Martin & Sarah’s guidebook for Lechlade
Food scene
In this category we have listed some of the eatery's that we have tried and tested. They are all within a five minute walk from the boat.
A lovely old coaching inn situated in The Marketplace (0.3 miles about 5 minutes walk from the marina) with an open fire in the bar, and a garden that stretches down to the river. The hotel has a bar as well as a restaurant, so it is a great place to drop in for a drink as well as a meal. As well as lunch and dinner, you can also go for breakfast. This restaurant is our top choice for eating places in Lechlade. The food is delicious and is consistent in quality, and that is our experience of eating there regularly for the past six years. Because of its popularity, we recommend that you book a table in advance particularly for Friday, Saturday or Sunday. To top it all they are dog friendly. Dogs are allowed in the bar area only though, so if you are booking a table make sure you ask them to reserve one in the bar area.
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The New Inn Hotel
Market PlaceA lovely old coaching inn situated in The Marketplace (0.3 miles about 5 minutes walk from the marina) with an open fire in the bar, and a garden that stretches down to the river. The hotel has a bar as well as a restaurant, so it is a great place to drop in for a drink as well as a meal. As well as lunch and dinner, you can also go for breakfast. This restaurant is our top choice for eating places in Lechlade. The food is delicious and is consistent in quality, and that is our experience of eating there regularly for the past six years. Because of its popularity, we recommend that you book a table in advance particularly for Friday, Saturday or Sunday. To top it all they are dog friendly. Dogs are allowed in the bar area only though, so if you are booking a table make sure you ask them to reserve one in the bar area.
Situated in the Market Place, about 0.2 miles (about 5 minutes walk) it is an independent coffee shop that was established here in Lechlade in 2015. The Café has a modern family friendly feel to it and is known for its sourdough bread (which you can purchase in the café).
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Lynwood & Co Café
Market PlaceSituated in the Market Place, about 0.2 miles (about 5 minutes walk) it is an independent coffee shop that was established here in Lechlade in 2015. The Café has a modern family friendly feel to it and is known for its sourdough bread (which you can purchase in the café).
Is situated on The High Street (0.2 miles, 5 minutes walk). Owned and run by the same people as Lynwood & Co, this take a way pizza establishment uses sourdough pizza bases. The pizzas are baked to order in front of you. It is worth noting that this shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
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The Sourdough Revolution
2 High StIs situated on The High Street (0.2 miles, 5 minutes walk). Owned and run by the same people as Lynwood & Co, this take a way pizza establishment uses sourdough pizza bases. The pizzas are baked to order in front of you. It is worth noting that this shop is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Located on the A417 towards Faringdon, The Trout Inn is on the border where Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire meet. This wonderful old pub is a little further out of town (0.9 miles, about 18 minutes walk from the marina) but well worth a visit at any time of year. It is situated right on the river Thames and has a lovely garden as well as separate restaurant and bar areas. They have an extensive and varied menu of high quality, and also comes highly recommended by us for lunch, dinner, or for a gentle walk out of Lechlade and back with a drink at a pub halfway. This pub also can get very busy, so we would recommend that you book. The Trout is dog friendly, dogs are allowed in the bar area. If you book, you should ask for a table to be reserved in the bar if you are going to take your furry friend with you.
Trout Inn
Located on the A417 towards Faringdon, The Trout Inn is on the border where Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire meet. This wonderful old pub is a little further out of town (0.9 miles, about 18 minutes walk from the marina) but well worth a visit at any time of year. It is situated right on the river Thames and has a lovely garden as well as separate restaurant and bar areas. They have an extensive and varied menu of high quality, and also comes highly recommended by us for lunch, dinner, or for a gentle walk out of Lechlade and back with a drink at a pub halfway. This pub also can get very busy, so we would recommend that you book. The Trout is dog friendly, dogs are allowed in the bar area. If you book, you should ask for a table to be reserved in the bar if you are going to take your furry friend with you.
This fish and chip shop can be found on the High Street (0.2 miles, 2 minutes walk). Specialises in traditional Fish and Chips. However, you can also buy kebabs from here as well. They have a small restaurant at the back should you wish to eat in.
