The late May Bank Holiday is an opportunity to join some free organised walks round Abingdon.

MORNING WALKS ~ leave the Market Place at 10:30 am

The Boundary Walk follows the Town Boundary as it was when the Royal Charter was granted to Abingdon-on-Thames by Queen Mary in 1556. You will be accompanied by a Town Crier. (About 4 miles and 2 hrs).

A member of the Twin Towns Society will tell you about the history of Abingdon, the Great Abbey Church which once dominated the town, and its associated centuries old medieval buildings, today owned and cared for by the Friends of Abingdon. (About 1½ hrs).

Have you noticed vegetables growing in flowerbeds in Abbey Meadow and Abbey Gardens? Or the beautiful pollinator-friendly beds near the play-park? Or the wildflower maze on the Meadow? A child-friendly, accessible stroll round some of the projects run by Abingdon Carbon Cutters. (About 1hr).

Enjoy a tour around the centre of the town to places connected with St Edmund of Abingdon who became the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1233. Hear from an enthusiast about Abingdon`s most famous son. (About 1½ hrs)

AFTERNOON WALKS ~ leave the Market Place at 2pm

Join the Abingdon Naturalists on a nature walk to Radley Lakes where you can enjoy tea and cakes organised by the Friends of Radley Lakes and follow the trail round the main lake before returning to the town centre. (About 5 miles)

Do you know how many Rivers and Streams flow in and around the town? Hear from an enthusiast about well-known and lesser-known waterways starting in the town centre then out to the countryside and the Swift Ditch. (About 4½mls, 2½hrs. Shorten to 3 miles, 1½ hours by returning on your own from the lock)

Another opportunity to hear about the history of the town and the Lost Abbey from a member of The Friends of Abingdon (About 1½hrs)

From the 17th to the 20th century the centre of Abingdon became a Hive of Industry. Join the town archivist on a visit to places producing a variety of goods from beer and books to carpets and scientific instruments. (About 1½hrs)

For the latest news see: www.friendsofabingdon.org.uk