Abingdon - Abbey Gardens & Town

Essential Intel

Clues 15 to 18 can get very muddy after heavy rain, so suitable footwear is strongly advised. This area is also prone to flooding after extreme weather, so do check ahead before setting off.

Towards the end of the Trail, there is a section with no lighting, so set off on your adventure at least two hours before dusk.

There is one flight of steps on the route, with a pushchair alternative given at the steps by Abingdon Bridge.

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Abingdon Abbey Gardens and Town, with Explorers tracking Prince Lovealot's jewels and gold after he lost them while travelling through Abingdon in 1643, searching the town to find where his treasure was buried before the Marauding Menaces get there first.

The quest covers approximately 2 miles and should take 2+ hours to complete. You'll begin by Abbey Close, investigate Abingdon's historic centre, continue past County Hall and down West St Helen Street, visit St Helen's Church, cross Abingdon Bridge, follow the Thames Path to Abingdon Lock and weir, then loop through green spaces before finishing in Abbey Gardens.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route is mainly level, but there is one flight of steps, a section that can get very muddy after heavy rain, areas that may be flooded after wet or extreme weather and a section with no lighting.

Take extra care at the very busy junction near the Guildhall, keep Mini Explorers close by the river, and watch for cyclists on the cycle path later in the route. After the final search in Abbey Gardens, take the path around to the right and exit the gardens by the gate to return to where the adventure began.

Getting There

By car: Start by the Waitrose Customer entrance on Abbey Close, opposite the Abbey House sign (OX14 3US), using ///minute.thinks.carbon. Parking is available opposite Waitrose in Civic Car Park, Abbey Close (OX14 3US), using ///minute.thinks.carbon. The Waitrose Car Park is for customers only and is patrolled.

By public transport: Make your way to the Waitrose Customer entrance on Abbey Close, opposite the Abbey House sign, to begin the quest.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available at Hales Meadow car park and Abbey Meadow. The Hales Meadow Car Park toilets are ahead after the steps by Abingdon Bridge, making them a handy comfort stop during the treasure hunt.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers can join the adventure 🐾

Keep dogs close around the very busy junction near the Guildhall, on the cycle path where walkers should watch for cyclists, and anywhere near the river. Do not let dogs go too close to the river, and be ready for muddy paws between Clues 15 and 18 after heavy rain.

Food & Drink Stops

Treasure-hunting through Abingdon is hungry work, but there are plenty of cafes, pubs and restaurants en route.

If you'd rather bring your own provisions, picnic opportunities appear from Clue 14 onwards at Rye Farm Meadow, Abbey Meadow and Abbey Gardens.

Want to Make a Day of It?

County Hall and Bun Throwing

County Hall sits in Abingdon's historic centre and appears on the route before the walk continues down West St Helen Street. It is also the place where Bun Throwing takes place - a unique 400 year-old Abingdon tradition marking royal occasions, when councillors in ceremonial robes throw 4000 specially made currant buns to the crowds.

St Helen's Church

St Helen's Church dates back to the 10th century, and its spire dominates the town skyline. It is said to be one of the widest churches in England, with features including a candelabra that is over 200 years old and three sets of almshouses in the churchyard.

Abingdon Bridge

Abingdon Bridge was completed in the early 15th century and is actually three bridges. Abingdon Bridge is nearest the town, linked to Burford Bridge by Nags Head Island, while Maud Hales Bridge to the south completes the Thames crossing.

Abingdon Lock and Weir

The route reaches Abingdon Lock and weir on the Thames Path, a cracking vantage point for looking back along the river once your Explorers have paused the treasure calculations. The walk then carries on across the locks and weir and around the park.

Abbey Gardens

The quest finishes by entering Abbey Gardens, where you can look between the trees to the remains of Trendell's Folly. It was built in the 1860's by EJ Trendell, a prosperous Abingdon wine merchant and brewer.