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Napton Marina · 14 nights

Thames Ring

A demanding two-week circuit through Oxford, the Thames, Windsor and Brentford, returning north on the Grand Union through Stoke Bruerne and Braunston.

Find a holidayFollow the journey
Fuel included

Your narrowboat holiday

Your trip at a glance

Start from
NaptonOxford, Thames & Grand Union
Time aboard
14 nightsEnergetic ring

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 visitOxford · Henley-on-Thames · WindsorExplore these stops

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 Boat Inn, Thrupp · The Angel on the Bridge · Admiral NelsonExplore these stops
  • The Boat Inn, Thrupp

    Pub beside the canal in Thrupp, with a beer garden and food.

    Map & reviews

  • The Angel on the Bridge

    A place to enjoy along this holiday route.

    Map & reviews

  • Admiral Nelson ★ 4.6/5 · Google

    Braunston pub on the lock flight; operator advertises dogs welcome.

    Map & reviews · Rating source

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.

This is an energetic canal and river itinerary including the tidal Thames connection to Brentford. Agree boat suitability, passage timings and river arrangements with the base before booking.

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.

  1. Stage 1 · Settle aboard

    Napton Marina to Napton Lock Flight

    Begin south from Napton and work into the Napton lock flight.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    After your handover, take time to get comfortable with the boat and controls. Choose a first stopping point that suits your departure time.

    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Napton-on-the-Hill — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Map & reviews
    • The Kings Head Napton — Napton pub serving food; use its current website rather than inherited food hours. Access: Bridge 109. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Napton Village Stores — Village groceries, post office and kitchen with bakery and takeaway food. Access: Folly Lane Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Napton Cidery — Farm Shop, Off Licence, Pub, Takeaway. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Folly Pub — Traditional canalside pub near the Napton locks, serving food. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Napton-on-the-Hill — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Napton-on-the-Hill — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Bottom of the Napton Locks. Map & reviews
    • Napton Village Stores — Village groceries, post office and kitchen with bakery and takeaway food. Access: Folly Lane Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Napton Cidery — Farm Shop, Off Licence, Pub, Takeaway. Access: Bottom of Napton Locks. Visit website Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Napton Lock Flight. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  2. Stage 2 · On the water

    Napton Locks to Cropredy

    Cross the Oxford summit and descend towards Cropredy.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Wharf Pub, Fenny Compton — Canalside pub and dining stop at Fenny Compton. Access: Bridge 136 or 136A. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Red Lion, Cropredy — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 152. Map & reviews
    • Brasenose Arms, Cropredy — Cropredy pub; check its current opening schedule when planning a stop. Access: Bridge 152. Visit website Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Fenny Compton — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Fenny Marina. Map & reviews
    • Cropredy — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 153. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Co-op, Fenny Compton — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Fenny Marina. Map & reviews
    • Bridge Store — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 153. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Cropredy. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  3. Stage 3 · On the water

    Cropredy to Lower Heyford

    Cruise through Banbury and Aynho towards Lower Heyford in the Cherwell valley.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Banbury — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Canalside. Map & reviews
    • Great Western Arms — Country pub beside the Oxford Canal at Aynho. Access: Bridge 190. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Aynho Wharf — Ice Cream, Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 190. Map & reviews
    • Brew Box — Coffee Shop. Access: Bridge 190. Map & reviews
    • The Bell Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 206. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Banbury — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canalside. Map & reviews
    • Aynho — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 190. Map & reviews
    • Lower Heyford — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 206. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Banbury — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Canalside. Map & reviews
    • Waitrose, Banbury — Supermarket. Access: Footbridge 163. Map & reviews
    • Morrisons, Banbury — Supermarket. Access: Bridge 168. Map & reviews
    • Castle Quay Shopping Centre — Shopping, dining and leisure complex in Banbury. Access: Canalside. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Aynho Wharf — Ice Cream, Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 190. Map & reviews
    • Heyford Wharf — Newsagent / Convenience Store. Access: Bridge 206. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Lower Heyford. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  4. Stage 4 · On the water

