South Oxfordshire Pubs & Midsomer Murders
The traditional English pub has been the centre of rural communities for years, and even in the city it's common for people to talk about their 'local', as in their local pub.
Town and city pubs definitely have their place, but there’s something very special about a village pub isn’t there? In the smaller villages it has always been the meeting place, the centre of attention, and the hub of village life.
Fans of the quintessentially English murder mystery, 'Midsomer Murders' often find themselves 'down the pub' so to speak. This is because investigations into the show's rural homicides invariably take its lead detective into South Oxfordshire pubs.
In John Nettles’ last-ever Midsomer Murders episode the character could be seen taking refuge from the rigors of a health spa (and his wife Joyce) by enjoying a sneaky pint of real ale and a calorie-laden meal in a cool, traditional village pub.
There are simply too many village pubs in South Oxfordshire to visit, although Midsomer Murders has filmed inside most of them!
The 'Six Bells' in Warborough is arguably the most famous. Located just nine miles south of Oxford, it has a thatched roof which is as grey as badger’s fur, a great view of the village green and a fine selection of Brakespear Real Ales.
Its 16th century charm will be familiar to viewers who have seen episodes such as 'Left for Dead' and 'Bad Tidings'.
The 'King William' in the village of Ipsden is further off the beaten track, but is another watering hole well worth visiting. Work up a thirst by first walking across the Chilterns, keeping a keen eye out for red kites hovering in the spring skies.
Have a friendly chat with the locals in the pub and you'll easily pickup directions to the nearby village of Mapledurham, where famous scenes from the classic film 'Where Eagles Dare' were shot.
No Midsomer Murders pub crawl would be complete without a trip to Stonor village, four miles north of Henley-on-Thames - one of the most popular places for days out in South Oxfordshire.
While there, pop in for a pint of Oxfordshire real ale in 'The Stonor Arms Hotel' - the place where Mungo Mortimer stayed in the ‘Blue Herrings’ Midsomer investigation. And if you are visiting Stonor after April 3rd, you'll have the chance to visit the village’s amazing manor house as it opens to the public.
If you’re looking for a great place to start or finish your pub crawl then look no further than 'The Plough' in Great Haseley. The oak panels of this delightful pub's interior once echoed to the sound of characters speaking key lines in the 'Dark Autumn' investigation.
Pubs in England take on many shapes and sizes. Some mimic the older, traditional styles but are modern on the inside; other's look rather plain on the outside but are filled with unspoilt charm.
If you are coming to London, plan a few days out in South Oxfordshire - it's just 40 minutes on the train. Take a few twists and turns of its country lanes and you'll be on the doorstep of a local pub. Pop in for fresh, locally-sourced food and a pint. And don't worry about the murder stories: pure fiction!
If you like the murder mysteries of Poirot, Christie or Marple, then Visit Midsomer.
And for more information about the region, just visit South Oxfordshire.
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