Welcome to Abingdon 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, we present the shifting phases of a country town in development. The story takes you through the Middle Ages, the changing fortunes of the following centuries and the coming of modern trade, industry and transport. In addition the museum has a programme of changing exhibitions throughout the year, so there is always something new to discover.
Admission
Entry to the museum galleries is free.
The museum relies on the generous donations of its visitors to help support its core objectives. A suggested but non-compulsory donation of £2 adults, £1 children can be donated on entry to the Gallery.
There is a small charge to visit the Museum roof Terrace of £2 adults and £1 children (6 to 16 years only), £1 English Heritage members.
Opening Times:
Tuesday to Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Bank Holiday Mondays: 10am – 4pm
Quiet Time session: Sunday 3pm to 4pm
The Museum is closed during the Christmas holidays from 24th December 2023 to 2nd January 2024.
The Basement
Here you will find:
- Kempster Room – the venue for schools’ workshops and family activity sessions
- Display of the 1907 Crossley engines and water pump
- Toilets, accessible toilet and baby changing facilities
Please note that the entrance for the Museum’s Basement is through the back door.
Unfortunately the lift is currently out of order and is undergoing building work. We apologise for any incoveniences.
One Planet Abingdon
We are very pleased to host in the museum’s basement the activity of One Planet Abingdon, an inspirational community hub run by volunteers, for the benefit of the people and the planet. Please visit their website for events and opening times: https://oneplanetabingdon.org/
The Museum Gift Shop
If you’re looking for a souvenir, or simply want to enjoy shopping, the museum shop contains a huge variety of gifts, MG featured products, art, local books and postcards, replicas and toys, many of which you won’t find ‘on the high street’.
Getting Here
Abingdon County Hall Museum is located in the Market Place in the town centre of Abingdon.
There are different ways to arrive at the Museum:
By Car – exit the A34 at the Abingdon South/Marcham turnoff, Exit towards Fairacres Park and continue onto Ock Street, which will lead you into the town centre.
- Parking is available at West St. Helen Street, Abbey Close, Rye Farm and the Cattle Market carparks, which offer 2 hours free parking.
By Bus – from Oxford: the X3, X13, City13, City5 and City23 buses offer a direct service to and from Oxford. Please click here for timetables. From Wantage and Didcot, 32/X32.
By Train – Radley Station is available as a link service from Didcot Parkway, Oxford, Reading and Pangbourne stations. From Radley, the City35 bus offers a direct service to Abingdon Town Centre.
By Boat – Salters boat trips from Oxford.
Covid-19 safety guidelines
Please do not attend the Museum if you have any symptoms of Covid.
