Five Famous Historic Oxford Pubs That Still Stand

Oxford is all about legends and romanticism. We imagine students and professors walking down the cobblestone streets, loudly discussing philosophical concepts, others suddenly discovering the solution to a maths theorem and writing it down on the wall with a piece of chalk… 

Well, it is not exactly like this. Outside the University walls, pubs and bars are arguably the most important part of everyday life in Oxford, where the hot debates have been happening over a pint of ale for ages. Take the chance to see (and drink) where J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, William Shakespeare, and other great minds spent their time using our literature-inspired pub crawl guide.

We advise you to start your journey in The Eagle and Child pub, first opened in 1650 but  famous mostly for its affiliation with some great 20th century writers. This pub was an artistic home for C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and many other members of ‘The Inklings’; a literary discussion group that started in the 1930s. It is said that it was here that ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’ were first read. 

While you're there, why not try their traditional English pies (£10-15) with famous UK ales (our favourite combination is the beef rib pie with Nicholson’s ale from Cornwall).

Next stop - Oxford’s hidden treasure: Turf Tavern. Initially founded as rooms for students, this place was transformed into a pub in the 12th century, so watch out for the ceilings as these are very low by modern standards! If it gets a bit too cramped for you, the pub also has a really nice beer garden outside, so you can enjoy a pint there without feeling like a Hobbit.

It is said that Turf Tavern was a key place for Elisabeth Taylor and Richard Burton’s hidden dates when he played in the Oxford Playhouse, and it was also regularly visited by Emma Watson and the rest of the Harry Potter film crew when they were working on the first movie in nearby Christ Church College or the Bodleian Library. 

Pay attention to the ale barrels in front of the entrance: you can ask to sample some ale from these for a truly unique, local flavour.

Directions: Turf Tavern is notoriously hard to find, so we thought we'd help out a bit. To get to the pub, go to Bath Place Hotel on Holywell Street, look for the outdoor sign with the pub name and the "an education in intoxication" slogan, and then go through a narrow passage to find the pub itself.

Don’t want to get lost? Visit this and other historical pubs with a local guide and learn more about Oxford’s legends. Check out our pub tour! 

When in Oxford don’t miss a chance to visit the oldest pub in the city, dating back to 1242. The names and owners have changed over the years, and it's been through a couple of refurbishments over the years, but still remains one of the most important places in the city. 

Today, apart from being the oldest, this pub is also famous for its tie collection. It is said this tradition started in the 1950s, when Alan Course, landlord and cartoonist, persuaded a guest to donate his school membership tie. Now there are more than 4,500 ties on the wall and ceiling, indicating university clubs, sports teams, colleges and more. Take your time and examine local treasures over a pint of ale or even donate a tie of your own to the collection.

Conveniently located on the main road between Oxford and its railway station, The Crown is hard to miss. This pub was originally named Salutation Tavern and was owned by the soon-to-be mayor of Oxford, John Davenant. It was also a frequent stopping place for W. Shakespeare and his actors on the way from London to Stratford-upon-Avon.  

The current name of the pub was taken from another 'The Crown' pub, originally located a few buildings away from the current one, which closed in 1750. If you're planning a visit make sure you don't confuse it with the Crown Inn pub, which is right across the street. 

The Crown offers a great variety of ciders, and we'd especially recommend trying Rosie’s Pig Rhubarb Cider from Hertfordshire.

The Trout Inn is a perfect local dinner time pub, because it is famous not only for the drinks it sells, but also for its delicious modern British cuisine. Equally loved by students and professors alike, it is widely mentioned in masterpieces by Lewis Carroll, Ivlin Vo and Philip Pullman. 

Located a little way out of Oxford city centre (40min walk through Port Meadow), it is protected from tourists, but still very busy during summer because of the great outdoor riverside terrace. It's worth the journey for sure, even if just to know you've earned the food you eat once you get there!

Not many other cities around the world can trace key pieces of their history directly through their network of famous pubs. While these 5 pubs have the most historical significance, you’ll find other great pubs peppered around the area, ready for a quick drink or a rest stop as you take a break from exploring this great piece of England.

While you’re in the area, check out our walking city tour and learn even more about the colleges of Oxford University!