Premier Inn Abingdon

Yes, Abingdon is definitely worth visiting, especially if you're exploring Oxfordshire or looking for a peaceful riverside town with history. It’s one of those places where you can spend a relaxing afternoon strolling along the Thames, visiting historic landmarks like Abingdon Abbey or grabbing lunch in a traditional pub. The town also has several green spaces, riverside parks and a mix of quirky independent shops. It’s ideal for a short break, especially if you're coming from Oxford, which is just a few miles away.

Abingdon claims to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in England, with evidence of settlement dating back to the Iron Age and Roman times. It was a significant religious centre during the medieval period thanks to Abingdon Abbey, one of the most important Benedictine monasteries in the country before the Dissolution. While other towns like Colchester and Amesbury also lay claim to being England’s oldest, Abingdon’s long, uninterrupted history certainly puts it high on the list.

Abingdon is known for its rich history and riverside setting, as well as the remains of Abingdon Abbey, which played a central role in the town's early development. It’s also known for the unique tradition of bun-throwing from the County Hall – where local dignitaries throw thousands of buns into the crowd to mark royal celebrations. The town has long associations with brewing, MG cars (which were built here for decades), and is well known for its historic architecture and riverside walks.

Abingdon is a moderately sized market town. It’s larger than a village, but it still feels very walkable and easy to get around. It has a compact town centre with a mix of shops, cafes and historic buildings, plus parks and riverside paths that give it a more laid-back pace. It’s not tiny, but it doesn’t have the hustle of a city either – ideal if you're looking for somewhere that balances convenience with calm surroundings.

Abingdon itself doesn’t currently have an active train station. The original station closed in the 1960s, but the town is well connected by bus to nearby train stations, especially Radley Station, which is only about 2 miles away and provides regular services to Oxford and London. If you’re travelling by train, you can hop off at Radley or Didcot Parkway and get a quick bus or taxi to the town centre

Yes, you can walk from Abingdon to Oxford, and it’s a riverside route if you’re up for a long-distance stroll. The walk follows the Thames Path and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on your pace. It’s mostly flat and very scenic, passing through countryside and quiet stretches along the river. It’s a great way to combine a bit of gentle hiking with sightseeing, especially in spring or summer.

Yes, there’s plenty to do in Abingdon whether you’re into history, nature or just want a relaxing day out. Start with the Abbey Gardens, a peaceful green space perfect for a stroll or picnic, set on the grounds of the former Abingdon Abbey. Nearby, you’ll find the County Hall Museum, housed in an impressive 17th-century building. It gives you a great introduction to the town’s past, including exhibits on bun throwing (a local tradition), the old MG car factory and a rooftop view over the Market Place. For families, Abbey Meadows is a favourite. In the warmer months, it has a splash pad for kids, plus mini golf, a large playground and lots of riverside space for relaxing or games. If you fancy being on the water, you can hire a boat or enjoy a leisurely cruise on the River Thames – it’s a lovely way to see the town from a different angle. If you’re a cyclist or enjoy walking, there are scenic routes that connect to the Thames Path and nearby countryside trails. Or just enjoy a laid-back afternoon exploring the independent shops, cafes and pubs in the town centre. There’s a mix of historic buildings, modern restaurants and weekly markets to browse. For something a little different, you can also check out Unicorn Theatre, a small venue in the Abbey precinct that occasionally hosts plays, concerts and community events.

Yes, Abingdon has a regular market in the town centre. The main market tends to take place every Monday and is great for fresh produce, household goods and local treats. There are also seasonal and farmers’ markets on certain weekends, where you’ll find artisan food, crafts and more.

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.