Banbury

About

An important centre for wool trading in the 13th Century, Banbury developed into a small industrial hub after the Oxford Canal was opened in 1790.

Today, Banbury is a lively town with a thriving commercial core and you'll find charming streets and historic buildings alongside new developments here - such as the Castle Quay Shopping Centre in the recently regenerated Oxford Canal area.

However for many people the first thing that springs to mind when Banbury is mentioned is “Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross”. In fact, the “fine lady” from that beloved nursery rhyme (some say it was Lady Godiva, some say Elizabeth I) is immortalised as a statue in the town centre. As for the Banbury Cross, the original was destroyed in the late 1500s, but a replacement erected in 1859 still stands today. 

Banbury is a wonderful place for a short break, and the perfect base for exploring the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside.

Things to do in Banbury

• Float down the Oxford Canal in a colourful narrowboat, stopping off at Tooley's Boat Yard for an ice-cream and to find out about Banbury's industrial history.
• Tuck into an authentic Banbury Cake – a juicy fruit and pastry delicacy that's rightly famous around the world.
• Take a day trip to the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and walk through stunning green landscapes (perhaps stopping at a village pub for a spot of lunch).
• Head just a short way (9 miles) out of the town and make a visit to Hook Norton Brewery and enjoy a tour around the Victorian Tower Brewery.
• Visit Broughton Castle, a 13th Century manor house fortified by a three acre moat
• Indulge in a spot of shopping at one of South East England’s top shopping destinations at Bicester Shopping Village, just a short drive south of Banbury.

Find more things to do near Banbury in our guide to Oxfordshire or see what's on in Banbury this weekend with the Oxfordshire events guide.

For more places to visit near Banbury, take a look at surrounding towns and villages in the 'What's Nearby' listings below.