    Lower Heyford to Oxford

    Continue through Thrupp towards Oxford, preparing for the change from canal to river.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • The Boat Inn, Thrupp — Pub beside the canal in Thrupp, with a beer garden and food. Access: Canalside. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Jolly Boatman, Thrupp — Canalside pub near Thrupp with food and a garden. Access: Canalside at bridge 223. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Oxford — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Aristotle Lane visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Thrupp — A village or town to explore along the route. Map & reviews
    • Aristotle Lane Visitor Moorings — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Towpath. Map & reviews
    • Oxford — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Aristotle Lane visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Thrupp — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Oxford — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Aristotle Lane visitor moorings. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Oxford. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  5. Stage 5 · On the water

    Oxford to Goring

    Join the Thames and head downstream through Abingdon and Wallingford towards Goring.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Nags Head pub, Abingdon — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Abingdon Bridge & Moorings. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Kings Head & Bell, Abingdon — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Abingdon Bridge & Moorings. Map & reviews
    • Restaurants & Takeaways, Abingdon — Restaurant, Takeaway. Map & reviews
    • Goring Moorings — Fish and Chips, Pub, Restaurant, Shops. Access: Thames Path, Riverside. Map & reviews
    • Goring Fish and Chips — Fish and Chips, Takeaway. Access: Goring Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Catherine Wheel Pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Goring Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Abingdon — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Abingdon Bridge & Moorings. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Abingdon — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Abingdon Bridge & Moorings. Map & reviews
    • Waitrose, Abingdon — Supermarket. Access: Abingdon Bridge & Moorings. Map & reviews
    • Goring Moorings — Fish and Chips, Pub, Restaurant, Shops. Access: Thames Path, Riverside. Map & reviews
    • The Goring Grocer — Shops. Access: Goring Bridge. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Goring. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  6. Stage 6 · On the water

    Goring to Henley-on-Thames

    Follow the river through the Reading area to Henley-on-Thames.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    Shops & essentials
    • Tesco Extra Moorings (Reading) — Supermarket. Access: Short cut-through direct from Thames Path. Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Henley-on-Thames — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Henley Bridge. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Waitrose, Henley-on-Thames — Supermarket. Access: Henley Bridge. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Henley-on-Thames. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  7. Stage 7 · On the water

    Henley-on-Thames to Staines

    Continue downstream through Marlow and Windsor towards Staines.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    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 stopping area: Staines. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  8. Stage 8 · On the water

    Staines to Hanwell

    Pass through the lower Thames and the tidal connection to Brentford, then enter the Grand Union towards Hanwell. This passage needs a plan agreed with the base.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    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 stopping area: Hanwell. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

    Tidal Thames boating information — agree the tidal passage plan with the base.

  9. Stage 9 · On the water

    Hanwell to Rickmansworth

    Climb the Grand Union through west London towards Rickmansworth.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    • Rickmansworth visitor moorings — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Bulls Bridge Tesco Extra — Supermarket. Access: Offside Moorings. Map & reviews
    • Tesco, Rickmansworth — Supermarket. Access: Customer Moorings. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Rickmansworth. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  10. Stage 10 · On the water

    Rickmansworth to Winkwell

    Continue through Hertfordshire and the lock flights towards Winkwell.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    Shops & essentials
    • Sainsbury's, Apsley Mill — Supermarket. Access: Canalside Moorings. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Winkwell. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  11. Stage 11 · On the water

    Winkwell to Marsworth

    Work up the canal towards the summit around Marsworth.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Food stops in Berkhamsted — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    • The George Inn, Berkhamsted — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    • The Olive Tree Berkhamsted — Restaurant. Access: Canal Towpath. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Angler's Retreat — Pub. Access: Bridge 132. Map & reviews
    • Waters Edge Restaurant, Marsworth — Cafe, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 132. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Berkhamsted — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Berkhamsted — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Canal Towpath. Map & reviews
    • Waitrose, Berkhamsted — Supermarket. Access: Towpath moorings. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Marsworth. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  12. Stage 12 · On the water

    Marsworth to Fenny Stratford

    Descend towards Leighton Buzzard and Fenny Stratford.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit

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

    Shops & essentials
    • Leighton Buzzard Supermarket moorings — Pharmacy, Shops, Supermarket. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Fenny Stratford. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  13. Stage 13 · On the water

