Victoria Arms

The Victoria Arms is a riverside pub and restaurant situated on the banks of the River Cherwell in Old Marston, northeast of Oxford, England. Known locally as the Vicky Arms and formerly as the Ferry Inn, the building dates back to the 17th century, when it served as a ferryman's cottage. It was rebuilt in 1840 and has since become a well-known local landmark, popular with punters and visitors exploring the Oxfordshire countryside. The pub is currently operated by Butcombe Brewery, an award-winning regional brewer, and offers traditional pub charm with modern comforts. The Victoria Arms serves classic pub food with a focus on hearty seasonal dishes and elevated pub classics, using local produce. In warmer months, a garden kitchen kiosk offers street food-inspired fare. Behind the bar, the pub showcases a range of ales, lagers, and ciders from Butcombe Brewery, alongside a cocktail menu. The venue features a heated pergola terrace, huge beer gardens overlooking the river, and a brand-new conservatory. It is child-friendly and dog-friendly, with spaces for small and large groups, and offers private dining for special occasions. The pub has a rich history: an inn was originally constructed in the 17th century, rebuilt in 1840, closed in 1958, and bought by the Oxford Preservation Trust in 1961. Publicans Fred and Ruby Elkins operated it as a free house and ran a small wooden line-ferry across the Cherwell. It was later leased to Wadworth's brewery, refurbished, and reopened in 1986. The Victoria Arms has appeared in the Inspector Morse television series, notably in the final episode where Morse recites A. E. Housman's poem. Today, it remains a popular destination for punting enthusiasts and those seeking a traditional English pub experience.

The Victoria Arms, known locally as the Vicky Arms and formerly as the Ferry Inn, is a pub on the eastern bank of the River Cherwell at the end of Mill Lane close to Old Marston, northeast of Oxford, England. There was once a ford across the Cherwell here, in use since the 12th century. An inn was originally constructed during the 17th century and was then rebuilt in 1840. It was closed in 1958 and bought by the Oxford Preservation Trust in 1961. Publicans Fred and Ruby Elkins took over the buildings and operated the pub as a free house. During this time they added extensions to the old buildings. They also operated the small wooden line-ferry across the Cherwell for many years before the opening of the link road. It was later leased to the brewery Wadworth's, refurbished, and reopened in 1986. The pub is frequented by people out punting during the summer. It is possible to moor punts in the grounds of the pub. There was a line-ferry across the river here until 1971, when the Marston Ferry Road was built just to the south. The Victoria Arms featured in the Inspector Morse television series a number of times. Most notably, Morse recited part of the A. E. Housman poem How Clear, How Lovely Bright here in the final episode of the series. A line from the poem was used for the title of the episode "The Remorseful Day". Today, the pub is operated by Butcombe Brewery and offers a range of food and drink in a scenic riverside setting.

• 1986

  Leased to Wadworth's brewery, refurbished, and reopened.

• 1971

  The line-ferry across the river ceased operation when Marston Ferry Road was built.

• 1961

  Bought by the Oxford Preservation Trust.

• 1958

  The pub closed.

• 1840

  The inn was rebuilt.

Traditional riverside pub and restaurant with a focus on local produce, cask ales, and scenic riverside setting.

• Classic pub food

• Butcombe Brewery ales, lagers, and ciders

• Cocktail menu

• Street food from garden kitchen kiosk

1. 1The Victoria Arms | Pub & Restaurant in Old Marston, Oxfordshirebutcombe.com
2. 2Victoria Arms, Marston - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
3. 3Victoria Arms, Marston - Wikidatawikidata.org