Facilities and features

Accessibility

Toilets are available in the church and in the Parish Centre.

Baby changing facilities are available in the church and in the Parish Centre.

The nearest car park is the West St Helen's St car park off St Edmund's lane OX14 5BU. It is free on Sundays. Please note that it does fill up even on Sunday mornings. An early arrival is recommended! Alternative parking is available in the The Charter multi-story car park off Stert St (OX14 3LH) and Rye Farm Car Park, across the Nag's Head bridge on the Culham Rd. (OX14 3HP)

Toilets are available in the church and the Parish Centre.

The street immediately outside the church has very limited restricted parking on a single yellow line. Please do not park on the double yellow lines - the space needed for emergency access.
All these public car parks have disabled parking spaces. The nearest car park is the West St Helen's St car park off St Edmund's lane OX14 5BU with EV charging points. It is free on Sundays.
Please note that it does fill up even on Sunday mornings. An early arrival is recommended!
Alternative parking is available in the The Charter multi-story car park off Stert St (OX14 3LH) and Rye Farm Car Park, across the Nag's Head bridge on the Culham Rd. (OX14 3HP)

Ramped entrance
Hearing (induction) Loop

Large print hymn books are available

Welcome

A gluten-free sacrament is available upon request.


Our Building

Stained Glass
Open for individual prayer
Listed Building
Warm Space

Music and Worship

There is an active bellringing group which rings at both St Helen's and St Nicolas' towers on a Sunday morning and at other times. We have a thriving youth section and welcome beginners (of any age) as well as experienced ringers who might be visiting or have moved into the area. Please visit https://www.abingdonbells.org.uk and www.facebook.com/AbingdonBells

St Helen's is available as a concert venue. Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to hold an event. Please see the website for current events.

Organ

At 8.00 am on Sundays the service of Holy Communion BCP 1662 is held either at St Helen's or at the nearby St Nicolas' in the Market Place. The service rotates monthly. At St Nicolas' in January, March, May, July, September, and November. At St Helen's in February, April, June, August, October, December.

A robed choir sings for Sunday morning services and for special evening services including Choral Evensong several times a year. Applications to join the choir are welcomed. Please contact the Director of Music through the Parish Office.


Groups, Courses and Activities

Nurture Courses

10th Abingdon (St Helen's) meet on Wednesday evenings in term time.

Bible study
Coffee morning

10th Abingdon (St Helen's) meet on Wednesday evenings in term time.

Mothers Union

A large and lively Baby and Toddler group meet in two sessions in the Parish Centre on Monday mornings in term time at 9.30 - 10.45 am and 11.00 - 12.15 pm. We often have a waiting list, but please call in and try a session first. Coffee, toys, crafts, music and chat. www.facebook.com/StHelensToddlers


Help for Visitors

A brief history and guided walk around the church is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Czech, and Russian, on the website and, usually, in church.
Notes on all the monuments and other details are held in the church.

Shop

The church is open between 9am-3pm every weekday throughout the year. Please contact the Parish Office if you wish to visit at other times and we will make every effort to accommodate you.


Other Features

All our refreshments are fairtrade.

There is a collection point within the church. All gifts are very welcome. Thank you!

Audio-Visual Facilities

There are a number of features of interest within our church, included in the famous novel - 'Three Men in a Boat' by J.K. Jerome.

On open display are the ancient painted ceiling, dating from 1381, and 'The Jesse Tree' painting.

Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to hire the Church or Parish Centre.