Canal Pub on the Oxford Canal

Guide To The Boat Inn

The Boat Inn, located alongside the picturesque Southern Oxford Canal in Thrupp, Kidlington, is a charming establishment that welcomes families and dogs. It has preserved its traditional character while maintaining a strong appeal among locals. Under the friendly management of John, Jane, and their team, this canal-side country pub offers dining services and accommodation, classified as a hotel, bed & breakfast, or guest house.
See The Boat Inn Reviews
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In addition to serving traditional pub fare, The Boat Inn also provides practical amenities for travellers, functioning as a designated motorhome stopover point, where overnight parking is complimentary for customers who dine at the pub.

Situated 65 meters above sea level and operating year-round, this versatile venue combines comfortable hospitality services with the authentic atmosphere of a quintessential British canal-side pub, making it a favoured destination for both locals and canal travellers alike.

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4.6
4.6 out of 5 stars (based on 20 reviews)
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Business Types

  • Canal Pub

Facilities

  • Canalside
  • Food
  • Real Ale
  • Takeout Available
  • Serves Food
  • Bar Service
  • Accessible Entrance

The Boat Inn Information

Canal Rd, Thrupp, Kidlington OX5 1JY.

Phone

01865 374279

Email

01865 374279

Opening Hours

Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Tuesday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM

Thursday: 12:00 – 9:00 PM

Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM

Saturday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM

Sunday: 12:00 – 8:00 PM

NOTE: Venues often have seasonal opening hours or can be subject to change and kitchen hours are often shorter, so it's always wise to check with the venue before visiting.
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The Boat Inn Reviews

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Review from Google Places

8 July 2025

The Boat Inn is a wonderful establishment, close to both canal and river Cherwell. Great service very welcoming and the food is very good too! As a Guinness drinker this is the best in the area, trust me I’ve tried a few 😉

Colin JP

Review from Google Places

30 June 2025

Popped in after visiting the Blenheim Flower Show. As a group of 4 we had 2 Sunday lunches (fantastic selectionall cooked beautifully), fish and chips (with mushy peas) and a children’s meal. We sat in the beer garden and had a great time. Definitely one to recommend if you’re in the area.

J J

Review from Google Places

15 May 2025

Back again for another delicious and tasty meal, fresh seasonal veg, Cotswold Venison pie with creamy mash and gravy. When a meal is so good, but you have to force yourself to eat it all, now that’s superb! Tasty Tasty Tasty!

The Hiking Leprechaun

Review from Google Places

10 March 2025

Lovely pub by the canal, with lots of character. The staff and customers were really friendly and the food was excellent 😊

Karen Stow

Review from Google Places

2 November 2024

We took a table in the Morse room – my favourite programme back in the day. Food was good and so were the drinks

Hednesford Childs

Oxford Canal's Best Canal Pub in 2026

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