📷 Photo by Brian Robert Marshall · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
This historic crossing point on the River Thames sits near Stanton Harcourt village, where a chain ferry once connected the two banks for centuries, playing a vital role in trade and local movement before modern bridges became common.
The ferry itself has long since stopped operating, but the old slipway remains a peaceful spot to sit with the river and reflect on the transport routes that shaped this landscape.
It's an excellent place to start a riverside walk, with the Thames Path running nearby and water meadows stretching out in both directions. The slipway works well for launching canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards if you want to spend time on the water itself, and the river tends to be calm and welcoming here. You'll often see narrowboats passing through, and the wildlife can be surprisingly good—keep an eye out for various birds and other creatures enjoying the riverbanks.
The Ferryman Inn sits just across the way, continuing the tradition of hospitality that's existed at this crossing for generations, so it's a natural spot for a drink or meal after you've finished exploring. From here, you're positioned conveniently between two worthwhile destinations: Witney, a proper market town with plenty of character, is a short drive away, and Oxford sits further along if you're planning a longer outing. This makes for an ideal quiet afternoon if you're exploring the wider region.
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Photos
S. Daniels · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
B. Marshall · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons