Heritage Walks

There should be a lot happening in Market Place, Museum and Cinema this Winter. The latest November health and safety advice has affected the programme with an astronomy viewing evening, Remembrance, Christmas entertainment all not able to take place. 

Many townspeople get involved in aspects of the town's history and heritage notably Abingdon Civic Society - caring for the town's past, present and future https://abingdoncivicsociety.org.uk 

www.abingdonheritage.org.uk   gives the immediate past heritage weekend.and will have information on future heritage festivals and the Europe-wide heritage open days.

In addition to the active Civic Society the local archaeological and history society contributes massively to this town site with research and information on buildings and people.

With around 200 listed buildings in the town centre alone, Abingdon-on-Thames is a fascinating place to stroll around and find hidden gems. On the history section find out about interesting vernacular architecture and visit the places where events (some pleasant, some violent and bloodthirsty) have played out in the past.

You may prefer a guide to show you round and make sure you don’t miss the best, most memorable places. Alternatively,  choose to follow a series of informative boards on a heritage trail, The Information Centre can help you find your way round. Roysse Court, 5 Bridge Street to the right of the quadrangle in front of Guildhall is Info's location. Available by email only during the cautious periods of the virus.

There are picture clue trails on the Abingdon Civc Society information and also 'treasure' trails which you can down load at home.

Everyone has their own way of exploring, so choose the way you prefer to do things. Phone apps are popular for finding out about each of the towns of southern Oxfordshire.

I-Footpaths and all our local and county walks sites are helpful but not essential.

Walk About Abingdon 07880 913819 offers guided walks every day. As they take you on a journey 3,000 years of history in an enjoyable way in just ninety minutes (shorter if you fix this) we'll let them off for not offering Christmas Day but the other 364 yes they can be booked. See their website and twitter  @Walk.Abingdon

Local historians and Blue Badge guides are available for groups. All the Tourism SE and blue badge guides have altered their walks o smaller groups with i pad virtual tours to see the inside of anywhere not open for health protection reasons.

There is a tradtion of a boundary walk on New Year's Day and a walk to Old Boar's Hill. Led Ramblers walks non members can participate so check and book. For themed history walks please ask. Late May Bank Holiday is a day in which free guided walks are offered.