Monica's Plaice Fish Bar
High StreetThis fish and chip shop can be found on the High Street (0.2 miles, 2 minutes walk). Specialises in traditional Fish and Chips. However, you can also buy kebabs from here as well. They have a small restaurant at the back should you wish to eat in.
Our Local Chinese restaurant on Oak street with a variety of Chinese dishes to eat in or take away. Approximately 8 minutes walk from the marina.
YANG'S KITCHEN
6 Oak StreetOur Local Chinese restaurant on Oak street with a variety of Chinese dishes to eat in or take away. Approximately 8 minutes walk from the marina.
A little more expensive than somme of the other restaurants, but it has good reviews. They also sell fresh fish on some days.
New Wave Brasserie
A little more expensive than somme of the other restaurants, but it has good reviews. They also sell fresh fish on some days.
Situated just a hop step away, is the closest eatery to the marina. As the name suggests it looks over the river Thames and has a good view of Lechlade’s Ha’penny bridge from the outside seating area. The menu is more limited than some of the other gastropub/restaurants on the list. However, it has a nice bar area with a real fire in winter. It is the nearest eatery for breakfast, and is also a good choice for a nightcap on the way back to the boat after an evening out. Dogs are allowed in the bar.
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The Riverside
Situated just a hop step away, is the closest eatery to the marina. As the name suggests it looks over the river Thames and has a good view of Lechlade’s Ha’penny bridge from the outside seating area. The menu is more limited than some of the other gastropub/restaurants on the list. However, it has a nice bar area with a real fire in winter. It is the nearest eatery for breakfast, and is also a good choice for a nightcap on the way back to the boat after an evening out. Dogs are allowed in the bar.
Shopping
If you are looking for some souvenirs to take away with you, or a gift for a friend, then some of these shops might have just what you are looking for.
A lovely woollen mill that produces high quality items in Filkins (4.2 miles, 10 minutes by car). They have a wonderful selection of clothing and gifts. They also have a nice coffee shop too.
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Cotswold Woollen Weavers
A lovely woollen mill that produces high quality items in Filkins (4.2 miles, 10 minutes by car). They have a wonderful selection of clothing and gifts. They also have a nice coffee shop too.
A more upmarket antiques shop. This shop mainly deals in antique furniture, silverware and glassware. The items are of a much higher value and therefore, the prices are much higher in this shop compared to The Old Ironmongers further towards the centre of town.
Jubilee Hall Antiques Centre
Oak StreetA more upmarket antiques shop. This shop mainly deals in antique furniture, silverware and glassware. The items are of a much higher value and therefore, the prices are much higher in this shop compared to The Old Ironmongers further towards the centre of town.
As well as offering many postal services. The Post office (now called The Posthouse) also sells stationary, cards, and gifts. If you are planning on going on some walks while you are with us, the post office also sell a small book of walks around the area.
Lechlade Post Office
High StreetAs well as offering many postal services. The Post office (now called The Posthouse) also sells stationary, cards, and gifts. If you are planning on going on some walks while you are with us, the post office also sell a small book of walks around the area.
If you love everything Christmas, then you will enjoy a trip to the Cotswold Christmas Shop on the High Street. They are the oldest Christmas shop in the UK.
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The Christmas Shop
High StreetIf you love everything Christmas, then you will enjoy a trip to the Cotswold Christmas Shop on the High Street. They are the oldest Christmas shop in the UK.
Timeless collections of decorative accessories, home decor and furniture all handcrafted in London.
Decou
Timeless collections of decorative accessories, home decor and furniture all handcrafted in London.
Our company Crafty Boaters run three handmade craft markets each year. A Summer Market and two Christmas Markets in Lechlade ew Memorial Hall. The markets consist of over 35 stalls with hand made gift items and artisan food. Our Christmas Markets for 2023 will be held at The Lechlade New Memorial Hall on Sunday 13th November and Sunday 19th November.
Lechlade New Memorial Hall
Our company Crafty Boaters run three handmade craft markets each year. A Summer Market and two Christmas Markets in Lechlade ew Memorial Hall. The markets consist of over 35 stalls with hand made gift items and artisan food. Our Christmas Markets for 2023 will be held at The Lechlade New Memorial Hall on Sunday 13th November and Sunday 19th November.
