Places to visit
Abingdon-on-Thames 'far from the madding beaches' to quote an interesting book on our region is geographically in the Vale of Abingdon beneath the Old Berkshire Downs. It is eight miles from the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the East, a similar distance to the Cotswold AONB which is West of us, the Wessex Downs start at Steventon Hill less than five miles away and being on three rivers gives many pleasurable days out.
This is a town worth taking time out to explore. The ancient buildings have a character and charm all of their own and the town’s history is colourful and interesting. These pages will help you to plan your exploration in more detail.
This month more of the 'things to do' will need consideration in advance. Christmas trails, the pantomime, Santa's grotto near the town at Millets Farm were all booked up by 1st December. Luckily for us, the panto at The Abbey Cinema has had extra dates added and Abingdon Museum is able to stay open with half hour slots which need to be booked. You are still able to ask at the door, but ten is the maximum at any one time in the stunningly attractive Sessions gallery.
Map guides are normally available free from the Visitor and Community Information Centre at Guildhall, in the town centre top end of Bridge Street. this is currently closed with staff working available by email. The Museum has some maps and may be able to let you have an item as you leave, conscious of the risk level on any particular day. The town guide is on this site and so are various tours. Books on the town are available from the Museum and our three excellent bookshops.
There are QR codes on the panels of information in the town centre and these give access to an audio tour. The OXTRAILS phone app covers Abingdon-on-Thames, Didcot, Faringdon, Henley, Thame, Wallingford all the Southern Oxfordshire towns. Oxfordshire countryside and footpaths sites are helpful please ask.
There are tours and history on this site of all the town's significant buildings.
A short walk west across Albert Park motor enthusiasts will find the MG Car Club immediately next to where MGs were built with the attention to detail that has made them so appreciated. Kimber House OX14 1AS has MG and MGCC memorabilia on display and items for sale each weekday (check or make an appointment at weekends).
Being at leisure by the sea is fun, and being by the mightly Thames is even better.