Abingdon: Abbey History, Walks and Hotels

Abingdon is a destination for travellers who want to include historic buildings and walks through the town in their plans. The history of the abbey is reflected in its buildings and traces in the townscape; churches, almshouses and surviving Abbey Buildings complete the picture. There are different ways to spend time outdoors, from watching boats pass by to following an eight-mile circular walk.

Abbey, Churches and Monastic History

The Abbey Gateway dates from the late 15th century and was the main entrance to Abingdon Abbey. In the Abbey Gardens, the ground plan of the former abbey church is marked on the ground. A former gateway and the outline of the old church thus represent two different aspects of the monastic site.

The Guildhall contains the medieval L-shaped Hospital of St John, which dates from 1100. Abingdon Abbey had it built at its historic entrance. St Nicolas’ Church was built for the abbey’s lay servants, so they could pray and hold services there.

The surviving Abbey Buildings offer a glimpse into the monastery’s economic life. They include a small theatre created around the time of the coronation of the current Queen. St Helen’s Church contains very rare ceiling paintings. St Helen’s Almshouses continue to serve their original charitable purpose.

Gardens, Views and Boats

The Abbey Gardens have level, easy-to-walk paths and wide gates. In good weather, the rooftop terrace of Abingdon Museum offers panoramic views of the town and the South Oxfordshire countryside. At St Helen’s Wharf, you can watch boats passing by. A connection to the cycle network is also noted for cyclists: Abingdon lies on a national Sustrans cycle route.

Walks: Two Different Descriptions

The Thames Path is just a two-minute walk from the town centre. The Abingdon Waterways Walk, by contrast, is an eight-mile circular route through the medieval town centre, Drayton, Sutton Courtenay and sections of the Thames Path. The Thames Path is therefore described in terms of its proximity to the town centre; for the Waterways Walk, its length, circular format and the places named define the route. Check route conditions before setting out.

Bun Throwing in Abingdon

Bun Throwing is a 400-year-old tradition unique to Abingdon-on-Thames. Specially made buns are thrown from the top of the historic County Hall in the centre of Abingdon onto the townspeople. The tradition is mainly associated with royal events; the town council usually organises it as a sign of loyalty and goodwill towards the monarch. The last event took place in 2022.

Discover more destinations: Murcott, Swinbrook, Henley On Thames, Church Handborough, Watlington, Kingston Blount, Adderbury, Faringdon.

For the main travel overview: Oxfordshire.