ABINGDON-ON-THAMES AND KINGSTON BAGPUIZE HOUSE, OXFORDSHIRE
TUESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2026
Leaving Leamington at 9.00am we will travel direct to the quaint market town of Abingdon, which
dates back to the Saxon era, where we will have free time to explore the architecture and historical
treasures including Abingdon Abbey, St Nicolas Church, St Helens Church and Long Alley
Almshouses.
The Friends of Abingdon Civic Society has several walks on their website, on the
Events page, which can be downloaded. Two look particularly interesting – Heart of Abingdon and
Heritage.
The ancient church of St Helens has a medieval painted ceiling in the Lady Chapel. The
church website has more information under History.
There are local cafes to obtain coffee/lunch or bring a picnic to enjoy beside the river.
We leave Abingdon at 13.45pm to travel to Kingston Bagpuize House, a family home set in the
Vale of The White Horse and surrounded by a beautiful garden and parkland. There has been a
manor at Kingston since Saxon times but the current house is Georgian as is much of the furniture.
It featured in an edition of Downton Abbey as the home of Lord Merton! We will have a 45
minute tour of the house and then time to look round the garden. Redevelopment of the garden and
grounds started in 1949 and continues to the present day. In the early days advice, and plants, were
provided by Harold Hillier.
We will have tea and cake (included in the price) before leaving at 16.30pm.
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