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.

 

Things to do in Abingdon

The Abingdon County Hall Museum is home to a permanent collection which will take you on a journey through the history of England’s oldest continually inhabited town. In addition, the museum has a programme of changing exhibitions throughout the year, so there is always something new to discover.

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.

 

Places to stay in Abingdon

With a history dating back to 1605, The Crown & Thistle is a Grade II listed coaching inn with three individual buildings clustered around a cobbled courtyard. The modern Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford Hotel is also a great accommodation option, with a convenient location just off the A34 and close to Oxford. Just outside Abingdon in Milton, you can find Courtyard by Marriott Oxford South with fresh spacious guest rooms and quality amenities.

 

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.

 

Getting There

Bus from Oxford

X3 – Oxford to Abingdon

X2 – Oxford to Didcot via Abingdon

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

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