Oxford Canal Pubs

Our favourite Oxford Canal pubs…

Whilst our luxury College Cruisers narrowboats contain all the facilities you need for self-catering, most of our customers enjoy trying out some of the excellent food and drink to be found at the many pubs to be found along the route. Here are ten of the best Oxford Canal pubs…

The Old Bookbinders Ale House (Oxford)
01865 553549 | www.craftybelle.uk/oldbookbinders/

Close to College Cruisers’ HQ in Oxford, The Old Bookbinders is a family-run pub sitting deep in the heart of Oxford’s historic, quirky suburb of Jericho, with its strong community feel. They serve food six days a week, keeping it simple in style and honest in price.

“The Bookies” is dog and family-friendly.

The Jolly Boatman (Thrupp)
01865 377800 | www.jollyboatman.com

A traditional canal-side pub in Thrupp, about 4 hours’ cruising from our Oxford base. They offer meals at the canal-side, or indoors in the bar, snug or their barn restaurant. Food is served 7 days a week, with a fine range of roasts available between 12.00 and 5.00pm on Sundays.

The Boat Inn (Thrupp)
01865 374279 | www.theboatinnthrupp.co.uk

The Boat Inn, about 4 hours’ cruising from Oxford, is a family and dog-friendly canal side country pub which has retained its traditional character and local appeal. It is an ideal watering hole to enjoy a tasty meal, a refreshing drink or a comforting warm by the roaring log fires. The pub has appeared several times in the popular, detective drama series Inspector Morse, based on the novels by Colin Dexter. As a member of the bespoke Greene King Head Brewer’s Club, and Cask Marque-accredited, The Boat Inn houses some of the best Greene King Cask Ales, including IPA, Old Trip, and Golden Hen and constantly changing guest ales.

The Oxford Arms (Kirtlington)
01869 350208 | www.oxford-arms.co.uk

The Oxford Arms is an award-winning dining pub situated in a wonderful 19th century building steeped in history. Kirtlington is approximately 6 hours’ cruising from Oxford. They serve lunch seven days a week and dinner every day except Sunday. Daily specials include dishes such as Wyevale Asparagus, Pea, Broadbean & Saffron Risotto, Salcombe Crab & Chili Linguine, and Sausage & Mash with Onion Gravy & Savoy Cabbage.

The Barley Mow (Upper Heyford)
01869 232300 | www.barley-mow-upper-heyford.co.uk

A friendly, family-run pub around 8 hours’ cruising from Oxford, The Barley Mow serves up home-cooked food and fine cask ales in a delightful rural setting. Thanks to its proximity to the canal there’s moorings available, and the glorious garden makes it a ideal family friendly pub. Lunch and dinner served seven days a week.

Great Western Arms (Aynho)
01869 338288 | www.great-westernarms.co.uk

The Great Western Arms is an inviting country pub serving excellent food and ales from the local Hook Norton Brewery. Based on the canal-side in Aynho, about 9 hours’ cruising from Oxford, the pub also lies next to an old Great Western Railway train station and steam trains can regularly be seen from the bridge outside the pub. The pub itself is full of Great Western Railway photos and memorabilia.

The Red Lion (Cropredy)
01295 758680 | www.theredlioncropredy.co.uk

Cropredy village sits beside the Oxford Canal, amongst beautiful countryside, with towpath walks stretching for miles in either direction and the inn itself, is just a few moments walk from the Cropredy Lock, along the delightful Red Lion Street. The Red Lion has a wide and varied menu with traditional pub lunch choices . A selection of cask ales and lagers are available.

The Brasenose (Cropredy)
01295 750244  | thebrasenose.co.uk

Under new management from November 2020.  A 17th-century pub, steeped in history where you can enjoy a decent pint, a glass of Prosecco and either great quality bar food or something a bit more special from the 1777 restaurant menu.

The Wharf Inn (Fenny Compton)
01295 770332

The Wharf Inn is a traditional canal-side pub with a wide selection of real ales, beers and wine. Their comprehensive menu provides a selection of snacks, grills, burgers and a cracking Sunday roast. The Wharf also has its own hair and beauty salon, and on-site launderette!

The Folly (Napton)
01926 815185 | follyatnapton.co.uk/

The Folly Inn is conveniently located by The Folly Bridge (No. 113) and close to Napton Bottom Lock (No. 8). Food is served from their wide-ranging menu from 12pm – 2.30pm and 6pm – 9pm Monday – Saturday. On Sundays between 12pm – 4pm a traditional Sunday lunch is served.