The Oxford Canal starts at Hawkesbury Junction where it joins the Coventry Canal and runs south to Braunston where it joins the Grand Union Canal and then at Napton junction continues south to Oxford. It is 78 miles long and has 43 locks. The canal was constructed to provide a link from the Midlands to Oxford and then, via the River Thames, to London. The canal received approval in 1769 and was originally in the hands of James Brindley and, after he died in 1772, his assistant, Samuel Simcock oversaw the completion of the first section to Napton. In 1778 the second section reached Banbury and the canal was finally completed in 1790. It proved to be a popular route to London until the Grand Union, a much shorter route, was completed in 1805.
From Napton, the canal winds around the hill and ascends through a series of locks towards Marston Doles and then follows a winding route, running westward and doubling back on itself before approaching Fenny Compton and entering a cutting which was a tunnel. After Claydon locks the Oxford runs to Cropredy, described elsewhere and worth a stop, and continues through the valley of the River Cherwell towards Banbury where you will find a full range of facilities and good shopping.
From Banbury the canal follows the river and is close to the M40, the motorway crosses the canal at Bridge 183 and shortly after the railway runs parallel to the canal for some distance. Open countryside accompanies the journey south following the Cherwell and close to Tackley enters a wooded area and the canal again follows a winding course as it reaches Kidlington, running to the west of the area and on to the centre of Oxford. The Thames can be joined to the north of the city at Dukes Cut or close to the centre is Isis Lock providing a second access whilst the canal continues south for a few hundred yards to its terminus where there are moorings.
Map Ref 18 
The Bridge at Napton, Daventry Rd, Napton Tel: 01926 812466
Canalside at bridge 111. Traditional home-cooked meals, cask ales and friendly service. Restaurant, 2 bars and a large garden. Booking advisable. Open Tues- Sun lunch & dinner and on Monday on bank holidays and during school holidays. www.thebridgeatnapton.co.uk
"Very good food, beer and service. Families welcome. Recommended"
" excellent food and service"
" lovely meals, lunch and dinner, friendly staff"
"Excellent food. Very nice restaurant and friendly staff"
Map Ref 20 
The Bridge Store At Bridge 153 Cropredy.
Selling bread, pies, cakes, newspapers, groceries, toiletries, ice cream, stationery, toys, games canalia, gifts, souvenirs and much, much more. Cash machine, phone top-ups, National Lottery. Open 8-6 Mon Fri, 8-7 Sat, 8.30-5 Sun
Map Ref 21 
The Brasenose Arms Station Road, Cropredy Tel: 01295 750244
1min from bridge 153 & 5 mins from bridge153. 16th century country pub, home-cooked country food in the Restaurant, speciality food nights, quiz night Sun. Open Noon-3.30pm & 6pm- close seven days a week (late close at weekends)
Map Ref 23 
Siam House Thai Restaurant, 48 Parsons Street Banbury Tel: 01295 275088
Just 5 minutes walk from Castle Quay Moorings. Authentic Thai Cuisine in intimate, tranquil surroundings The Siam House is a family-run business with friendly staff and a warm welcome. Fully licensed with Thai beers on offer, lunchtime special just £6.50, children's portions, take away service. Additional first-floor dining room. Open Tues - Thurs Noon - 2.30pm and 6pm - 10.30pm Fri & Sat Noon - 2.30pm and 6pm - 11pm Sunday 6pm - 10pm
Map Ref 24 
The Banbury Museum, Spiceball Park Road, Banbury Tel: 01295 259855
Near Lock 29 Banbury's new museum open in late 2002 and tells the stories that made Banbury famous - the Civil War, the plush cloth industry, the market town and wartime Banbury. The Waterways Gallery overlooks the canal, museum shop and café. Children's activities. Open 9.30-5 Mon-Sat, 10.30-4 Sun & BH. Events and travelling exhibtions throughout the year.
www.cherwell-dc.gov.uk/banburymuseum
Map Ref 25 
The Duke of Cumberland's Head, Clifton, Deddington Tel: 01869 338534
Half-mile from Aynho Wharf. 17th century thatched pub serving real ales and bar meals seven days a week Restaurant open for lunch & dinner Wed-Sat and Sun Lunch. Children and dogs welcome, accommodation. Half-mile from Aynho Wharf - transport for anyone wishing to dine whenever possible - just phone
"Very welcoming, nice friendly service, food more expensive than your normal "pub grub" but worth every penny as it was fantastic. Well worth a visit! We'd go back"
Map Ref 26 
The Barley Mow, Somerton Road, Upper Heyford Tel: 01869 232300
300 yds east of bridge 204. Traditional country pub with real fires and a warm welcome. Home-cooked pub meals, children's meals, vegetarian dishes. Open 11.30-2.30 & 4.30-11 Mon-Fri, all day Sat, 12-3 & 7-10.30 Sun. Food served 11.30-2.30 and 6 on. All day Sat. Noon-3 and 7-9 Sunday Opening times may vary in high season - phone to check. WiFi available
Map Ref 27 
The Rock of Gibraltar, Enslow, Kidlington Tel: 01869 331373
Canalside at bridge 216. Log fires, traditional English fare and real ales. Breakfast served daily from 9, morning coffee, traditional English cream teas, bar meals 12-6, restaurant open 7-9 Mon.-Sat, Sunday Roast, 12-3. Restaurant times may be extended in high season. Open all day till 11, Sun 10.30