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 6^th 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?

Things to do in Abingdon-on-Thames

Abingdon Museum

The County Hall has dominated the marketplace of Abingdon, south of Oxford, since the late 17th century. Designed by a protégé of Sir Christopher Wren, this splendid Baroque building was erected between 1678 and 1682. It housed a courtroom on the first floor, raised on arches above a market space. It is now home to the Abingdon...

Abingdon Markets

Abingdon-on-Thames is a market town that still enjoys the unique atmosphere of a lively market and our town centre boasts one of the most fit-for-purpose Market Places in the country. Monday Market By Royal Charter Monday is the town's traditional market day with a wide variety of quality produce and goods available weekly. It is one of...

Abingdon Abbey Buildings

Abbey Buildings Abingdon was dominated by the great Benedictine Abbey - the same size as Westminster Abbey. Nothing above ground remains of the Abbey Church now but its outline in Abbey gardens can still be seen. Many of the Abbey buildings do still exist. The beautiful medieval buildings are more than 600 years old, set in their...

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. Opening Hours Monday - 9.30 am to 3.00 pm Tuesday - 9:30 am to 3.00 pm Wednesday - 9.30 am - 3.00 pm Thursday...

Salter's Steamers Boat Trips

Salter’s Steamers is a family run firm that has provided first-class hospitality on the Royal River Thames for almost 150 years (est. 1858). As one of the longest established firms on the Thames, Salter’s Steamers own one of the largest and most exclusive fleets operating on the river. Their cruises combine traditional style, contemporary comforts and the...

Walking and Cycling in Abingdon

Nestled in the heart of Oxfordshire, Abingdon is surrounded by beautiful countryside. The beauty spanning right from the town centre with historic walks, gardens, meadows and parks, right out to waterside walks and strolls along the Thames. There are so many beautiful walks to choose from, a gentle stroll or a more challenging trek Abingdon has it...

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September 2020

September 18 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm

|Recurring Event (See all)

An event every month that begins at 1:30 pm on day Third of the month, repeating until December 18, 2020

Knit, Knot and Natter Craft Group

Vale & Downland Museum, Church Street
Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 8BL United Kingdom

Free

The Museum's Knit Knot and Natter Craft Group meet in the Museum Cafe every 3rd Friday of the month. Bring along your own craft projects, take tuition from current members in crafts such as knitting, crochet and embroidery or just come along for a cuppa and a chat. Free to join but we do ask you support the Cafe. No need to book in advance, just come along on the day

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September 20 @ 6:00 am - 9:30 am

Blenheim Palace Hosts Charity Sunrise Walk

Blenheim Palace, Blenheim Palace
Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1UL United Kingdom

Blenheim Palace is offering people the opportunity to watch the sunrise over the Estate as part of a fundraising walk on Sunday, 20th September. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is hosting the memorial Sunrise Walk for the SeeSaw charity. SeeSaw offers grief support for children and young people in Oxfordshire and is Blenheim’s official charity for 2020. Participants can choose between a 1.5-mile circular walk around the Queen Pool, or a 4.6-mile walk around the Park perimeter. In order to…

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September 25 @ 9:30 am - 10:45 am

|Recurring Event (See all)

An event every week that begins at 9:30 am on Friday, repeating until December 18, 2020

Wantage Country Market

Vale & Downland Museum, Church Street
Wantage, Oxfordshire OX12 8BL United Kingdom

Free

Wantage Country Market is held in the Museum Cafe every Friday morning. The best place to buy fresh homemade goodies such as jams, chutneys and cakes as well as home grown fruit, vegetables and flowers. They also have some crafts, including cards, aprons & knitted baby wear. *Please note this market is not organised by the Museum, the Wantage Country Market is a separate organisation.

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