Abingdon is a quaint, bustling market town nestled on the River Thames. Abingdon is steeped in history dating back to the Saxon era and a rare gem holding claim to ‘the oldest continuously inhabited town in England’.
Stroll around and soak in the wealth of architecture and historical treasures. Enjoy shopping in the array of independent shops and a walk along the beautiful River Thames. There are charming places to eat and attractions to entertain the whole family. There are so many places to visit and things to do in Abingdon including markets, parks, gardens and riverside pubs. There are a choice of leisure facilities, including tennis, swimming, boating and fishing.
Abingdon is a well-loved location for film and TV productions, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces available for Filming and Photography hire across the town.
Abingdon has an intriguing museum housed within the County Hall, with stunning rooftop views overlooking the Market Place and beyond.
The site of the Abingdon Abbey is believed to have been founded in honour of the Virgin Mary in 675 by Cissa, viceroy of Centwine or his nephew Hean.
The remains, consisting of atmospheric medieval buildings, are the oldest buildings in the town. The Abbey was the sixth richest in England and one of the first to be demolished in the Reformation in 1538. The remains were saved in 1944 by the Friends of Abingdon. They are now a scheduled monument and are architecturally Grade I listed.
A few more historic buildings to explore include the Abbey Gateway, St Nicolas Church, Trendell’s Folly, and St Helen’s Church and Long Alley Almshouses.
The Abbey Heritage Walk is a great opportunity to see these sites.
There are a number of varied and interesting walks around Abingdon and the River Thames. You can find more information on the Local Walks website, or by visiting our Walking Trails page.
Abingdon-on-Thames is a market town that still enjoys the unique atmosphere of a lively market.
Abingdon marketplace hosts the Charter Market every Monday, and hosts the Farmers’ Market on the third Friday of every month.
Abingdon Distillery is a small batch distillery that produces an award-winning range of gins, rum & whisky at its site in Abingdon town centre.
The bottle shop is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 11am to 4pm and Saturdays from 11am to 2pm. Guided tours and tastings are held on Saturdays from 2.30pm and must be pre-booked online via the website. They also offer a range of evening experiences for making your own bottle or rum & whisky masterclasses.
Gin / Rum Tour & Tasting Experience – £22pp
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.
Located in the beautiful countryside, just outside the historic market town of Abingdon, Kingfisher Barn is a 17th century converted farm made of stone and handmade tiles. The barn offers both B&B rooms and self-catering accommodation. There are 4 double, 4 twin and 2 single en suite B&B rooms situated around an elegant courtyard garden. The main barn has been converted into 2 country lodges, sleeping 8 guests each, as well as The Nest, a 1 bedroom apartment nestled in the eaves. The cottages have been transformed from the old granary, stores and stables into properties that sleep 2, 3 or 4 guests, all of which are pet friendly.
The local town website provides a host of further information about Abingdon.
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