    Fenny Stratford to Blisworth

    Cruise through Milton Keynes and Stoke Bruerne, then pass through Blisworth Tunnel.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    Places to visit
    • Stoke Bruerne — A village or town to explore along the route. Map & reviews
    • Blisworth — A village or town to explore along the route. Map & reviews
    • Canal Museum, Stoke Bruerne — Canal heritage museum; official page currently advertises free museum admission. Access: Stoke Bruerne canal-side museum entrance; confirm visitor mooring signs.. Visit website Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Supplies in Stoke Bruerne — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Map & reviews
    • General Store & Post Office — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Post Office. Access: Bridge 51. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Blisworth. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  14. Stage 14 · On the water

    Blisworth to Flecknoe

    Work Buckby and Braunston locks, then continue towards Flecknoe.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Explore the stops below and choose a permitted visitor mooring when you arrive. Check local stay limits and leave time for the next stretch.

    Pubs & food
    • Heart of England — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 24. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Takeaway food - Weedon — Restaurant, Takeaway. Access: Bridge 24. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Plume of Feathers — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Footpath from Weedon Embankment Moorings. Map & reviews
    • The Narrowboat pub — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 26. Map & reviews
    • Buckby Wharf — Lock(s), Pub, Recycling, Water Point. Map & reviews
    • The New Inn — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 11 (A5). Visit website Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Braunston — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Canal Bridge. Map & reviews
    • The Boat House — Pub beside the Grand Union Canal at Braunston. Access: Bridge 91. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Admiral Nelson — Braunston pub on the lock flight; operator advertises dogs welcome. Access: Bridge 4. Visit website Map & reviews
    • Old Plough Pub & Restaurant — Braunston village pub; its current page lists separate bar and food hours. Access: Bridge 1. Visit website Map & reviews
    • The Wheatsheaf — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 1. Map & reviews
    • Gongoozlers Rest — Cafe. Access: Canalside at Marina Entrance. Map & reviews
    • Food stops in Flecknoe — Explore the local pubs and places to eat. Access: Bridge 101 or 102. Map & reviews
    • Old Olive Bush — Pub, Restaurant. Access: Bridge 101 or 102. Map & reviews
    Places to visit
    • Weedon Bec — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 24. Map & reviews
    • Braunston — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Canal Bridge. Map & reviews
    • All Saints' Church, Braunston — Church, Historical Structure. Access: Bridge 91. Map & reviews
    • Flecknoe — A village or town to explore along the route. Access: Bridge 101 or 102. Map & reviews
    Shops & essentials
    • Tesco Express - Weedon — Supermarket. Access: East of Bridge 24. Map & reviews
    • One Stop Shop & Post Office — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Post Office. Access: Footpath from Weedon Embankment Moorings. Map & reviews
    • Knights Weedon Pharmacy — Pharmacy. Access: Footpath from Weedon Embankment Moorings. Map & reviews
    • Buckby Wharf — Lock(s), Pub, Recycling, Water Point. Map & reviews
    • Supplies in Braunston — Local shops and facilities are listed in this area. Access: Canal Bridge. Map & reviews
    • Braunston Village Stores & Post Office — Newsagent / Convenience Store, Post Office. Access: Bridge 1. Map & reviews
    Moorings & cruising

    Suggested stopping area: Flecknoe. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    • Buckby Wharf — Lock(s), Pub, Recycling, Water Point. Map & reviews

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

  15. Stage 15 · Homeward cruise

    Flecknoe to Napton Marina

    Enjoy the final countryside cruise back to Napton Marina.

    Stage advice & stopping tips

    Follow the return arrangements agreed at handover and allow time for the final approach to the marina.

    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 stopping area: Napton Marina. Use permitted visitor moorings and check local signs, stay limits and available space on arrival.

    Current waterway notices · Mooring guidance

    Thames river conditions · Thames restrictions and closures

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?

Allow time for locks, tunnel passages, stops ashore and your agreed return to Napton. Choose extra days for a slower holiday. 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

Your next chapter starts aboard.

Explore boats and holiday dates from Napton Marina.

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