Napton Marina · 7–11 nights

The Oxford Canal & Thrupp

Meander south through Cropredy and Banbury towards Thrupp. Explore Oxford from there, or discuss a longer cruise into the city.

Find a holiday Follow the journey

Fuel included

Your narrowboat holiday

Your trip at a glance

Start from: NaptonSouth Oxford
Time aboard: 7–11 nightsVaried cruising
Cruising time: 51 hrsApproximate total for the suggested trip
Distance: 86 miles

Times and figures are planning estimates from our route guides. Cruising stages are flexible, not fixed daily destinations. Confirm your itinerary with us.

Make time for the good bits

A few highlights along the way

A quick look at places to explore and food stops across the whole trip. Tap a card to open the details.

Places to visitThrupp · Cropredy · BanburyExplore these stops

Thrupp
A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.
Map & reviews
Cropredy
A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.
Map & reviews
Banbury
A place to pause and explore along this itinerary.
Map & reviews

Google scores are published snapshots checked on 11 October 2026, not live ratings. Scores are shown only where verified; follow the source or open Maps for the latest reviews. Check opening times and walking access before setting off.

Pubs & restaurantsThe Folly Pub · The Kings Head Napton · Wharf Pub, Fenny ComptonExplore these stops

The Folly Pub ★ 4.5/5 · Google
Traditional canalside pub near the Napton locks, serving food.
Map & reviews · Rating source
The Kings Head Napton
Napton pub serving food; use its current website rather than inherited food hours.
Map & reviews
Wharf Pub, Fenny Compton
Canalside pub and dining stop at Fenny Compton.
Map & reviews

This suggested itinerary turns at Thrupp. Reaching Oxford by boat needs additional cruising time and suitable moorings. Confirm the itinerary and totals with the team.

ONE STRETCH AT A TIME

Let your holiday unfold.

Follow the water, find your favourite stops and make room for the moments in between. These stages show the order of the journey; spread them across your holiday at a pace that suits your crew.

Stage 1 · Settle aboard
Napton Marina to Napton Lock Flight

Estimated cruising time
1h 30m

Begin southwards and work the first part of the Napton flight.
Stage advice & stopping tips
After your handover, take time to get comfortable with the boat and controls. Ask the base to suggest a realistic first stop.
Pubs & food
Food stops in Napton-on-the-Hill — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Find on map
The Kings Head Napton — Napton pub serving food; use its current website rather than inherited food hours. Access: Bridge 109. Visit website Find on map
Napton Village Stores — Village groceries, post office and kitchen with bakery and takeaway food. Access: Folly Lane Bridge. Visit website Find on map
Napton Cidery — Farm Shop, Off Licence, Pub, Takeaway. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Find on map
The Folly Pub — Traditional canalside pub near the Napton locks, serving food. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Napton-on-the-Hill — Explore this village along the route. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Supplies in Napton-on-the-Hill — Listed local facilities: newsagent / convenience store, off licence, post office. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Find on map
Napton Village Stores — Village groceries, post office and kitchen with bakery and takeaway food. Access: Folly Lane Bridge. Visit website Find on map
Napton Cidery — Farm Shop, Off Licence, Pub, Takeaway. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Napton Lock Flight. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 2 · Enjoy the journey
Napton Locks to Cropredy

Estimated cruising time
8h+

Continue via Fenny Compton and the Claydon locks towards Cropredy.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
Wharf Pub, Fenny Compton — Canalside pub and dining stop at Fenny Compton. Access: Bridge 136 or 136A. Visit website Find on map
Red Lion, Cropredy — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 152. Find on map
Brasenose Arms, Cropredy — Cropredy pub; check its current opening schedule when planning a stop. Access: Bridge 152. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Fenny Compton — Explore this village along the route. Access: Fenny Marina. Find on map
Cropredy — Explore this village along the route. Access: Bridge 153. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Co-op, Fenny Compton — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Fenny Marina. Find on map
Bridge Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 153. Find on map
Moorings & cruising
Suggested stop area: Cropredy. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Napton Locks — Lock(s). Access: The Folly pub. Find on map
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
The kettle is on. The view has changed. This is your time to slow down.
Stage 3 · Enjoy the journey
Cropredy to Aynho

Estimated cruising time
7h

Cruise through Banbury and onwards towards Aynho.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
Food stops in Banbury — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Canalside. Find on map
Great Western Arms — Country pub beside the Oxford Canal at Aynho. Access: Bridge 190. Visit website Find on map
Aynho Wharf — Ice Cream, Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 190. Find on map
Brew Box — Coffee Shop. Access: Bridge 190. Find on map
Places to visit
Banbury — Explore this town along the route. Access: Canalside. Find on map
Aynho — Explore this village along the route. Access: Bridge 190. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Supplies in Banbury — Listed local facilities: post office. Access: Canalside. Find on map
Waitrose, Banbury — Supermarket. Access: Footbridge 163. Find on map
Morrisons, Banbury — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 168. Find on map
Castle Quay Shopping Centre — Shopping, dining and leisure complex in Banbury. Access: Canalside. Visit website Find on map
Aynho Wharf — Ice Cream, Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 190. Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Aynho. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 4 · Oxford without rushing
Aynho to Thrupp

