Red Lion

You'll recognize the village if you've watched Downton Abbey—much of the period drama was filmed around these streets. The pub itself is a traditional village local, the kind of place where you can settle in for a proper meal or just a quiet drink. The menu focuses on honest pub food that works well for lunch or dinner, and they keep a solid selection of local and regional ales alongside the usual lagers and soft drinks. What makes it special is that it genuinely functions as a community hub, so you'll often find yourself among locals who are happy to chat if you're interested in learning more about the area. It's a natural stopping point if you've been looking around Bampton's historic church or admiring the village's distinctive architecture, or if you're just taking a break from driving through the Oxfordshire countryside. The central location means it's straightforward to find, and it's well positioned as a base before exploring other parts of the Cotswolds—Witney and Burford are both just a short drive away when you're ready to move on.