Directions
Parking
Please note there is no parking at the lock.
It may be possible to drop off disabled or elderly visitors at the lock, but please contact us first.
The nearest car parks to the lock are Rye Farm car park and Hales Meadow car park, both of which are across the bridge going towards Dorchester. Please see Abingdon Car Parks for a list of all car parks and charges in Abingdon.
As the Spring Head Regatta will be taking place on the same day please allow plenty of time to get to Abingdon and park as traffic will be heavy.
From Rye Farm and Hales Meadow car parks, walk to the river and turn right, follow the river a very short distance to the lock (approximately 5 minutes).
Alternatively Abbey Meadows car park is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the lock. From the car park walk towards the river then take the path to the left of the toilet block and playground. You will come to the weir, walk across the weir to the lock.
Walking from Abingdon
There are two routes to get to Abingdon Lock from the centre of Abingdon:
At the end of Stert Street continue straight on down Bridge Street, walk over the bridge then take the set of steps down to the river. Continue on the path beside the river until you get to the lock.
From Abbey Meadows car park walk over the small bridge and turn immediately left. Follow the path (with the play ground on your right) until you reach the weir. Cross over the weir to the lock.
By Car
The post code for the lock is OX14 3NW (however please follow instructions for parking, there is no parking for visitors at the lock itself.)
Abingdon is just south of Oxford and is accessible from the A34.
From the South (Newbury)
From the A34 take the exit marked Abingdon/Fairacres/Drayton Road. At the next roundabout take the second exit. At the next roundabout take the second exit then following the road around Stratton Way, with Abivale vets on your left, keep to the right at the traffic lights and continue round to the right into Stert Street. Bear left into Bridge Street and drive across the bridge.
From the North (Oxford)
Take the first exit signed Abingdon. At the first roundabout take the second exit (straight on). Continue straight on into the centre of Abingdon. At the traffic light junction take the left fork and keep left. Bear left into Bridge Street and drive across the bridge.
By Train
The nearest train station to Abingdon is Didcot Parkway. From the station catch the X2 bus which stops at the station at 26 minutes past the hour. The journey to Abingdon takes approximately 30 minutes.
Food and Drink
At the lock there will light refreshments (teas, coffees and Lizzie's delicious cakes). Various food vans will be available next to the Regatta site in Rye Meadow. In Abingdon there are many cafes and restaurants to cater for all tastes.
Toilets
Visitors to Thames at War may use the portaloos in Rye Meadow with kind permission from the Regatta organisers. Disabled and elderly visitors please contact a member of the lock staff for facilities.