Estimated cruising time
8h

Follow the South Oxford to Thrupp; discuss any city extension with our team.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Napton’s guide suggests visiting Oxford from Thrupp. Check current transport options before setting out.
See the suggested stopping area on a map
Pubs & food
The Bell Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 206. Find on map
The Oxford Arms — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Pigeons Lock. Find on map
The Boat Inn, Thrupp — Pub beside the canal in Thrupp, with a beer garden and food. Access: Canalside. Visit website Find on map
The Jolly Boatman, Thrupp — Canalside pub near Thrupp with food and a garden. Access: Canalside at bridge 223. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Lower Heyford — Explore this village along the route. Access: Bridge 206. Find on map
Kirtlington — Explore this village along the route. Access: Pigeons Lock. Find on map
Thrupp — Explore this village along the route. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Heyford Wharf — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 206. Find on map
Supplies in Thrupp — Local shops are listed in this area. Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Thrupp. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 5 · Enjoy the journey
Thrupp to Aynho

Estimated cruising time
8h

Turn north again, leaving time for the return journey.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
The Oxford Arms — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Pigeons Lock. Find on map
The Bell Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 206. Find on map
Great Western Arms — Country pub beside the Oxford Canal at Aynho. Access: Bridge 190. Visit website Find on map
Aynho Wharf — Ice Cream, Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 190. Find on map
Brew Box — Coffee Shop. Access: Bridge 190. Find on map
Places to visit
Kirtlington — Explore this village along the route. Access: Pigeons Lock. Find on map
Lower Heyford — Explore this village along the route. Access: Bridge 206. Find on map
Aynho — Explore this village along the route. Access: Bridge 190. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Heyford Wharf — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 206. Find on map
Aynho Wharf — Ice Cream, Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 190. Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Aynho. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
A pause on the towpath. A photograph. Another memory to take home.
Stage 6 · Enjoy the journey
Aynho to Cropredy

Estimated cruising time
7h

Retrace the canal through Banbury towards Cropredy.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
Food stops in Banbury — Pubs or restaurants are listed in this area; explore the village or town for a stop. Access: Canalside. Find on map
Red Lion, Cropredy — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 152. Find on map
Brasenose Arms, Cropredy — Cropredy pub; check its current opening schedule when planning a stop. Access: Bridge 152. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Banbury — Explore this town along the route. Access: Canalside. Find on map
Cropredy — Explore this village along the route. Access: Bridge 153. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Supplies in Banbury — Listed local facilities: post office. Access: Canalside. Find on map
Waitrose, Banbury — Supermarket. Access: Footbridge 163. Find on map
Morrisons, Banbury — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 168. Find on map
Castle Quay Shopping Centre — Shopping, dining and leisure complex in Banbury. Access: Canalside. Visit website Find on map
Bridge Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 153. Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Cropredy. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 7 · Enjoy the journey
Cropredy to Napton Locks

Estimated cruising time
10h

Return via Claydon and Fenny Compton towards Napton’s locks.
Stage advice & stopping tips
Choose a suitable mooring and leave time to enjoy this stretch. Stops depend on your progress and the conditions on the day.
Pubs & food
Wharf Pub, Fenny Compton — Canalside pub and dining stop at Fenny Compton. Access: Bridge 136 or 136A. Visit website Find on map
Napton Village Stores — Village groceries, post office and kitchen with bakery and takeaway food. Access: Folly Lane Bridge. Visit website Find on map
Napton Cidery — Farm Shop, Off Licence, Pub, Takeaway. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Find on map
The Folly Pub — Traditional canalside pub near the Napton locks, serving food. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Find on map
Places to visit
Fenny Compton — Explore this village along the route. Access: Fenny Marina. Find on map
Shops & essentials
Co-op, Fenny Compton — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Fenny Marina. Find on map
Napton Village Stores — Village groceries, post office and kitchen with bakery and takeaway food. Access: Folly Lane Bridge. Visit website Find on map
Napton Cidery — Farm Shop, Off Licence, Pub, Takeaway. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Find on map
Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Napton Locks. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities
Stage 8 · Homeward stretch
Napton Locks to Napton Marina

Estimated cruising time
1h

Finish your holiday with the last stretch back to the marina.
Stage advice & stopping tips
For the final night, plan a mooring that leaves a manageable cruise to base. Use the return time agreed in your booking and handover.

Pubs & food

No named food stops are listed for this stage. Ask the base team for local suggestions and check opening times before setting off.

Places to visit

Enjoy the scenery along this stretch. The base team can suggest places to explore nearby.

Shops & essentials

No supply stops are listed for this stage. Stock up before setting off and ask the base team about nearby shops.

Moorings & cruising

Suggested stop area: Napton Marina. Choose a permitted visitor mooring and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.
Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance · Water and boat facilities

THE LITTLE THINGS MAKE THE HOLIDAY

More than a journey.

A boat that feels like yours.

Your own kitchen, a comfortable place to sleep and a new view outside. Explore the classes and choose the layout that works for your crew. Equipment varies by boat.

Explore our boats

Leave room for doing less.

Coffee on deck. A towpath walk. Supper as the light changes. A route gives your holiday direction; the best moments often happen between the stops.

Bring your favourite people.

Share the steering, work a lock together and make the evenings your own. Full handover training helps you settle into life aboard.

A LITTLE PLANNING, A BETTER HOLIDAY

Before you cast off.

Use this guide to find your kind of holiday. We will help you check the practical details for your dates, boat and crew.

How much cruising should we expect?

Choose extra days if you would like more time for breaks and visits ashore. Locks, queues, weather and stops ashore all affect the time you need. Allow a margin for returning the boat.

Do we have to follow every stop?

No. These are suggested stages, rather than reserved moorings or a fixed day-by-day schedule. Choose suitable permitted moorings and agree your return time with the base.

How do we check the route before travelling?

Check current navigation notices and plan your daily cruising before departure. Check CRT notices · Open CanalPlan

Can you help us choose?

Tell us your dates, who is travelling and whether you prefer quiet cruising or an active adventure. Ask our team

START MAKING MEMORIES