At the Oxford Canal in Banbury you'll find the oldest working dry dock in Britain. Tooley's Boatyard, now a schedule ancient monument, has been building and repairing narrowboats since 1790.
It's where you can stock up on canal souvenirs, or learn a canal-related crafts like painting roses and castles. Tooley's is also where you can get on the water by taking a boat trip.
A few minutes' stroll from the canal is the centre of this historic market town, and the famous Banbury Cross (yes, there really is one). And why not treat yourself to an equally famous Banbury Cake? If you're up for a longer walk, you can take the towpath alongside the Oxford Canal to Cropredy, four miles away. You're almost certain to spot moorhens, mallards and perhaps even a shy water vole.
For those who can't resist retail therapy, the shopping centre is a stone's throw away. Also worth a visit is The Mill Arts Centre, a multi arts venue which hosts live music, theatre, family theatre shows, a gallery space, workshop sessions, conference room spaces and a café and bar.
