Kingfisher Barn - Local Area Guide

The Things You Mustn’t Miss in Abingdon

Abingdon Abbey Buildings

The atmospheric medieval Abbey buildings, are the oldest buildings in the town. The Abbey went from 6th richest in England, then to be demolished in the Reformation in 1538. The remaining range was saved in 1944 by the Friends of Abingdon who maintain them. They are now a Scheduled Monument, architecturally Grade 1 Listed and play host to a range of events, from weddings to the Abingdon Beer Festival, as well as being open to the public for heritage visits. For more information, visit their website https://www.abingdonabbeybuildings.co.uk/

Abbey Gardens

The Abbey Gardens are a charming stroll with flat, easy paths and wide gates on the site of the original Abbey, which was supposedly founded in 675 in honour of the Virgin Mary.  Set alongside ornamental flower displays, you can find a statue of Queen Victoria and the remains of Trendell’s Folly which was created in the 19th century when this was a private garden.  The folly is said to be built of stone from St Helen’s Church, whose spire overlooks over the town and river. While strolling through the gardens, make sure not to miss the stones in the grass which mark the foundations of the original Abbey, uncovered when archaeologists investigated this site.

Continue through to Abbey Meadow where you will also find a large adventure park, splash pad and heated outdoor pool. The perfect spot for a picnic, feeding the ducks and cooling off on sunny days.

More info at https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/vale-of-white-horse/abbey-meadows-outdoor-pool

Our Museum

The Museum can be found in the County Hall, on the south side of Abingdon Market Place. Built in 1682, the County Hall has an extensive history of its own, with a museum first being introduced there in 1919. To this day the grade I listed building plays host to a museum, art gallery and exhibition hall. Since 1761 it has also been the venue for the traditional ‘bun throwing’ to commemorate royal events, which still goes on today!

https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/abingdon-county-hall-museum

Local excellence & farmers markets

While staying in our self-catering properties, why not visit one of Abingdon’s markets to grab some delicious, local supplies? Or if you’re having a quick weekend away in our B&B, pick up some locally sourced goodies to take home with you!

By Royal Charter, Monday is the town’s traditional market day with a wide variety of quality goods available weekly.  This is one of the oldest markets in England, and one of the busiest, taking place every Monday from 8.00am to 3.00pm in the Market Place whatever the weather!

The Thames Valley Farmers’ Market visits Abingdon Market Place on the third Friday of each month (8.30am-1.30pm). This friendly market gives you the opportunity to sample and buy fresh produce while meeting local farmers, growers and producers.

Our Local Excellence Market is the largest of all, showcasing local food producers, craftworkers, independent retailers and more, giving you the chance to sample foods, beers and crafts created in Oxfordshire. The market is held from 9am-2pm(ish) on occasional Saturdays through the year.

For exact dates visit https://www.abingdoneventspartnership.co.uk/markets

Locally Produced Beer and Spirits

Brewing has been entwined in the town’s history since the original Abbey buildings were standing (and probably before!) and although Loose Cannon Brewery isn’t quite that old, they are definitely a large part of Abingdon’s current story. Established in 2010, Loose Cannon began as a modest brewery starting their production with the iconic Abingdon Bridge – a beautifully balanced classic English Bitter with a subtle modern twist. They have since expanded, creating a large range of both staple and seasonal beers, from traditional ales to the nations new favourite – the IPA. They have also expanded the site offering events and open evenings in their Tap Room as well as Brewery Tours.

Plan your visit here - https://lcbeers.co.uk/

A more recent addition to Abingdon’s independent scene is Abingdon Distillery established in 2018 - a craft distillery producing an award-winning range of gins, rum & single malt English whisky. All of their spirits are produced by 2 beautiful copper stills, right here in Abingdon. With a close eye on sustainability and quality, each batch is no more than 130 bottles so they can keep total control on production quality levels. Abingdon distillery offer tours, tasting masterclasses and have a bottle shop which is open Thursdays – Saturdays from 11am.

For more on their tours, visit https://abingdondistillery.com/

You will also find both of these excellent business’s stocked across Abingdon’s independent pubs and restaurants, so even if you can’t squeeze in a visit to them directly, you are sure to have the opportunity give their goods a go!

Let’s Cruise!

Salter’s Steamers are a family run business that have been providing first-class hospitality on the river Thames for over 150 years! Their cruises combine traditional style, contemporary comforts and the highest of standards for the best possible experience. Offering a variety of hugely popular boat trips through some of the most beautiful scenery in England, their scheduled trips operate from every major location on the Upper-Thames between the university city of Oxford and the London boundary including such famous places as Reading, Henley, Windsor and of course right here in Abingdon.

Get your cruise booked in at - https://salterssteamers.co.uk/

Bring on the Drama

If it’s drama you’re looking for, Abingdon has its own Theatre and Cinema. The Unicorn Theatre plays host to Abingdon’s amateur dramatics groups that perform shows throughout the year. The cinema has a selection of the latest films for all the family, as well as showing national events on the big screen. Bringing plenty of entertainment, even on those rainy days where it’s not so nice to be out exploring.

Keeping the Kids Busy

Obviously, the beautiful countryside and well thought out park areas can be enjoyed by all, but we know sometimes the little ones need a little more than that, especially if the weather’s not quite up to scratch (this is Britain after all!!)

Millets farm is a great family day out offering something for everyone. You can visit the animals down the animal walkway and in the wildlife centre, explore the maize maze and play area, burn off some energy in the play barn, pick your own goodies, get competitive with a round of mini golf,  treat yourself to something from the farm shop and refuel in their café.

Visit their website to see what events will be on during your visit - https://www.milletsfarmcentre.com/

White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre is a state-of-the-art leisure centre, located right on our doorstep in Abingdon. The centre offers a variety of facilities including: a gym, fitness studio, swimming pool, sauna & steam room, squash courts, badminton hall and tennis courts. The Centre also offers a variety of kid’s activities including soft play.

More info - https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/vale-of-white-horse/white-horse-leisure-and-tennis-centre

Snakes & Ladders Soft Play Centre consists of a huge three-tiered play frame, under 5’s zone, pretend play area and even a Science Discovery Zone! Their in-house café offers a range of food and refreshments so you can enjoy well-deserved break while the kids let loose! The offer two-hour play sessions seven days a week.

Book a session or find out more - https://www.snakes-and-ladders.co.uk/about-us/abingdon/

So, if you like the sound of what Abingdon has to offer, why not check out our accommodation and book your perfect place to stay!