We have a range of our own hand cast and hand painted ceramics, painted wooden items, and hand block printed products. All created on the boat, so you can take home a piece of Crafty Boaters with you.
We often have a small selection displayed one Lark Rise, but we have more on our boat. Just ask if you would like to see other items in stock.
Crafty Boaters
We have a range of our own hand cast and hand painted ceramics, painted wooden items, and hand block printed products. All created on the boat, so you can take home a piece of Crafty Boaters with you.
We often have a small selection displayed one Lark Rise, but we have more on our boat. Just ask if you would like to see other items in stock.
Outdoor Activities
You can obtain day tickets for fishing, and is a place Martin regularly fishes. He has caught some good sized trout there. The fishery is 1.6 miles from the marina. It is worth mentioning that dogs are not allowed round the fishing lakes, and you are not allowed to walk your dog their either.
Lechlade and Bushyleaze Trout Fisheries
Burford StreetYou can obtain day tickets for fishing, and is a place Martin regularly fishes. He has caught some good sized trout there. The fishery is 1.6 miles from the marina. It is worth mentioning that dogs are not allowed round the fishing lakes, and you are not allowed to walk your dog their either.
We do have a canoe that you can hire from us. However, at Cotswold canoe hire you can also hire pedalos and rowing boats if you prefer these to a canoe. They are situated a stones throw away next to the Riverside pub.
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Cotswold Boat Hire
We do have a canoe that you can hire from us. However, at Cotswold canoe hire you can also hire pedalos and rowing boats if you prefer these to a canoe. They are situated a stones throw away next to the Riverside pub.
Go-by-Cycle is the nearest establishment for cycle sales, hire and repairs. It is 14 miles from Lechlade (about 26 minutes by car).
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Go-By-Cycle
Water LaneGo-by-Cycle is the nearest establishment for cycle sales, hire and repairs. It is 14 miles from Lechlade (about 26 minutes by car).
A short walk downstream along the Thames Path is St John's lock. Stop and watch the boats go through the lock, then cross the road on the other side and have a spot of lunch at The Trout Pub on the opposite side of the road. The walk to the lock is approximately 1.2 miles
Saint Johns Lock
A short walk downstream along the Thames Path is St John's lock. Stop and watch the boats go through the lock, then cross the road on the other side and have a spot of lunch at The Trout Pub on the opposite side of the road. The walk to the lock is approximately 1.2 miles
If you continue to walk downstream from St John's Lock you will arrive at Buscot Lock and Buscot Tea Rooms. It makes a perfect stop for a cuppa before walking back upstream along the Thames Path to Lechlade. The walk is approximately 2.4 miles round trip to the tea rooms and back to Lechlade.
Buscot Tearoom
If you continue to walk downstream from St John's Lock you will arrive at Buscot Lock and Buscot Tea Rooms. It makes a perfect stop for a cuppa before walking back upstream along the Thames Path to Lechlade. The walk is approximately 2.4 miles round trip to the tea rooms and back to Lechlade.
The Cotswold Wildlife Park is situated just off the A361 between Lechlade and Burford. It consists of 160 acres of landscaped parkland with over 260 species of animals. It is accessible by car from Lechlade 6.5 miles away.
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Cotswold Villtafuglaparkur og garðar
The Cotswold Wildlife Park is situated just off the A361 between Lechlade and Burford. It consists of 160 acres of landscaped parkland with over 260 species of animals. It is accessible by car from Lechlade 6.5 miles away.
Food shopping
Shops where you can buy groceries and other goods needed for a self catering holiday.
A shop selling zero waste organic loose whole foods, eco friendly toiletries and some wonderful ethnic blankets, woollens and scarves. The shop sells ethically sourced products and is run by a qualified nutritionist. It has just expanded and is now set in the heart of the town. Well worth a visit.
The Health Box
A shop selling zero waste organic loose whole foods, eco friendly toiletries and some wonderful ethnic blankets, woollens and scarves. The shop sells ethically sourced products and is run by a qualified nutritionist. It has just expanded and is now set in the heart of the town. Well worth a visit.
