The modern market town of Abingdon-on-Thames sits in rural Oxfordshire, just 8 miles from Oxford. Steeped in history, the town is most commonly known for its wealth of architecture, historical treasures and of course the ancient Thames river. With the advance of autumn, leafy Abingdon is one of the many towns where visitors can marvel in the beauty of the autumnal tones, with the surrounding nature reserves and sublime central gardens.

Residents and visitors at our Southmoor Gardens site in Kingston-Bagpuize-with-Southmoor are spoilt for choice with the abundance of places to visit in Abingdon this autumn. We would love to see your autumnal snaps. Share your own favourite attractions with us at sales@bluecedarhomes.co.uk and on Facebook @BlueCedarHomes.

Along the River

Find it: 7.9 miles from Southmoor Gardens

Just a few hundred yards from Abingdon town centre, the River Thames flows from its source in the Cotswolds, travelling 210 miles out to the North Sea. Described as ‘the greatest river in Britain’ the River Thames glides peacefully through grazed water meadows, historic towns and many unspoilt rural villages before cutting through the heart of London. The River provides an excellent walking route named ‘The Thames Path’, which is accessible from Abingdon. The route is mostly flat and rarely leaves the riverbank, creating an easily accessible trail for walkers of many ages and abilities.

Contact Abingdon.gov: https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/things-do/river-great-outdoors

St Helen’s Wharf & Gardens

Find it: 8 miles from Southmoor Gardens

Overlooking the Thames, St Helen’s Wharf is a great spot for boat-watching and duck-feeding from the water’s edge. The wharf consists of St Helen’s church and glorious gardens, as well as the cosy riverside pub, ‘The Old Anchor’ which is perfectly positioned for visitors to enjoy a tipple or a bite to eat, all while taking in the peaceful flow of the river a stone’s throw away.

Contact St Helen’s Wharf & Gardens: https://abingdon.gov.uk/places-visit/visit-st-helens-wharf-gardens

Abbey Gardens

Find it: OX14 3JE, 7.9 miles from Southmoor Gardens

Situated just outside the town centre of Abingdon, Abbey Gardens is a quiet retreat which was once home to the 7^th Century Abingdon Abbey. The stunning gardens comprise of two main areas – the formal garden area with flower beds, herbaceous borders, seating and an Italian walkway, and an open parkland area with a number of mature trees. There is also an ornamental lake, which is a haven for wildlife – it is even home to the nationally endangered water vole. Visitors to the gardens can enjoy peaceful walks through the secluded walkways and luscious open gardens.

Contact Abbey Gardens: http://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/services-and-advice/sports-and-leisure/leisure-facilities/parks/abbey-gardens-abingdon

Along the River

Find it: 7.9 miles from Southmoor Gardens

Just a few hundred yards from Abingdon town centre, the River Thames flows from its source in the Cotswolds, travelling 210 miles out to the North Sea. Described as ‘the greatest river in Britain’ the River Thames glides peacefully through grazed water meadows, historic towns and many unspoilt rural villages before cutting through the heart of London. The River provides an excellent walking route named ‘The Thames Path’, which is accessible from Abingdon. The route is mostly flat and rarely leaves the riverbank, creating an easily accessible trail for walkers of many ages and abilities.

Contact Abingdon.gov: https://www.abingdon.gov.uk/things-do/river-great-outdoors

Lost Abbey Heritage Trail

Find it: Start the trail at Abbey Close car park, OX14 3JE

Produced by the Lost Abbey Project Team to highlight the history of Abingdon Abbey, The Lost Abbey Heritage Trail is now accessible to the public and links to the town’s main medieval Abbey sites. The Project Team has produced a leaflet that illustrates the walk, so visitors can follow the trail independently from the Abbey Gateway, right through to the Barton Court ruins. The trail provides the opportunity to embark on a relaxing stroll while you soak up the views across the water meadows and learn about the fascinating heritage of Abingdon.

Contact Lost Abbey Heritage Trail: https://friendsofabingdon.org.uk/lost-abbey-heritage-trail/

St Helen’s Wharf & Gardens

Find it: 8 miles from Southmoor Gardens

Overlooking the Thames, St Helen’s Wharf is a great spot for boat-watching and duck-feeding from the water’s edge. The wharf consists of St Helen’s church and glorious gardens, as well as the cosy riverside pub, ‘The Old Anchor’ which is perfectly positioned for visitors to enjoy a tipple or a bite to eat, all while taking in the peaceful flow of the river a stone’s throw away.

Contact St Helen’s Wharf & Gardens: https://abingdon.gov.uk/places-visit/visit-st-helens-wharf-gardens

Albert Park

Find it: 8 miles from Southmoor Gardens

Formerly Conduit Field, Albert Park is now home to a statue of Prince Albert which is surrounded by an abundance of trees in various shades of green, which give way to rich hues of orange throughout autumn. The large crescent shaped park sits to the northwest of the town centre, next to Abingdon School. With gravel footpaths running through the park and entrances from at all sides, visitors can take full advantage of the open grass areas for family picnics or leisurely strolls.

Find out more about Albert Park: http://www.ch-of-abingdon.org/albert-park/history-and-development/

If living later life in and around the Cotswolds takes your fancy, why not take a look at some of our current developments? Including, Southmoor Gardens, Cotswold Gardens and our brand-new bespoke Bampton site, Tannery Gardens, which is now available to reserve.