Built-up area in South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, England
| Coordinates: | 51.611, -1.249 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SU 52 90 |
| Population: | 29,341 |
| Dialling code: | 01235 (Abingdon) |
Didcot is a former railway town in South Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, England, sitting roughly between Oxford and Reading. It grew up in the 19th century around a key Great Western Railway junction and remains an important transport hub centred on Didcot Parkway, which helps make the town a popular commuter base for Oxford, Reading and London. The skyline was long marked by the nearby power station chimneys, now gone, and the town’s railway heritage is celebrated at the volunteer‑run Didcot Railway Centre.
Beyond transport, Didcot sits close to major science and energy sites such as Harwell and Culham, which influence the local economy and workforce. The town has seen steady housing and retail development in recent decades, and retains a lively community life with parks, local markets and cultural events that reflect its mix of commuters, long‑time residents and science-sector professionals.
OX11 6DT, OX11 9FR, OX11 7BT, OX11 7SU, OX11 7RF, OX11 6DD, OX11 9BY, OX11 7RB, OX11 8LJ, OX11 8JS