This company make some wonderful sourdough bread that you can purchase at either Lynwood & Co cafe, or from the Sourdough Revolution Pizza shop. Both are on The High Street.
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The Sourdough Revolution
2 High StThis company make some wonderful sourdough bread that you can purchase at either Lynwood & Co cafe, or from the Sourdough Revolution Pizza shop. Both are on The High Street.
Slightly further out of town on the A361 towards Burford there is a Texaco fuel station where you will also find a cooperative supermarket. This is about 0.7 miles miles away (about 15 minutes walk from the marina), so is still doable on foot.
Cooperative Supermarket
Station RoadSlightly further out of town on the A361 towards Burford there is a Texaco fuel station where you will also find a cooperative supermarket. This is about 0.7 miles miles away (about 15 minutes walk from the marina), so is still doable on foot.
If you are planning to cook on board, Londis (now Budgens) is the nearest corner shop (about 5 minutes walk from the marina) selling the usual groceries including alcohol and some pharmacy items. There is also an ATM cash machine within the store.
Londis
Burford StreetIf you are planning to cook on board, Londis (now Budgens) is the nearest corner shop (about 5 minutes walk from the marina) selling the usual groceries including alcohol and some pharmacy items. There is also an ATM cash machine within the store.
Conveniently situated one the edge of the town on the A361 to Burford. Texaco has both petrol and diesel. The Co-op shop is also in the same place. There are a few parking spaces on the location if you are just using the Co-op shop
Texaco UK
Conveniently situated one the edge of the town on the A361 to Burford. Texaco has both petrol and diesel. The Co-op shop is also in the same place. There are a few parking spaces on the location if you are just using the Co-op shop
A butcher, greengrocer and delicatessen ( Now called Cutler and Cashin) situated on Oak Street (about 0.5 miles or 10 minutes walk) is an alternative to Londis or the Co-operative supermarkets. Their products are a little more expensive, but the quality is well worth the money, and most of their meat is locally sourced.
Cutler & Bayliss
4 Oak StA butcher, greengrocer and delicatessen ( Now called Cutler and Cashin) situated on Oak Street (about 0.5 miles or 10 minutes walk) is an alternative to Londis or the Co-operative supermarkets. Their products are a little more expensive, but the quality is well worth the money, and most of their meat is locally sourced.
Sightseeing
Buscot Manor
Lovely house and gardens 2.4 miles from Lechlade
The former home of William Morris, textile designer. A beautiful house with lots to see. Tickets have to be booked in advance. Open May-October Thursday-Saturday 11.00-17.00. Entry to the house is £12.50. Visits to the gardens and shop only is free.
Also, every Thursday from 11.00-17.00 between May-September the village Hall (Morris Memorial Hall) holds a small craft fair selling handmade and artisan gifts, which is well worth a visit. You will find the village hall on the way to Kelmscott Manor.
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Kelmscott Manor
The former home of William Morris, textile designer. A beautiful house with lots to see. Tickets have to be booked in advance. Open May-October Thursday-Saturday 11.00-17.00. Entry to the house is £12.50. Visits to the gardens and shop only is free.
Also, every Thursday from 11.00-17.00 between May-September the village Hall (Morris Memorial Hall) holds a small craft fair selling handmade and artisan gifts, which is well worth a visit. You will find the village hall on the way to Kelmscott Manor.
Just 7 miles away is Faringdon Folly. Hailed as Britains finest 20th century folly tower. Open 1st and 3rd Sundays from April-October 11.00-17.00 £3 entry
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Faringdon Folly Tower
Stanford RoadJust 7 miles away is Faringdon Folly. Hailed as Britains finest 20th century folly tower. Open 1st and 3rd Sundays from April-October 11.00-17.00 £3 entry
Beautiful house and walled gardens. The museum is open year round from Wednesday-Sunday 11.00-16.00.
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Lydiard Park
Beautiful house and walled gardens. The museum is open year round from Wednesday-Sunday 11.00-16.00.
