How idyllic and incredibly Oxford is this Victoria Arms? The Victoria Arms stands on the eastern bank of the River Cherwell. It is near Old Marston northeast of Oxford. The Victoria Arms is locally known as the Vicky Arms. It was formerly known as the Ferry Inn.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine a ford across the Cherwell. It was in use since the 12th century. An inn was first built here in the 17th century. It was rebuilt in 1840. The Oxford Preservation Trust bought the Victoria Arms in 1959. The building was nearly derelict. The trust wanted to protect the area from development.
The Victoria Arms was fully renovated. It reopened in the summer of 1986. It is on the picturesque banks of the River Cherwell. Moorings are available for punts. It has become a firm favorite on the Oxford pub scene.
Fred and Ruby Elkins were publicans here. They took over the buildings in 1961. They operated the Victoria Arms as a free house. They added extensions to the old buildings. They ran the small wooden line-ferry across the Cherwell. This was before the opening of the link road.
Until 1971 a line-ferry crossed the river here. Then Marston Ferry Road was built just to the south.
The Victoria Arms is popular in the summer. People enjoy punting. You can moor your punt in the grounds of the pub. It has a never-ending lawn. It offers gorgeous views of the river. You could spend hours in the pub garden. Enjoy a fresh pint or a spritz. Relax and chat.
Even on grey and drizzly days the pub is buzzing. It has a very cozy atmosphere. The staff are warm and attentive. They help you choose from a good selection of beers and ales.
Did you know that the Victoria Arms featured in the Inspector Morse television series? Morse recited part of an A. E. Housman poem here. It was in the final episode of the series. The episode was titled “The Remorseful Day”. The title came from a line in the poem.
The Victoria Arms won Oxfordshire’s Best Pub in the National Pub and Bar Awards. Judges said the team showed excellence in design service food drink and style.
Oliver Cromwell once stayed at the former ferryman’s cottage. The cottage dates back to the 17th century.
The Victoria Arms has a heated pergola terrace. It also has huge beer gardens next to the river. These are popular with tourists. Sports clubs students canoeists and paddle boarders also visit. Kirsty Allsopp filmed her property show Location Location Location here. It was filmed in the terrace and garden.
So next time you are near the River Cherwell. Take a moment to appreciate the Victoria Arms. From its historic ferry crossing to its TV fame this pub is a true Oxford gem.