Abingdon-on-Thames

Located 6 miles south of Oxford, Abingdon–on–Thames is a quaint, bustling market town nestled on the river Thames just waiting to be explored.

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 England’, 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 has the Monday Charter Market which has a lot of variety but is not a farmers’ market which is each third Friday morning.

There are a number of varied and interesting walks around Abingdon and the River Thames, you can find more information on the Abingdon walk and route map.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Abingdon, book a room at The Crown & Thistle. With a history dating back to 1605, this Grade II listed coaching inn comprises three individual buildings clustered around a cobbled courtyard, framed by 200-year-old wisteria.

 

Abingdon Abbey Buildings

The remains of the great Abbey of Abingdon, consisting 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.

 

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:

Salter’s Steamers is a family run firm that has been providing boat trips in Oxford since 1858. Their boat trips can transport visitors 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

  • Royal Cars

    Royal Cars is Oxford's largest taxi company offering all types of work, from local runs to airport tranfers to long-distance pickups and drop offs, weddings and occasionally have crossed the channel.

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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

The Abingdon Visitor and Community Information Centre is run by the town council and offers a service for both residents and visitors on Abingdon-on-Thames and the attractions of the town and surrounding areas. The temporary location is through the blue door to the right of the quadrangle lawn in front of Guildhall. Please walk along the corridor...

Salter's Steamers Boat Trips

Salter’s Steamers is a family run firm that has been providing boat trips in Oxford for over 165 years (est 1858). The company offers a variety of hugely popular pleasure trips through beautiful Thames scenery. From ‘Private charter’ to  hourly 40minute trips or the 2.5hour picnic cruises, Salter’s offer something for all needs. If you fancy hiring...

Abingdon County Hall Museum

Abingdon is England’s oldest continually inhabited town, come and find out why at Abingdon Museum! The Museum’s permanent collection takes you on a journey through the history of England’s oldest continually inhabited town. From Iron Age Britain’s ‘Abingdon Ware’ pottery, to Roman and Saxon artefacts, they present the shifting phases of a country town in development. The...

Didcot Railway Centre

Travel back in time to the golden age of the Great Western Railway. Savour the sights, sounds and smells of steam as you explore this 25-acre living museum with trains dating from Victorian times to the 1960s. Take unlimited rides on steaming days, explore the original 1932 engine shed and see magnificent, preserved locomotives – you can...

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