Focus on Abingdon
Abingdon is a lovely old market town, just six miles from Oxford. It is the largest town in The Vale of White Horse and can be reached on foot along the Thames Path (10 miles from Oxford), or in the summer months by boat .
Steeped in history
The town was for centuries dominated by a great Benedictine Abbey. Sadly, the Abbey was destroyed by Henry VIII in 1538 following the dissolution of the monasteries. But a few of the original buildings survive close to the river.
What to do in Abingdon?
Try a summer boat trip, visit a waterside pub, or simply stroll along the River Thames for an enjoyable day out. There's a market every Monday and a Farmers' Market the third Monday in the month.
Abingdon's intriguing Abingdon museum - arguably the grandest of its type in England - is housed in an elegant building with stunning roof top views over Abingdon. Abingdon Museum was built by Christopher Kempster, a master mason who had worked for Sir Christopher Wren on St. Paul's Cathedral. The museum holds a programme of changing displays and exhibitions, so check their website for details.
Where to eat?
If you love water, you'll love The Upper Reaches - it's virtually on an island. Take a leisurely lunch in the Stream Restaurant, which has a terrace for al fresco dining, then enjoy a walk along the Thames Path. Try the New Year 3-course lunch for just £10. Private moorings available.
For award-winning food try Trout Inn, at Tadpole Bridge. Named AA Pub of the Year for England in 2009/10, it's sure not to disappoint.
The Pendon Museum in Long Wittenham, is a wonderful treat for both train enthusiasts and those interested in a bygone era. Painstakingly built by volunteer modellers, Pendon museum houses a miniture world of rural scenes capturing the beauty of the English countryside as it used to be around 1930. Tel: 01865 407365 for opening hours and details.
Nearby Buscot House and Gardens, owned by the National Trust, are a fantastic way to spend the afternoon. This late-18th century house is set in enchanting landscaped grounds, containing the Faringdon Collection of art, including Old Master and pre-Raphaelite paintings. The famous water garden was designed by Harold Peto and there are delightful Pleasure Grounds to explore.
To keep up-to-date with events and what's happening in Abingdon and the surrounding area, see www.visitvale.com