Abingdon County Hall Museum — Attraction in Vale of White Horse

Abingdon County Hall Museum – A Window into the Past

Housed in a beautifully preserved 17th-century baroque building that dominates the town's Market Place, the Abingdon County Hall Museum is a true gem. The museum’s collection thoughtfully tells the story of one of England’s oldest continually inhabited towns, from Roman and Saxon artefacts to the town’s industrial and civic past.

Highlights include the remarkable Monks’ Map, a 16th-century depiction of the Thames around Abingdon, and a stunning replica of the Abingdon Sword, an Anglo-Saxon artefact that hints at the town’s martial heritage. Car enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the last MGB roadster ever made, dramatically craned into the museum and displayed with pride.

Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the museum’s rooftop terrace (small fee applies) – the panoramic views over the town and surrounding countryside are well worth the effort. Entry to the museum is free, though donations are encouraged to help preserve this local treasure. One caveat: the building’s historic layout means accessibility is somewhat limited. Bun Throwing – Tradition with a Toss

Where else in Britain can you witness a group of robed councillors lobbing currant buns from the top of a museum? Abingdon’s bun throwing tradition is as delightfully odd as it is deeply cherished. Dating back to at least 1761, the event is held to mark royal celebrations such as jubilees, weddings, and coronations.

Thousands of specially baked buns – often stamped with commemorative symbols – are thrown to enthusiastic crowds gathered in the Market Place. It’s festive, peculiar, and utterly joyful. Many residents collect and even preserve their buns, some of which are proudly displayed in the museum itself.

The most recent event, in May 2023, celebrated the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, continuing a tradition that binds the community together in shared history and good humour. A Sweet Finish at Throwing Buns Café

Just steps away from the museum, Throwing Buns Café offers the perfect post-museum pause. With excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and a cosy atmosphere, it’s a charming nod to the town’s signature tradition – and a great place to...

The tradition of bun throwing in Abingdon is known as the "Abingdon Bun Throwing" and has a long history dating back to the 17th century. This unique event occurs infrequently and is usually associated with special events or holidays.

What is this interesting tradition all about? The Abingdon Bun Throwing is held exclusively during significant events for the country related to the royal family. A large number of buns, usually with symbolic images or inscriptions, are thrown from the roof of the town hall in the main square of the city. People gather around to try to catch the buns.

The buns can be made from different ingredients and baked with special symbols or inscriptions that reflect the event they are celebrating.

The Abingdon Bun Throwing is not only a traditional event, but also a source of pride and unity for the people of Abingdon. It attracts a lot of attention and tourists who want to be a part of this unique tradition and get their bun from the sky!

Events such as the Abingdon Bun Throwing support cultural heritage and the preservation of unique traditions, making them special to the community and everyone who comes to join in this...

It's free to enter so it seems churlish to offer only 3 stars but I thought I had better manage expectations. It's a lovely building, very impressive and for a small fee you can go up on the roof and enjoy panoramic views of the town. The museum itself is a little light on artefacts and relies heavily on information boards. They do have the last MGB GT off the production line which they somehow managed to winch through the upstairs window. Also the fossilised remains of an Ichthyosaur and some preserved buns from the ceremonial bun throwing. Staff were friendly and helpful and the building is bright, clean and airy. I didn't go on the roof or in the basement where there is more to see. If you're at a loose end you could do a lot worse than to pay this place a visit. And, don't...