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
March 2020
Cai Guo-Qiang: Gunpowder Art
Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang (b. 1957) is best-known for his gunpowder explosion events staged in public spaces worldwide and, in particular, for his firework display for the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This exhibition focuses on the artist’s smaller-scale works, exploring the presence of Chinese culture in his art through the mediums of painting, drawing, and gunpowder on canvas, paper and silk. Learn about the significance behind the materials Cai Guo-Qiang chooses to work with, as…
Find out more »Stanford in the Vale – A Hidden Past Revealed Exhibition
Since 2008 the University of Winchester has worked with the Stanford In The Vale community to research the archaeology of their village. This project, directed by David Ashby, revealed the origins and growth of the settlement from it's earliest beginnings to the present day. The key findings and objects from the fascinating excavations will be on display in this special exhibition. Free admission but donations welcome. This exhibition runs from 25th January til 25th April 2020
Find out more »An event every day that begins at 10:00 am, repeating until April 18, 2020
Society of Wood Engravers Centenary Exhibition
This is a special year for the Society of Wood Engravers as they celebrate their Centenary. It was founded in 1920 by artists including Eric Gill, Gwen Raverat, Robert Gibbings, Philip Hagreen and Lucien Pissarro. A break during the war years and then again in the 1970s meant that their annual exhibition ceased for a time, making this their 82nd show. Since their revival in 1984, they have built a reputation for excellence, attracting exhibitors and collectors from around the…
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