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 Abingdon: Abingdon is a beautiful Market Town on the river Thames near Oxford and is a very ancient settlement (occupied in prehistoric times by settlers of the Bronze and Iron ages), with historic documents providing proof of it's age. The Abbey was founded between 690 and 700 and remained a major influence in the area until Henry VIII in 1538 (at that time Abingdon Abbey was the 6th richest in Britain) brought about the dissolution of the Roman Catholic church, which unfortunately means that to-day only outbuildings remain for the public to visit, but these are well worth the time taken to see them. The Wilts and Berks canal (1810) arrived with Abingdon becoming a key link between such places as Bristol, London, Birmingham.
 History: Ancient traditions continue to thrive in Abingdon with the Monday Market which has existed since 1556 (but possibly began well before 1328), a monthly Farmers Market which was begun in 2000 keeps the historical continuity with events such as the Michaelmas Fair (now known as the Ock Fair and was originally a 'hiring mart' for those seeking employment) and a week later the Runaway Fair or traditions like Bun Throwing from the roof of the magnificent seventeenth century County Hall by local officials, such as the Mayor and Town Councillors, in celebration of important events, amuse the expectant crowd below as the buns are caught by the onlookers. Abingdon was once the home of the MG Sports Car works, the proud tradition continues with the MG owners car club based here, since the sports car production has ceased in the town.
 Things to do & see: With traditional Morris dancers and events like the annual 'Mayor of Ock Street Elections' visitors are sure to be amused and enthralled. The town has trebled in size since the sixties but continues to combine ancient culture with a forward looking thriving modern community. Abingdon has a great variety of creative, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic activities. There are also many fine buildings, an idyllic riverside with a historic wharf, formal parks and natural areas and walks in and around the town. The Old County Hall has a fine Museum which is open seven days a week and the almshouses and churches are well worth seeing, with many good quality hotels in the town and surrounding area, a visit is a must.
Also see: Useful Books about Abingdon
List of Abingdon Attractions:
- Abingdon Abbey: Abingdon Abbey was demolished by Henry VIII, but a few surviving out-buildings remain in Thames Street, Checker Walk and Abbey Close.
Tel: 01235 525339
- Abingdon Museum: Abingdon Museum is housed in The County Hall, Market Place. The Hall was built between 1678 and 1682, was called by Nikolaus Pevsner "the grandest town hall in England". The Museum collection was established in 1919 and houses objects from all periods of Abingdon's history and runs a programme of events and exhibitions.
Tel: 01235 523703 (24hr)
Open: Daily 10.30am - 4.00pm. Ring to check Bank Holiday opening times.
Admission: Free (Roof visits adults £1.00, children 50p). Children aged 6 or under are not permitted on the roof.
Disabled Access: None.
- Electric Showroom: The Electric Showeroom is at at 33 West St Helen Street - Artweeks offices, and daily exhibition space. Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 4pm, with coffee bar, exhibitions and workshops.
Tel: 01235 538828
- Kingston Bagpuize House & Garden: Kingston Bagpuize House, Kingston Bagpuize, Oxfordshire is a beautiful family-owned manor house, originally dating from the 1660s.
Tel: 01865 820259
- MG Car Club: The MG Car Club, Kimber House, 12 Cemetery Road, Abingdon is the home of the MG Marque is situated next to the former MG car factory and exhibits memorabilia and photographs.
Tel: 01235 - 555552
- Millets Farm Centre: Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Road, Frilford, Oxfordshire is a garden centre, maize maze, farm shop, farm zoo, children's play area, restaurant and picnic area.
Tel: 01865 391923
- Milton Manor House: Milton Manor is a tall classically inspired mid-17th century red-brick house.
Tel: 01235 831287
- Pendon Museum: Pendon Museum of Miniature Landscape & Transport, Long Wittenham - Recreates in minature the English countryside and railways of the 1930's.
Tel: 01865 407365
- Steventon Priory Cottages: Steventon Priory Cottages are 4ml South of Abingdon and are former monastic buildings under the ownership of the National Trust. The Great Hall of the original priory has been preserved in the South Cottage, which is available for viewing.
Tel: 01793 762209
Open: April to end Sept: Wed 2–6 by written appointment with tenant. Note: Only the Great Hall in South Cottage is shown
Admission: £1. No party reduction. No WC. Unsuitable for coach parties.
- St Helen's Church: St Helen's Church on West St Helen's Street, dates from the 13th century. Its 600 year old painted ceiling is a medieval masterpiece which has been recently restored.
- Sutton Courtenay: Sutton Courtenay is a pretty village just south of Abingdon. The village is unusual in that it is the home of three very historic domestic buildings. George Orwell (author of 1984) and Herbert Asquith (Prime Minister 1908-1916) are buried in the local churchyard.
- Venn Mill: Venn Mill, Garford is a working rural watermill powered by the Childrey brook. Open Apr-Oct, 2nd Sun in month, 10am-5pm.
Admission Price: Adults: £1.50, Children: 50p
- The White Horse Leisure Centre: The White Horse Leisure Centre, Audlett Drive offers fitness, sport, swimming and tennis.
Tel: 01235 522806
- Wittenham Clumps: Sinodun Hills which are known as the Wittenham Clumps is 5 miles south east of Abingdon and is a group of trees visible for many miles above Castle Hill (an iron age fort).
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