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An Abingdon circuit

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Walk directions

From Rye Farm car park near Abingdon Bridge turn right at the sign for Kingfisher Barn and pass a turning on the left. Continue on the track as it runs between fields and water meadows. On reaching Kingfisher Barn keep ahead beside Rye Farm and Rye Farm Cottage. Beyond them, keep ahead on the track, which is now stony. Follow the track over flat farmland and eventually pass into a field lined by trees. Here and there on this walk the soaring spire of Abingdon’s parish church of St Helen can be seen defining the horizon. Make for a concrete bridge and in the next meadow keep over towards the right edge.

Head for the field corner but don’t continue over the bridge here. Instead swing sharp left and follow the meadow boundary, keeping close to trees and hedge on the right. A weir soon looms into view on the right. Keep to the path as it hugs the Thames and soon it is bordered by vegetation and scrub on the left. Go through a gate and follow the path to Abingdon Lock. A sign here indicates that the town of Teddington, among other destinations, is 85 miles away. Note the lock-keeper’s cottage is dated 1928.

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Location

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Tracks and meadow paths, Thames towpath, town paths and pavements

Landscape - Town and country by the Thames

Dog friendliness - On a lead on the approach to Abingdon

Parking - Rye Farm Car Park near Abingdon Bridge (Charges apply)

Toilets en route - Opposite the car park and at Abbey Meadows 8am–8pm (summer) 8am–5pm (winter)

Walks in Oxfordshire Family friendly walks in Oxfordshire

About the walk

The Unicorn Theatre in Abingdon, seen in the closing stages of this short walk, is one of those hidden gems that you often stumble upon while on a walking tour of one of Britain’s historic towns and cities. Concealed amid quaint streets and alleyways, in the shadow of Abingdon Abbey’s atmospheric... ruins, the history of this fascinating playhouse dates back to 1952. Alan Kitching and his wife Frances were walking through the old abbey ruins one day, having paid 6d each to see it, when suddenly he was hit by a flash of inspiration. He believed the space in what is known as the Checker Hall, which by then had become a semi-derelict building, would make a perfect venue for a small Elizabethan-style theatre. The Friends of Abingdon, a conservation group, had recently acquired the entire abbey complex with the intention of restoring as many buildings as their budget would allow, but by the time they turned their attention to the Checker Hall, they had just about run out of money. Kitching, who seemed to arrive on the scene at just the right moment, set about developing the initial concept, allowing his ambition to create something bold and innovative to take root. That was during the summer of 1952 and by November that year construction work had begun. The stage was designed by a member of the teaching staff at nearby Radley College and some of the school’s pupils even helped with the building work. It was very much a team effort. The first production in the new theatre was Two Angry Women of Abingdon, performed by Abingdon Drama Club. The opening night coincided with Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation on 2 June, 1953. The Unicorn’s first season also featured plays by the likes of J B Priestley, three musical concerts, poetry readings and several talks on theatre through the ages. Between 1959 and 1974 Alan Kitching acted as producer on a dozen productions of Handel’s Italian operas, not performed in this country since the composer’s death. A small orchestra in the stage gallery enabled the productions to take place. Not surprisingly, Shakespeare has featured prominently at the Unicorn over the years and so has the Abingdon Drama Club, which has staged 50 or more productions there in that time. Today, the Unicorn has seating for an audience of 92 and is the ideal setting for modest, small-scale drama productions. It is thanks to the vision of one man that it survives more than 70 years on.

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About the area

Located at the heart of England, Oxfordshire enjoys a rich heritage and varied scenery, with Oxford’s elegant streets a highlight for visitors. The landscape encompasses open chalk downland, picturesque rivers and attractive villages, while northwest of Oxfordshire is home to the sleepy backwaters of Abingdon, Wallingford, Wantage, Watlington and Witney that reveal how Oxfordshire’s old towns evolved over the centuries.

Route details

Difficulty:

Easy

Gradient:

Flat

Distance:

2 miles (3.3kms)

Ascent:

0ft (0m)

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An Abingdon circuit

Recommended by

Walk details

Difficulty:

Easy

Gradient:

Flat

Distance:

2 miles (3.3kms)

Ascent:

0ft (0m)

Walk directions

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2 of 4

Cross the lock at the bridge and continue over weirs towards Abingdon. Avoid a wooden bridge and a metal bridge on the right to reach a children’s play area. Cross the next bridge at Abbey Meadows and in front of you now are Abbey Gardens. Turn left to walk through the car park, passing the magnificent Cosener’s House on the left. Turn left into Checker Walk and pass the Unicorn Theatre.

3 of 4

Go through the arch to Thames Street. Opposite is the former Upper Reaches Hotel. The mill wheel is visible under the building. Turn right and walk along to the junction with Bridge Street. The Broad Face pub is on the corner. Turn left, cross Abingdon Bridge to pass the Nag’s Head and return to the car park where the walk began.

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Location

Starting point

Nearest postcode:

Additional information

Terrain - Tracks and meadow paths, Thames towpath, town paths and pavements

Landscape - Town and country by the Thames

Dog friendliness - On a lead on the approach to Abingdon

Parking - Rye Farm Car Park near Abingdon Bridge (Charges apply)

Toilets en route - Opposite the car park and at Abbey Meadows 8am–8pm (summer) 8am–5pm (winter)

Walks in Oxfordshire Family friendly walks in Oxfordshire

About the walk

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

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Walking in Safety

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Get an AA guide

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Been on this walk?

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Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

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About the area

Oxfordshire

An Abingdon circuit

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Walking in Safety

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An Abingdon circuit

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