Our history

Old Abbey House has played a significant role in Abingdon’s history since the 18th-century. The Grade II listed building was originally owned by a prominent local businessman in the 1700s, followed by the Mayor of Abingdon: E. J. Trendell. The property overlooks the wonderfully maintained Abbey Gardens, which were once part of the historic Abingdon Abbey.

In more recent years, Old Abbey House served as offices for Abingdon Town Council, and after local government reorganisation in 1974 ownership passed to Vale of White Horse District Council. In 2000 the Vale opened newer offices, and in 2014 the building was vacated, leaving Old Abbey House empty for many years.

To this day

In 2021 local property developer, Ede Holdings Group, acquired Old Abbey House from Vale of White House District Council. Following this, their team worked meticulously to sympathetically restore the building, focusing on many historical features such as stained-glass windows, ornate fireplaces and original woodwork.

Thanks to the brilliant reimagining of the property, it has been given a new lease of life as a boutique hotel. In 2023 The Edge Hotel Group proudly opened the doors with 28 uniquely designed rooms and suites, which can now be admired and appreciated by all.

FAQs

  • We have limited parking available on the driveway of Old Abbey House Hotel; operated on a first come first serve basis. If the hotel car park is full, we recommend parking in Abbey Close car park (1-minute away at Abbey Close, Abingdon, OX14 3JE).

  • Yes! We recommend using the bus services to travel to/from Oxford; they depart frequently from Stratton Way (a short 2-minute walk away from Old Abbey House Hotel) with an approximate journey time of 30 minutes.

  • Our self check-in system is simple and easy to use. We will send over your check-in details a week prior to your arrival which will contain instructions and your Booking ID. On the day, all you will need is your Booking ID. We are always available over the phone if you require any assistance. View our how-to video here.

  • Standard check-in time is at 4PM and check-out is at 10AM, unless otherwise arranged prior to arrival with the Hotel team. Please note, we can be ultra flexible with any check-in time after 4PM; however, we do ask that if you arrive after 8PM that you kindly keep the noise down so that we don’t cause any disturbance to our neighbours and other guests.

  • Unfortunately, as we are a self-check-in based hotel, we do not possess the capacity to hold luggage prior to check-in. If you know that you will be arriving earlier, please let us know and we will try and accommodate on the day, depending on circumstances.

  • All rooms are supplied with tea and coffee making facilities. In addition, our suites are fitted with kitchenettes so those wishing to utilise cooking facilities or make the most of the brilliant local takeaway’s can do so. 

    We do not have any other food or drink services on site; instead, we encourage you to explore the wide variety of independent restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars we are lucky enough to have on our door step.

  • We have shared access to steamers, which you are most welcome to use during your stay; these are located in accessible units on the ground floor and first floor hallways.

  • We are a fully non-smoking hotel. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.

  • We do not have a lift; however, we do have rooms on the ground floor which are suitable for wheelchair access.

  • Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate for pets.

  • Yes, children are very welcome. All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.

  • We take most forms of credit and debit cards, however, we cannot take American Express.

  • If there are any damages to the property or evidence of smoking is found, a fine of £150 will be payable for additional deep cleaning and/or cost of any damaged items.

  • We have a 7-day cancellation policy meaning that you will be charged in full if you cancel or amend your booking 7 days or less from the booking start date.

    We appreciate that trips don’t always go to plan, so we endeavour to be as flexible as possible where 1 week+ notice is given - If a booking adjustment needs to be made, please let our hotel team know with as much notice as possible. You can contact us here.

  • Due to our building’s rich heritage, we are unable to instal air conditioning throughout. However, our lovely Skyward Suites on the second floor are fitted with air conditioning and all other rooms and suites come with a fan to help maintain a comfortable temperature.