Oxfordshire Tourist Guide - Articles

Abingdon is situated eight miles south of Oxford on the Thames and Ock Rivers. There is a great variety of things to do out and about in Abingdon and has a wealth of history in the town including the Abbey which was founded in the 690’s and the County Hall Museum built in 1682 in the market square which now houses a fine museum and is open seven days a week.

Abingdon has a rich cultural history and a lively social scene including a Monday market which was established before 1328 continues to thrive today together with the new monthly Farmers’ Market.

Abingdon was the home of MG Sports Cars until closure in 1980 and remains the home for MG Car Club.

Beyond the Abbey Gateway in Roysse Court are the Guildhall and a range of ancient buildings. The Guildhall houses many great paintings, the Corporation Plates and a collection of 18th century pewter.

There is the old Coaching Inn, the Crown and Thistle dating back to 1605. On Bridge St. and the old jail built in 1811 and overlooking the river is the Upper Reaches Hotel with a watermill as a feature of the restaurant.

The River Thames is spanned by Abingdon Bridge built in 1415 and is made up of three bridges.


Away from the river down East St. Helen’s Street where there are examples in the housing of 15th century architecture. There is also St. Helen’s Church from the 10th century which houses the 14th century wooden painted ceiling in the Lady Chapel. Beyond the church are the three almshouses – The Long Alley built in 1446, Twittys in 1707 and Brick Alley in 1715. Behind the church is St. Helen’s Wharf which leads to an iron bridge over the River Ock and the Wilts and Berkshire Canal.

On a day out and about in Abingdon there is plenty to occupy the tourist with information in the old Abbey House. There are river trips that pass up and down the Thames and through the lock.

For information on places to stay, eat and shop then please click below

Out and about in Abingdon