Home > The Vale's Towns: Abingdon Faringdon Wantage

The Vale's Towns: Abingdon Faringdon Wantage

Abingdon

Abingdon, the principal town in the Vale is only six miles south-west of Oxford. The town has evidence of being the oldest Bronze Age settlement in England. It developed around the Abbey built in the 7th Century. The part of the Abbey that survives today is open for functions and events including productions in the Unicorn theatre, an October design and craft fair and on certain summer afternoons. The town prospered through its markets which were established in the 13th Century and have continued. There is a market each Monday, Farmers' Market (third Monday in the month). Abingdon makes an ideal base for a holiday with riverside parks, gardens and a choice of leisure facilities including tennis, swimming, boating, fishing, waterside pubs, restaurants, shops, lovely riverside walks and summer boat trips.

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Faringdon

Faringdon has panoramic views from its pretty perch on a golden limestone ridge between two beautiful rivervalleys - the Ock and the Thames.  For centuries, Faringdon's hotels have been welcoming visitors.  The town has an interesting variety of independent shops and restaurants and a farmers' market on Tuesdays. Faringdon makes a delightful holiday base on the threshold of the Cotswolds, with Oxford only a half-hour drive away. From Faringdon you can enjoy exploring four of England's most beautiful counties - Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.  A few moments' stroll from the centre of Faringdon leads you to open fields and a network of footpaths.  A short ride takes you to two national trails - the Thames Path and the Ridgeway and a variety of themed walks.  A mecca for walkers.  Come and enjoy!!!

"Buy Back in Faringdon"

Twenty-five of the town’s independent traders in The Faringdon Retail Group have pooled resources to launch the new “Buy Back” parking ticket refund, whereby anyone who spends £5 or more at participating stores will have the first hour of their parking ticket refunded.  It is hoped this will encourage more visitors to the town centre shops. 

The scheme is in operation at Southampton Street Car Park and Gloucester Street.

Under BuyBack residents are required to buy a parking ticket from the machines, display it in their car window, and when they take a receipt to a participating shop they will be refunded the first hour of parking charge on purchasing £5 worth of goods.

The scheme is being paid for by the independent traders themselves who will foot the bill for all refunds claimed.  BuyBack is supported by the Council.

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Wantage

Wantage is an ideal place for a visit combining the town and its museum with walking on the Ridgeway. Its charm attracts many visitors who enjoy its easy access to the uplifting countryside and the freedom of The Ridgeway National Trail just 2 miles, (3.5 kilometres) above the town.

For details of public car parks in the Vale's main towns please visit the Vale of  White Horse District Council car parks page.