Oxford and Swindon makes it well suited for commuters and those valuing strong transport links. Major roads including the A420 provide direct road access, while neighbouring towns and cities are within easy reach.

Public transport is primarily by bus, with regular services connecting Faringdon to Oxford (approx. 40 minutes), Swindon (approx. 30 minutes), and other local villages. The X15 and S6 bus routes are the main operators, offering frequent travel options for commuters, students, and shoppers.

For rail services, the nearest train stations are in Swindon and Didcot Parkway—both reachable in under 30 minutes by car or local bus routes. These stations offer fast connections to London Paddington, Bristol, and other major destinations.

Air travel is facilitated by proximity to London Heathrow Airport (about a 75-minute drive) and Bristol Airport (a similar distance). Cyclists in Faringdon benefit from local cycle paths and rural routes, and the area’s road connections put the Cotswolds and the Ridgeway National Trail within easy reach.

Key commute times from Faringdon:

• Oxford – approx. 40 minutes by car or bus
• Swindon – approx. 30 minutes by car or bus
• London (Paddington via Swindon train) – under 1 hour travel time by train after connecting by car/bus
• Didcot – approx. 25 minutes by car

Faringdon offers a range of educational options, making it a practical choice for families. The town and its nearby villages have several primary and secondary schools, with a reputation for supportive learning environments and community involvement.

Primary Schools:

Faringdon Infant School is a well-established option for early years, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in March 2018 for its nurturing approach. Faringdon Junior School is closely partnered, providing seamless progression. Buckland Church of England Primary School, in the nearby village of Buckland, consistently achieves positive Ofsted reports, most recently rated 'Good' in May 2022.

Secondary Schools:

Faringdon Community College is the major secondary provider, accommodating ages 11 to 18. The school has a 'Good' Ofsted rating (February 2016), is known for its solid GCSE and A-level results, and has a modern campus with sports and arts facilities.

Independent & Other Options:

The independent sector is accessible via nearby Oxford and Abingdon, where schools like Abingdon School and St Helen and St Katharine in Abingdon are well-regarded. Pinewood School, an independent prep school, is located just outside of Faringdon and is popular with local families.

Colleges and Universities:

While Faringdon itself does not host a university or large college, Abingdon & Witney College offers further education courses within easy reach by car or bus. For higher education, Oxford Brookes University and the University of Oxford are both within a 30-minute drive, giving excellent access to renowned academic institutions.