Things To Do
Abingdon-on-Thames has lots to do at all times of year. There are activities by and on the Thames, fascinating buildings and history, charming gardens and parkland.
In 2021 life is very diffferent with health and safety considerations affecting everything. St George's Day MG rally has become enthusiasts driving without a gathering, May Day events are not happening, some hostelries have live music with band inside customers outside. Markets are open and have good food, produce and now welcoming back other traders. Please wear a mask and respect distance for traders as well as other shopper even as the Summer progresses. Our markets and town independent shops have very good deals.
The town diary includes online activities you can join such as talks and a monthly general knowledge quiz which welcomes teams or part teams.
Good news, The Abbey Cinema is at Guildhall opens on Monday 17th May and has price deals, with all the latest films. Social distance and safety is a priority. www.theabbey.ac Other events such as craft fairs are hosted at Guildhall and it is the cinema which takes all the meetings and party bookings.
Amey Theatre has live concerts, theatre and cinema link ups, travelling film festivals and shows as an alternative to those at Guildhall and at the Unicorn Theatre. The Banff Film Festivals are popular, these are still online and not live in Amey Theatre until Autumn. Mountain Film Festival, Oceans Film Festival and Top Dog Film Festival.
Abingdon Museum has a phased opening commencing in Abingdon Artweek 18th to 23rd May. Book during opening hours 01235 523703 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. If passing ask through the intercom to request entry if there is space.
The town has an active film society and other screenings suitable for young or old. October to April.
Abingdon's ATOM Science Festival normally runs in mid March and has moved to 12th June. This is a superb festival normally with nationally-known speakers. This year the Festival will be all outdoors with good science and a geocache hunt. There will be an enquiry point on Market Place without the usual range of hands-on science.
The town is a hub for physics, astronomy and many other scientific disciplines. The ATOM Science Society is involved inrunning monthly talks and co-ordinating the events programme with experts.
Classical music the Maestro conducting masterclass links in with a competitive music festival in early May. Abingdon Air and Country Show has changed its date from May to 11th September get your tickets in advance and they are inexpensive.
Markets, festivals and events happen throughout the year. Our guides,the diary, information sheets and maps will help you plan your activities while you are visiting the town.
Rverside walks from a network of paths and the national trails on the doorstep are relaxing at all times of year, all on separate pages here.
The heated outdoor pool is normally open every late Spring and Summer until early September with a picnic area and somewhere for children to play nearby. It is likely that aquasplash will be restricted. The indoor leisure centre and outdoor sports and athletics facilities of international sports standard attract people from far afield. Booking online or get the phone app.
Monday is market day each week with fresh fish, a butcher, good quality fruit and vegetables, tasty food to eat. Farmers' special markets are on each third Friday.
See the Civic Society website www.friendsofabingdon.org.uk have some enjoyable observation trails.
