A Unique Day Out in the Oxfordshire Countryside

Date: Saturday 27th September
Time: 11am – 9pm
Tickets: £26 in advance / £30 on the day

Book here: Oxfordshire& Cotswolds Ale Trail

Looking for things to do in Oxfordshire this September? Fancy a day out that involves the countryside, a few good pubs, and zero responsibility for driving? You’ve just found your answer.

The Oxfordshire Real Ale Trail is a cracking way to spend a Saturday. It’s a pub tour, a countryside escape, and a ‘beer lover’s day out’ all rolled into one. And yes, there’s a few buses involved doing the heavy lifting.

So, how does it work?

You hop on the trail at any of the participating pubs (or the pick-up point in Oxford Parkway and Woodstock). Buses swing by every 45 minutes or so. You can visit all the pubs, or just the ones that take your fancy. There’s no herding, no clipboards, no rush. Just pub after pub of proper ale, fresh air, and pub gardens that feel like well-kept secrets.

Each stop is different. That’s the beauty. From village boozers tucked away in the middle of nowhere, to a brewery in Oxfordshire with a story to tell – you’ll end up in places you wouldn’t normally find. And that’s kind of the point.

What’s included?

Your ticket gets you unlimited travel on the Real Ale Trail buses all day. Hop on, hop off, drink up, repeat. Some pubs have live music, others fire up the BBQ. There’s often a mini beer fest going on somewhere (see Little OX Brewery) , guest ales, and the odd surprise along the way. Each pub does its own thing. No two stops are the same, and no one gets stuck playing designated driver.

This is one of the most unique things to do in Oxfordshire for over-30s, and it makes a brilliant gift for dad or group day out.

Who’s behind all this?

It started with one simple idea: help people visit off the beaten track boozers (the best ideas are always the simplest), the kind of pubs that don’t have marketing budgets and are independent. Just good beer, traditional hospitality and locals who care about the village boozer. We do the driving and the planning where to go, so you can enjoy your pint, meet the landlords, and maybe come back again one day under your own steam. Lots do!

We’ve been running these trails for over a decade now. Photos? We’ve got plenty. Smiles? Loads. singing on the bus, always? Way too many clips for a slideshow.

Where do we go?

There are six pubs and one lovely little brewery in the Oxfordshire countryside on the route. Here are just a couple to whet your whistle:

Royal Sun, Begbroke

– A once-closed pub brought back to life by a passionate team, who are really good at hospitality they lead with kindness and want to feed you, no-one is allowed to leave without having a taster. They have upgraded their beer garden but it’s the food that deserves your attention, this is a chef led pub, and thats is now quite a rarity.
The White Horse, Stonesfield

– A proper community pub, owned by locals and a few Americans. It’s charming, off the beaten track, in a village I bet you’ve never heard of. It’s a good working example of how to save your local boozer from the developer. The community got behind it, bought it, all of them did, and when the BBC got hold of the story Americans wanted a piece of the action and they too now share owners. But you don’t see this when you arrive, what you see is Craig the business owner loving his work, and understanding ales, community, food and genuine connections you meet over the bar having a beer.
Little Ox Brewery

-Bringing bold brews and festival vibes to the trail. What a place, what a team, you've got to visit. We will pick you up. These guys go all out, and put it all in the music, the brews, the food vans, the steam roller (not sure what thats about but there is always a steam roller around on the trails).

We’ll be adding the full list soon, were pretty active over on Facebook, and Insta if you want to follow live info. Trust us, they’re worth it. These are the kind of hidden pubs in the Cotswolds you’d never stumble across on your own.

What about transport?

Most of these pubs are in places where buses no longer run and taxis roll in like tumbleweed. If you wanted to visit them all on your own, someone in the group would have to stay sober. And where’s the fun in that?

That’s our job. We do the driving, you do the cheers-ing. It’s the perfect group day out in Oxfordshire – especially if you’ve not seen your mates for a while.

What’s the vibe?

It’s not a stag do. It’s not for hen parties. It’s a day out for the over-24s. Mates who haven’t seen each other in years. Sons and dads. Couples. Groups of old friends who haven’t shared a bus ride since school. You know the type.

Dress code? Come as you are. Flat caps optional. Good conversation mandatory.

Will it sell out?

Yes. Every year we have people kicking themselves because they waited too long. Last year Oxford Parkway sold out before the doors even opened. The earlier you start, the more pubs you see. Simple as that. And tickets are cheaper in advance.

Why Oxfordshire?

Because it’s stunning. The kind of rolling countryside, stone villages and leafy lanes that make you feel like you’re in a Sunday night drama on the telly. The pubs are properly British – and if you’re not from the area, they’re all new to you. That’s half the charm.

If you’re making a weekend of it, there are plenty of places to stay. Woodstock’s a lovely base, and there’s a Premier Inn near Oxford Parkway that’s clean, well-priced, and a solid choice after a long day of merriment. It’s a brilliant pick for anyone looking for Woodstock events, or wondering what to do near Oxford.