Once home to the iconic MG motor car, Abingdon still retains a charming mix of older-style architecture, modern shops and housing, with its historic roots reflected in its beautiful seventh-century Abbey buildings.

As a market town, traders have gathered here for hundreds of years and traditions such as the Michaelmas Fair in October and Mayor of Ock Street ceremony in June continue.

The market is held on Monday, a farmer’s market on the third Friday of the month and people also flock to the bustling high street for its chain stores and individual shops.

Abingdon is located along the banks of the River Thames and many boats can be seen moored near Abingdon Bridge.

About nine miles from Oxford, Abingdon also has a thriving commercial side. Modern business life includes light industrial estates and a number of science and retail parks on the edge of the town.

Popular with commuters, the town has easy access to road and rail links, including the A34 and on to the M4 and M40 motorways. The nearest railway stations are Didcot Parkway and Oxford.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Abingdon Museum: County Hall, Market Place. Home of the Southern Arts Collection of Contemporary Craftwork, which can be seen by appointment. Open 10.30am to 4pm every day, including weekends, but call ahead and check on Bank Holidays. Call 01235 523703

Abbey Buildings: Visit the main remaining buildings of Abingdon Abbey. Open 2pm to 4pm, from April 1 to September 30, every day except Mondays. Call 01235 525339

White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre: Audlett Drive. Facilities include a gym, aerobic studios, squash courts, indoor five-a-side football, badminton, netball, basketball and bowls, an eight-lane competition pool, teaching pool and toddler pool, sauna and steam rooms. For more information, prices and opening times, call 01235 540700 or visit the website: www.activenation.org.uk

USEFUL INFORMATION

Post offices: Co-op, West St Helen Street, 3 Reynolds Way and 39 Northcourt Road.

Information centre: The Old Abbey House, Abbey Close, 01235 522711.

Abingdon Town Council: The Old Abbey House, Abbey Close, 01235 522642, www.abingdon.gov.uk

Newspapers: The Abingdon Herald, every Thursday, 40p. Oxford Mail, daily, 40p. The Oxford Times, every Thursday, 80p. Websites: www.heraldseries.co.uk / www.oxfordmail.co.uk / www.theoxfordtimes.co.uk