Spring Craft Market – Abingdon Market Place

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A Spring Craft Market took place this Saturday on Abingdon Market Place. The day was cool with spells of sunshine and the occasional shower, but there was a good turnout of visitors through the morning.

The Great British Mead Company were among the stallholders, offering what is considered the world’s oldest alcoholic drink. Sally Mears was talking to the Mead Company about a possible appearance at the Cakes and Ale Festival she is organising to mark St Edmund’s 850th Anniversary – on Saturday 16th May.

Abingdon’s own Recycloanalyst brought a mix of recycled artefacts, including steampunk lamps and jewellery.

Martin Wackenier of Devine Times Photography had a stall, though as he was away shooting a wedding, it was partly manned by his visiting brother – who was also selling a few of his own miniature garden creations, crafted from charity shop finds.

There were plenty of other stalls to browse.

A busker added some music during the afternoon.


Elsewhere in the town centre, a pothole repair crew have been out, and the large holes and ruts in the High Street have now been patched.

But Bath Street had sprung a leak.

Something New for Abingdon

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The new restaurant in West St Helen Street opens on April 2nd. It brings something new to Abingdon and appears to be like tradition small, fine dining French restaurants where the chef creates the menu around what is in season.

There is a single dégustation menu. Diners let the kitchen to take them through a series of around ten carefully prepared courses, letting the evening unfold at its own pace.

Good luck to them on April 2nd and beyond.

What’s On in Abingdon – Late March & Early April

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On Saturday 28th March (9am–3pm), the Abingdon Local Excellence Markets return to the Market Place with a Spring Craft Market. There will be a wide range of locally made crafts and gifts — a good chance to browse and meet makers.

The Annual Parish Meeting takes place on Wednesday 1st April 2026 at 7pm in the Roysse Room at Roysse Court, Bridge Street.

This is the Town Council’s opportunity to report back on its work over the past year, with updates from committee chairs. PCSO Ali Blood will also speak about local policing. Local charities and community groups supported by council grants will share what they’ve been doing, and there will be time for residents to ask questions about the town.

With the Easter holidays beginning, there are plenty of activities for children and families.

At Abingdon Library, there’s an Easter Storytime with Sustainable Crafting on Wednesday 1st April, 1–2pm. This free session is ideal for children aged 4–10, combining stories with simple craft activities. Spaces are limited, so booking is recommended.

At Abingdon Museum, the “Chicks ’n’ Eggs” Easter craft session also takes place on Wednesday 1st April (10:30am–12:30pm and 1:30pm–3:30pm). This is a drop-in event where children can make hanging chicks and decorated collage eggs.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse councils are also running a wider programme of holiday activities across the area. In Abingdon, this includes a Mini Fun Day (9am–1pm) at White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre on Thursday 3rd April. There are other activities available. Details and booking can be found online at https://www.southandvale.gov.uk/south-and-vale-holiday-activities/

For music, Unicorn Theatre hosts Suntou Susso on Thursday 2nd April (7:00–10:30pm). This is part of his The Future is Ancestral tour, an evening of kora music (a traditional West African instrument) and song. To book see https://musicattheunicorn.org.uk/.

Barrow Hills BMX Track Closed Waiting Redevelopment

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The BMX track at Barrow Hills was closed earlier this year. A notice says that an inspection by Vale of White Horse District Council officers, alongside local experts, found that the track is too dangerous. Short-term repairs were considered, but these would not be cost-effective.

As a result, officers are now exploring funding options for a full redevelopment of the track.

This image shows the track around twenty years ago, when it was already past its best. It was used by BMX riders as well as rollerbladers and skateboarders. It was there long before the Skate Park at The Leisure Centre.

The land was given to the community by Paddy Dockar Drysdale, who previously owned land in the area.¹ The wider park, including the car park and football pitch, remains open.

¹ Richard Dudding, Wick Hall: The Story of a House and a Family