Cogges has over 1000 years of history. It consists of a 13th century manor House, and grade II listed farm buildings. Throughout the centuries it has been connected to the wool trade. Today you can explore over 17 acres of grounds including a walled garden and picnic area. You can also take a spot of lunch inn their cafe. For Downton Abbey fans, this location is is Yew Tree Farm the home of Mr Drewe the Tennant farmer. Cogges Farm is also dog friendly. Cogges Manor Farm is in Witney 16.4 miles from Lechlade.
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Cogges Manor Farm
Church LaneCogges has over 1000 years of history. It consists of a 13th century manor House, and grade II listed farm buildings. Throughout the centuries it has been connected to the wool trade. Today you can explore over 17 acres of grounds including a walled garden and picnic area. You can also take a spot of lunch inn their cafe. For Downton Abbey fans, this location is is Yew Tree Farm the home of Mr Drewe the Tennant farmer. Cogges Farm is also dog friendly. Cogges Manor Farm is in Witney 16.4 miles from Lechlade.
St Mary's Church, Fairford. 15th century church situated in Fairford (4.1 miles away, approximately 8 minutes by car). It is known for its stained glass windows as they are probably the most complete set of medieval stained glass windows in Britain.
St Mary's Church, Fairford
High StreetSt Mary's Church, Fairford. 15th century church situated in Fairford (4.1 miles away, approximately 8 minutes by car). It is known for its stained glass windows as they are probably the most complete set of medieval stained glass windows in Britain.
St Lawrence Church, a lovely 15th century church situated in the Market Square in Lechlade.
St Lawrence Church
St Lawrence Church, a lovely 15th century church situated in the Market Square in Lechlade.
St John the Baptist church, a small but interesting 13th century church located in Inglesham. The church can be accessed on foot along the Thames Path going upstream from Lechlade.
The village of Inglesham can also be accessed by car just outside of Lechlade on the A361 towards Swindon.
Saint John the Baptist Inglesham
St John the Baptist church, a small but interesting 13th century church located in Inglesham. The church can be accessed on foot along the Thames Path going upstream from Lechlade.
The village of Inglesham can also be accessed by car just outside of Lechlade on the A361 towards Swindon.
City/town information
Known as Corinium in Roman times, this lovely Cotswold market town has some nice individual shops, and some very nice cafes and restaurants. Visit the Corinium Museum, Cirencester Park or The New Brewery Arts Centre. Cirencester is 13 miles away from Lechlade.
The Cotswolds, Cirencester GL7 5AS, UK
Known as Corinium in Roman times, this lovely Cotswold market town has some nice individual shops, and some very nice cafes and restaurants. Visit the Corinium Museum, Cirencester Park or The New Brewery Arts Centre. Cirencester is 13 miles away from Lechlade.
Cotswold town still has its share of individual shops as well as some nice pubs, restaurants and cafes. Cogges Manor Farm is also worth a visit too (see separate listing in this guidebook under sightseeing) There are also supermarkets within the town centre. It is just under 16 miles from Lechlade on the way to Oxford
Witney
Cotswold town still has its share of individual shops as well as some nice pubs, restaurants and cafes. Cogges Manor Farm is also worth a visit too (see separate listing in this guidebook under sightseeing) There are also supermarkets within the town centre. It is just under 16 miles from Lechlade on the way to Oxford
Borgartillaga
Hvað á að taka með
Comfortable casual clothing and flat sturdy footwear
Casual clothing is easiest to store on a boat, although if you are visiting Lechlade for a special occasion we do have hanging space in the wardrobe for a special outfit, and we provide an iron and a table top ironing board should you need to use it also. You will have to walk along the grassed area of the marina to access the boat, so walking/hiking shoes or trainers are advisable. In the Winter it is a good idea to bring wellies, especially if you are planning a walk along the river bank.
Hvað á að taka með
Bring your luggage in a fold away bag rather than a suitcase
Storage on a narrowboat is limited. Therefore, it is essential that you bring your belongings in a soft bag that can be folded away. There is no room to store a suitcase in the boat.
Ekki missa af
Lovely walks
The Thames path runs along the opposite bank from the Marina. Take a walk upstream to Inglesham and visit the old church of St John the Baptist, or walk downstream to St John's Lock, first lock on the Thames and see the statue of Old Father Thames at the side of the lock.