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 (AONB) to the East, a similar distance from the Cotswold AONB to the West, the Wessex Downs start at Steventon Hill less than five miles away and the town sits on three rivers, offering a range of great activities.
This is a town worth taking time 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 visit.
Map guides are normally available free from the Visitor and Community Information Centre on the ground floor of the Roysse Court Offices on Bridge Street, OX14 3HU or you can email information@abingdon.gov.uk.
The Museum, which can be found in the magnificent County Hall right in the heart of Abingdon, has maps and books on the town, as do our local bookshops.
QR codes on the information panels in the town centre give access to an audio tour. The OXTRAILS phone app covers Abingdon-on-Thames, Didcot, Faringdon, Henley, Thame, Wallingford and all the towns in Southern Oxfordshire.
There are tours and history on this site of all the town’s significant buildings.
A short walk west across the beautiful Albert Park will bring motor enthusiasts to 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).
Visit The Guildhall
Baroque splendour for all to enjoy Guildhall was the civic heart of Abingdon-on-Thames in the 18th and 19th centuries. Part of the front of the building dates from 1400 and […]
Visit St Helen’s Wharf & Gardens
Tranquility where there used to be trade The former St Helens Wharf is worth a stroll not only because it is a beautiful spot overlooking the Thames, but also because […]
Visit St Helen’s Church & Almshouses
Five hundred years of “Big Society” St Helen’s Church spire is a familiar sight from the river and beneath it is an interesting church of unusual shape, the result of […]
Visit St Nicolas’ Church
“The Little Church by the Gate” Another remaining part of the Abbey complex is St Nicolas’ Church, once known as “The Little Church by the Gate”. It was built for […]
Visit Abbey Buildings
When Henry VIII’s men dismantled the Abbey which had made the town famous, they left behind some medieval buildings near the river which were eventually saved by the Friends of […]
Visit Abbey Gardens & Abbey Meadow
An accessible stroll for all ages The Abbey Gardens are a charming stroll with flat, easy paths and wide gates. Amongst the planted flower displays can be found Victoria’s statue […]
Visit the Museum
Interactive displays and rooftop views Why not introduce your family to the interactive experience of a modern museum with changing exhibitions, workshops and activities for kids? Abingdon’s County Hall Museum […]
