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. 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.
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.