Abingdon-on-Thames

Lots of people drinking coffee and sitting at cafe tables in the sunshine with market stalls in the background

Shop, Eat & Drink

Shop local with unique shopping, foodie treats, crafts

Abingdon-on-Thames is a town that thrives on its independence. With good, small independent shops, cafés, restaurants and pubs, it’s a town full of hidden gems - shops with whole product ranges hidden in back rooms, places where you can still get repairs done, little cafés in quiet back streets or on farms, amazing roast lunches served in unassuming pubs, The town's Market Place hosts weekly Monday markets, monthly Farmers markets and quarterly local food and craft markets.

This year markets are continuing with mask wearing and safety measures. Lock down advice could change this so please double check with organisers if you are travelling into town specially.

Abingdon-on-Thames Chamber of Commerce and town businesses of all sizes support the Shop Local initiative.
www.tvfm.org.uk

Fair Trade Town

Our town was one of the first in southern England to formalise a Fair Trade initiative. Abingdon-on-Thames Chamber of Commerce has a listing of businesses involved in Fair trade and fairly-traded merchandise and food. Volunteers are needed to assist with Fair Trade particularly in the March Fair Trade Fortnight.

Huge floral diplays of pink gladioli in giant urns outside a flower shop

Shops

With a wide range of independent shops, Abingdon-on-Thames is emphatically an individual. It’s a unique place to spend a relaxing day browsing and discovering something new. The streets cluster around the medieval Market Place, making it easy to wander around without walking too far, and everything is just a stone’s throw from the picturesque Thames riverbank. Family-run businesses mean that...

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Markets

Abingdon-on-Thames is a market town that still enjoys the unique atmosphere of a lively market. Our town centre boasts one of the most fit-for-purpose Market Places in the country, run by the Town Council. As well as the many community events and stalls that pop up here on a regular basis, there are markets, farmers' markets and craft fairs on a weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual cycle....

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Gastro dining

Abingdon-on-Thames has a growing list of enticing places to eat, for the adventurous foodie and traditional family diner alike. Wander up from the river bank to choose from one of the fine dining experiences on Bridge Street, or continue your stroll around the heritage area for real Italian, Spanish, Indian, Chinese or Lebanese cooking; and don’t forget the local hand-made sausages, British pies...

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Inside a traditional tea room with farmhouse tables and a dresser full of pretty china

Coffee and tea shops

Whenever you fancy a break there are plenty of tea and coffee shops and small cafés to sit in, with cakes, sandwiches, soups and toasties as well as the reviving hot drink you need after a few hours of shopping or walking the national trails. Three cafés are on or very close to the Thames, all are near significant buildings which people come from all over the world to view. Even when you may not...

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Great pubs and brewery

Loose Cannon is our town brewery. It is slightly west of town off Drayton Road at Suffolk Way. It has traditional ales such as Abingdon Bridge. A special ale is offered each month and brewery tours can be booked. With a proud brewing tradition, Abingdon-on-Thames has pubs of all types for you to experience. For music nights and weekend-long beer festivals check out our town events calendar,...

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