Abingdon-on-Thames
Abingdon–on–Thames, a quaint, bustling market town nestled on the river Thames just waiting to be explored, 6 miles south of Oxford.
Steeped in history and dating back to the Saxon era, Abingdon-On-Thames is a rare gem. Holding claim to ‘the oldest, continuously inhabited town in the UK’, Abingdon is a delight to visit. Stroll around the town and soak in the wealth of architecture, historical treasures, shopping, independent stores and of course the beautiful Thames river.
Abingdon-On-Thames has an intriguing museum housed in an elegant building with stunning rooftop views looking over the Town and beyond. There are also charming places to eat, and attractions to entertain the whole family. With so many places to visit and things to do in Abingdon including; riverside parks, gardens and a choice of leisure facilities including tennis, swimming, boating, fishing, waterside pubs and a Monday farmers market, you will be spoilt for choice.
Make sure you explore the site of the old Abingdon Abbey, which was supposedly founded in 675 by Cissa, viceroy of Centwine or his nephew Hean in honour of the Virgin Mary. Although nothing remains, the old Benedictine Abbey has a fascinating history and is well worth researching.
A few more historic buildings you may want to explore will include:
The Abbey Gateway, St Nicolas Church, Abbey Buildings, Trendell’s Folly, The lost Abbey Trail, St Helen’s Church, Long Alley Almhouse.
Abingdon has a fantastic ceremonial tradition of bun throwing; where local dignitaries throw buns off the roof of the Abingdon Museum for huge crowds of people to catch in celebration specific days. The last occasion was 10th November 2018 to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War.
Abingdon Abbey Buildings
The remains of the great Abbey of Abingdon, constisting of atmospheric medieval buildings, are the oldest buildings in the town. The Abbey was the 6th richest in England and one of the first to be demolished in the Reformation in 1538. The remaining range was saved in 1944 by the Friends of Abingdon who maintain them; they are now a Scheduled Monument and architecturally Grade 1 Listed.
At the core of the town’s history they make a fascinating visit which includes the 13 century Exchequer, the Long Gallery and the converted Elizabethan style Unicorn Theatre. They are open from May to September or by arrangement. Opening times can be found at www.friendsofabingdon.org.uk.
How to Get Here
Bus from Oxford:
X3 – Oxford to Abingdon
X2 – Oxford to Didcot via Abingdon
City13/X13 – John Radcliffe Hospital to Abingdon via Oxford
City35 – Oxford to Abingdon
City4 – Oxford to Abingdon
31 – Oxford to Wantage via Abingdon
Boat:
Salters Steamers transport from Oxford to Abingdon
Cycle:
Abingdon is on the Sustrans national cycle route, with both Radley and Culham railway stations within easy reach.
Where is Abingdon-on-Thames?
How to get to Abingdon-on-Thames
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31: Oxford to Wantage via Abingdon
Service 31 connects Oxford with Wantage, with stops in New Hinksey, Bagley Wood, Abingdon, Marcham, East Hanney and Grove. Buses depart hourly.
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City4: Oxford to Abingdon
Bus service 4 connects Oxford with Abingdon, via Botley, Cumnor and Wootton.
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City35: Oxford to Abingdon
Service 35 connects Oxford to Abingdon, via Kennington and Radley,
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City13 & X13: John Radcliffe Hospital to Abingdon via Oxford
The City13 and the X13 services links the JR Hospital with Abingdon via Oxford and Redbridge Park&Ride.
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Things to do in Abingdon-on-Thames
Abingdon Visitor Information Centre
Events Search and Views Navigation
October 2019
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, repeating until January 5, 2020
An event every week that begins at 2:00 pm on Sunday and Saturday, repeating until January 5, 2020
3945 Portraits Exhibition
Glyn Dewis exhibits his photographic portraits of Second World War veterans. Explore his work, find out about their medals, and hear about the veterans' experiences through Glyn's interview recordings. "I started the project in early 2019 and it's wonderful that the project has already received praise from around the world and is proving to be an incredible experience. I'm incredibly pleased with how well the series has taken off, and how images have already been licensed for use by the…
Find out more »St Frideswide’s Day – Jackie Holderness
This St Frideswide's Day, join us at Blackwell's on Broad Street to hear all about Oxford's very own Anglo-Saxon Saint. With a reading of 'The Princess Who Hid in a Tree' picture book and the chance to decorate your own crown, this is fun for all the family.
Find out more »An event every week that begins at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, repeating until November 3, 2019
An event every week that begins at 11:00 am on Saturday, repeating until November 3, 2019
An event every week that begins at 2:00 pm on Sunday, repeating until November 3, 2019
Normandy 75: Oxfordshire to the Orne
Exhibition charting the Second World War invasion of Normandy by allied forces. Combining information panels from the National Army Museum with the regimental history and artefacts from SOFO's own archives to give an Oxfordshire perspective on D Day and the events surrounding it. SOFO Museum Open Tuesday - Fridays, 10am to 5pm. Saturdays 11am to 5pm, and Sundays 2pm - 5pm. Last admission at 4.15pm.
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