Whilst walking in Oxford, my companions thought I had lost my senses when I suddenly veered off down a narrow alleyway. I had been paying attention the words of a nearby tour guide who was speaking to his group. One of the things he mentioned was this hidden gem. Unfortunately there was not enough time to stop and sample the wares.
Everyone needs a little help to find this famous pub on their first visit. Walk underneath the Bridge of Sighs, down New College Lane and on your left you’ll see a narrow alley called St Helen’s Passage. It doesn’t look as if it leads anywhere but follow it as it winds to the long, low Turf Tavern, named for earlier associations with horse racing. The pub originally a malthouse, lies alongside the old city wall walls and has medieval origins, although most of what you see now is 16th century. The rambling rooms are low-ceilinged and there’s a beer garden with braziers to keep you warm at night.*
*From the Pitkin City Guide to Oxford
Hi cherryPie. .of course I know the little alley way you are talking about. Yes looks like it leads to no where. The turf is always busy .!
I was pleased to have made the detour. It would have been nice to linger for a while
He he… maybe next time!
Sometimes these guides came in handy…. one time Ginnie and I were with a guide and it was in the time Ginnie really had the sore knee and could not stand for long, we explained and the guide said she was going to keep it short…. man alive…. we almost rooted into the ground, if we would not have walked out on her we would still have been on that same spot…..
Some people just don’t understand the concept of keeping something brief. Luckily you saw your chance to escape
I take my friends on MY tour
.. and they love it. we have lots of time to stop for Coffee , lunch and even maybe dinner . But we also see so much.
YOUR tour sounds a lot of fun
There is only so much you can take in on a tour. A tour with meals in between, count me in
Oh yes please.
What will it be?
Whatever’s the local brew.
Meet me there next time I visit and we can find out what the local brew is. I will probably stick to a small glass of dry white wine
quote taken from internet..
”
Hotel in Oxford
royaloxfordhotel.co.uk/facilities/
air-conditioning in bedrooms, free water & fruit double glazed windows
To Drink:
“Despite being a managed pub ( meaning it is run by a brewing company), the managers – Greene King have maintained the character of a freehouse, offering a wide range of real ales and beers. Eleven different guest ales are kept on tap, with the selection changing daily. Wine is available by the glass and bottle and champagne by the bottle.”
Oops ignore the part about the hotel , not sure how that got there..
Maybe a glass of Champagne instead of the wine then
It’s like a personal secret – a Terry Pratchett place.
Very much so
Oh I love this wonderful surprise finds.
I am glad I was eavesdropping and paying attention!
Nice. Checked this out on Google maps and each time I’ve been to Bridge of Sighs I haven’t ventured any further down College Lane. Looks to be a lot of history on that sign.
It is only a short detour jut past the bridge. It is a narrow alley and well worth having a quick look, although I would have spent a little longer there if I had been on my own
There were several photo possibilities I had to pass up on.