Abingdon - welcoming visitors back

Above: Abingdon is abound with history and charm.

Abingdon’s heritage makes it a delight to visit in all seasons and its traditions of the past which are still evident today add to this pretty market town’s appeal. A monthly and weekly market continues to thrive here today and the town still hosts its annual Michaelmas Fair, which is the longest street fair in Europe. Other traditions important in the town includes the election of the ‘Mayor of Ock Street’ which still attracts visitors today as they line the streets to watch the traditional Morris Men dance the length of the street.

The town has many thriving industries established in the industrial estates and Science Parks, but Abingdon is probably best known for its involvement in the manufacture of the well-loved MG sports car, which was produced here until 1979. The Abingdon factory was closed after turbulent times in the 1970s but although many plants were closed, no other factory created such an uproar among workers, dealers, clubs and customers than the closing of the Abingdon site. The headquarters of the MG Car Club is situated next door.

The heart of the town remains the new-look Market Place, which hosts a Farmers’ Market every third Monday. Recently newly paved and undergoing other improvements, the Market Place is back in business with market traders returning to this historic site.

Six miles downstream from Oxford, Abingdon attracts visitors for its riverside setting with the Thames and the Ock flowing through the town. Many of the bridges in Abingdon are listed as ancient monuments, and Abingdon Bridge is nearly 590 years old. An important focal point for the town the riverside setting attracts anglers, pleasure cruisers and visitors for recreational activities.

Shopping in Abingdon is a treat for those looking for unique and specialist shops. With a good selection of independent shops the visitor to Abingdon would delight at the town’s unique French patisserie in East St Helen Street, a delicatessen on Stert Street for discerning foodies, plus many coffee houses and fine restaurants dotted around the town’s main shopping areas of Stert Street, Bath Street, Market Place, High Street and West St Helen Street.

“Abingdon is a relaxed town and welcomes visitors at any time of the year,” says Denise Fletcher from Abingdon Information Centre. “There are lots of clubs held at the Guildhall from scrabble to dancing and the town has some fine historical buildings. Abingdon is a pretty historical town with lots of activities, an open air swimming pool, tennis courts in the Abbey grounds, a Boat Centre and many walkers come here to stroll along the Thames Path, enjoying the beautiful countryside as they go.”

Fine examples of Abingdon’s architecture can be seen in the parish church of St Helen’s, which has the distinction of being the second widest church in England and is one landmark in Abingdon you will find hard to miss. Step inside the church to see its famous ornate medieval painted ceiling, which dates back to 1391.

The great Benedictine abbey of St Mary's at Abingdon was an Anglo-Saxon foundation of about 670A, but today only ruinous arches remain in the Abbey Gardens and the Abbey grounds provide the ideal picnic spot on a sunny afternoon.

Housed in the majestic County Hall in Market Place, Abingdon Museum is a must for visitors interested in the town’s long history. Archaeological finds from Prehistoric, Roman and Anglo Saxon times reflect the town’s provenance and the main gallery houses exhibitions on local history and craftwork throughout the year. The museum also holds a collection of MG memorabilia. In the summer, the roof of the County Hall turns into a viewing point for visitors, offering spectacular views across Abingdon and the surrounding county. One Abingdon tradition includes the annual Bun Throwing from the top of the roof which involves the Mayor and town councillors throwing currant buns from the top of County Hall to be caught by crowds gathered in Market Place. The tradition began on the coronation of George III in 1760 when cakes and beer were given out in celebration.

Abingdon Information Centre, tel: 01235 522711. For more information on exhibitions at the Abingdon Museum, tel: 01235 522711. For more information on Abingdon visit www.abingdon.gov.uk. To find information on accommodation in the area ring the hotline 07706 670657. This is a free service open between 8am and 10pm.