Tour of Ancient Abingdon
SUNDAY 1st MAY 2022
Join local archaeologist Jeff Wallis for a walk and discover the traces of ancient settlements, such as an early Bronze Age barrow cemetery at Barrow Hills in North Abingdon. Jeff is a silversmith with an archaeological and palaeontology background. He focuses on ancient Abingdon and points out key markers in the landscape that give clues to its history.
You might be surprised at the hidden archaeology nearby!
Booking Information: Tickets are available at the Museum Reception. Booking is essential as there are only 10 places available.
CONTACT US ~ Telephone : 01235 523703
email : abingdon.museum@abingdon.gov.uk
The Thames Path
National Trail Walking on riverbanks and towpaths
The Thames Path passes within a two minute walk of the town centre. Walkers often stop to make their journey more interesting or to reload their rucksacks with goodies from the independent shops close to the Market Place. It’s a major National Trail and whether you plan to go for the whole route in one hike or, like many local people, you prefer to do the Thames Path from time to time in bite size chunks, the stretch close to Abingdon is a lovely one passing all kinds of boats moored up by the bridge, and interesting views across the river to the medieval buildings on St Helen’s Wharf.
If you prefer a circular route that can be done in one day, Abingdon has its own walk which uses part of the Thames Path and links the Thames up with two other rivers which flow into it. It’s called the Abingdon Waterways Walk and is published by Choose Abingdon Partnership. To find out more click here.
Outdoor Swimming
Abbey Meadow Outdoor Pool
The town’s heated Abbey Meadow Outdoor Pool is open from late May until early September after a major improvement. There is some general swimming most of the day but check before travelling as there are timed periods and weather may also affect operation.
Opening hours for the Vale of White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre can be found here.
There is public swimming in an indoor competition length pool until after10.00 pm on most days of the year and gym, fitness, sports and classes, indoor and outdoor courts for tennis and racquet sports.
The heated outdoor pool is loved by generations of Abingdonians. Many people comment that the feeling of health and well-being that is unique to outdoor swimming cannot be met by indoor activity. There are normally season ticket deals and offers for particular age groups.
For further details of opening times please click here.
The Vale of White Horse District Council offer the free ‘Access to Leisure’ pass for people who receive certain benefits, which gives a discount on leisure services. For more information, click here. and keep an eye on their leisure pages for updates on the Abbey Meadow times and prices.
Activities by the water are very special. Swimming in the river has its hazards and due to the strong current and under tow on the River Thames even adult strong swimmers can get into difficulty. People allowing members of their family or their pets into the town rivers are taking a risk. Sailing, boating, rowing, canoeing are available when weather and river conditions allow.
Hanson Way National Cycle Network Route 5
The Hanson Way is part of the National Cycle Network (Route 5). It passes right through Abingdon town centre, stretching out to Abingdon in one direction and Didcot in the other.
Family Water Park
All day fun on a summer’s day
Families love the Abbey Meadow which provides a safe environment for youngsters to enjoy a high quality play area. In the Summer weekends and holidays there is water fun on a hot day. Parents can relax at the side and watch the screaming and the giggling as the kids run around the spray fountains. With the play area alongside it makes a day of fun that will keep the kids busy in the holiday without breaking the bank.
Pets have to be kept out of the play areas, responsible dog owners are welcome on the open meadows
When everyone is exhausted wander back into town for a calming cup of tea in one of our lovely cafes.
A lot is happening to make this area even more pleasant so please check general information and opening times on the sports and leisure pages of our District Council, White Horse DC. The town’s leisure and tennis centre is a short walk from the meadow and the popular, heated outdoor pleasure pool at Abbey Meadow is open from late May to September. A leisure pass or tickets for timed sessions are available.
A picnic with friends and family is a good idea at any time.
