Canal Boating Article: Banbury
Visit Banbury from the following marina(s)
Located in the North Oxfordshire countryside on the picturesque Oxford Canal. The Canal is one of England's most peaceful waterways running from Oxford to Coventry it was once a principal waterway from London to the Midlands.
Banbury will be forever immortalized in the nursery rhyme 'Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross' and is attributed to Queen Elizabeth I who travelled to Banbury to view a stone cross which had been erected there. Situated at the top of a steep hill a large white stallion was made available and the Queen chose to mount the horse and ride to Banbury Cross. The statue 'View the Fine Lady Upon a White Horse’ immortalizing the Banbury nursery rhyme was unveiled by Princess Anne in 2005 and stands on the corner of West Bar and South Bar just yards from the present Banbury Cross.
Situated in an attractive canal-side location Banbury Museum has exciting displays to illustrate Banbury's history The hands on displays tell the history from when the Roundheads besieged the town to when World War II came to Banbury. Watch from the Waterways Gallery as the Oxford Canal pass beneath your feet or visit the cafe and shop.
Visit the adjacent Tooley's Boatyard and learn what life is like in a working boatyard take a tour of this working boatyard and view the dry dock, forge and machine workshop. Tooley's is the oldest working dry dock in Britain and has been in continuous use since 1790. Established to build and repair the wooden horse-drawn narrowboats which during the Industrial Revolution were used as working boats on the canal system.
Castle Quay is the ultimate shopping experience attracting millions of visits a year it is a shoppers paradise containing some of the best designer outlets in the country. Located between the historic Market Place and the picturesque Canal, Castle Quay has something for everyone. The town offers pubs, cafés and restaurants to suit all taste call in at one of the tea shops and try the famous Banbury cakes, a treat made from fruit and pastry.
Set in the Cherwell Valley on the Oxford Canal visit Aynho Village for the attractive walks. The village was formerly known as the 'Apricot Village' because of the Squire who encouraged his tenants to grow apricot trees. Close by there is a large wharf and boatyard, with a canal side shop selling gifts.
Broughton Castle has featured in films and TV dramas including “Shakespeare in Love”and “Larkrise to Candleford” built in 1300 it is now the home of Lord and Lady Saye and Sele. Built by Sir John de Broughton in 1300 the castle was used in the Civil War as a Parliamentary meeting place. View the Medieval Great Hall, vaulted passages, fine fireplaces, splendid plaster ceilings and panelling.
