Overview

A short pleasant enough spot to take in views of the open countryside along the Oxford canal. Situated just 9 km away from the canal side Castle Quay shopping mall in Banbury, and we offer you a few photos because the trip to the Great western Arms only takes about 20 minutes, and you will need somewhere to visit if arriving early morning before the pub opens at AYNHO at 12.00 noon. The shopping centre stands on both sides of the canal, with all the usual well known main stores awaiting you. Coffee can be taken at the Lock 29 outlets especially nice if on a sunny morning visit, and crossing the bridge will take you to more shopping outlets. Departing, and on the way to AYNHO, the route will take you pass the monument of the tale of Banbury Cross. Set your satnav to GREAT WESTERN ARMS, AYNHO, BANBURY, OX17 3BP Just five minutes later, along the A4260, across the open fields you will see the steeple of the AYNHO church, then turning left off the main road, take the sign for B4031 at Deddington, and a short mile later you arrive at the bridge over the Oxford canal at Great Western Arms. The village of AYNHO, the name derived from Aienho ( a spring, grove, or hill) was founded in Anglo-Saxon times, when, during the 11th century, Asgar, a Saxon aristocrat, held the title of “Thegn “ ranked in the third level in lay society, when in the service of a King or Queen. A successful Thegn would hold on to the hope of being promoted to an Earl. In 1066 there may have been around 5000 “Thegns” in England, but this title was replaced after the Norman conquest of England. This village of AYNHO stands on the edge of the Cherwell valley, 9 km south east of Banbury, and the Great Western Arms is just one mile away from the village, standing in open countryside of low lying hills, and during the early spring months, many of the fields are covered in the bright cheerful yellow of the “Rapeseed plant” these plants belong to the brassicaceae family ( mustard or cabbage family ) this is the third largest source of vegetable oil, each plant growing to around 3 feet tall, with hairless leaves, covered then in the four cross yellow sepals, which gives the fields of England that lovely cheerful yellow look as you pass each field. Approaching the Oxford canal, on the bridge, you will pull in towards the AYNHO wharf, but do not park here as it is a family run canalside business, selling groceries, calor gas, charcoal, with facilities which include diesel Elsan pumpout, boat repairs, boat painting, water laundry, coal, logs and kindling. It is open 7 days a week, an ideal mooring spot, the canal path lined with narrow boats. Opposite this, stands the attractive historical country pub known as Great Western Arms, known for as popular gastro pub, with fine cask ales, produced by the Hook Norton brewery a few miles away, it’s there you will find a museum and a visitor centre. It is situated not far from Banbury, Stratford apon Avon, Bicester village (which is a must go and see destination, of which we have offered many reviews for you to read ) The pub is not really that far from the location of the battle of Edgehill, fought during the first English civil war on Sunday 23rd October 1642. The pub itself is pleasant enough, clean and tidy, furnished with usuall wooden chairs and tables, just enough room if needing to place your wheelchair the food holds a good reputation, the ales apparently interesting, a reasonable selection of wines and gins. It has Four well appointed rooms although not really classed as accessible, and the whole area outside is not that easy in places for a wheelchair.

Transport & Parking

A pleasant drive through the better side of Banbury, the then countryside drive takes you away from Banbury, bypassing the village of Aynho, and a mile later, you will arrive for a short break at the Great Western Arms. A small car park offers a short walk of a few yards to enter the attractive pub. The car park area by the canal is for the private use of AYNHO Wharf only.

Access

A bit of a squeeze to enter the pub, as cars are allowed to park right up against the entrance path, but inside it is mainly nice and level, with spaces to place a wheelchair

Toilets

Had no need to use and unable to take a look as the pub was only just opening before we drove away

Staff

Photos