Abingdon - Recommended Towns in England

One of Britain's oldest towns, Abingdon in the county of Oxfordshire developed around the gates of an abbey founded in 675. At the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries ordered by Henry VIII Abingdon Abbey was 6th richest abbey in the land. Picturesque County Hall dominates the Market Place. Noted almshouses flank 13th-century St.Helen's Church. Banks of the Thames lined with lovely old properties. Two fine bridges spanning the Thames and the River Ock now listed as ancient monuments.

There are delightful riverside walks with the river being a focal point for recreational activities such as boating and fishing. From the comfort of a pleasure cruiser visitors can enjoy splendid river-scapes, river wildlife and good views of the town.

Abbotsbury - Recommended Towns in England

Abbotsbury is a small picturesque and historic village in the county of Dorset. Situated near the coast in one of the most unspoilt regions of England called 'The Fleet' which is an 8 mile long lagoon along the beautiful Dorset coastline. It was on the Fleet that in 1943 during the second world war Barnes Wallis tested his famous Bouncing Bomb which was used to great affect against the Nazis to destroy the dams in the famous Dam Buster raids. One of these bombs can actually be seen in the Swannery at Abbotsbury.

The Swannery is located at the edge of the Lagoon and is home to over 600 flying swans. Abbotsbury contains lots of pretty thatched roof cottages, an historic barn once part of Abbotsbury Abbey, an historic stone chapel and some lovely small shops to browse in the village.