Shopping
Abingdon-on-Thames has a range of small, independent shops and a friendly central shopping quarter. It is a unique place to spend a relaxing day browsing and discovering something new in streets which 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.
Abingdon is one of sixty towns in England which have a centre that has to be conserved for its history, heritage and listed ancient buildings. Large departmental stores are mainly situated to the west of the town centre and can be reached by a short walk or bus ride.
Relax with a coffee
Abingdon boasts a range of small cafés to relax in, with cakes, sandwiches, soups and toasties as well as the reviving hot or cold drink you need after a few hours of walking around the picturesque town. Whether you fancy a small artisanal café, a riverside view, a Market Place pit stop or a visit to the unique Climate Emergency Centre beneath the museum, Abingdon can offer it all.
From gastro to guitars – fine dining, music and community pubs
In a town which has a proud brewing tradition going back to Morlands, Abingdon can still offer a wide range of excellent bars and pubs of all types for you to experience from riverside views and courtyard tables to grand old buildings and fine dining. Abingdon has pubs with great character to enjoy some time in whatever the season. For music nights, events and beer festivals check out our events calendar.
Local brewery Loose Cannon can be found just off of Drayton Road at Suffolk Way. The brewery has a wide range of traditional ales including its signature beer, Abingdon Bridge. A special ale is offered each month and brewery tours can be booked.
Interesting things to do in Abingdon
Abingdon Distillery
Abingdon Distillery is a small batch distillery that produces an award-winning range of gins & rum at its site in Abingdon town centre. The distillery has started to produce English whisky with the first release scheduled for spring 2026.
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.
Location – Abingdon Distillery, Coxeter House, 21-27 Ock Street, Abingdon, OX14 5AJ
Website: https://abingdondistillery.com/
Contact – Hello@abingdondistillery.com
Gin / Rum Tour & Tasting Experience – 2.30pm Saturdays – must be pre-booked online via the website.
If you have details of an activity or place which may be interesting for visitors to Abingdon, please contact enquiries@abingdon.gov.uk.
The town council aims to provide information which may be of interest to visitors and residents but these listings are not an endorsement of the businesses included.
