Annie’s Tea Rooms, Kidlington on the Oxford Canala Charming Stop for Canal Boaters and Walkers

Closed between Oct 1st and 13th February

A Slice of Serenity Beside the Oxford Canal

Discover Annie’s Tea Rooms in Kidlington, a much-loved Oxford Canal cafe offering homemade treats, scenic views, and warm hospitality to boaters and visitors alike.

Tucked away in the peaceful Oxfordshire village of Thrupp near Kidlington, Annie’s Tea Rooms has become a beloved stop for boaters, walkers, cyclists, and locals. Nestled right beside the Oxford Canal, this waterside haven combines the charm of a traditional English tearoom with the tranquil atmosphere of canal life.

Whether you’re moored up for a rest, exploring the towpath, or simply craving a pot of tea and a slice of homemade cake, Annie’s Tea Rooms promises a warm welcome, delicious food, and unbeatable views of one of England’s prettiest waterways.

A Brief History of Annie’s Tea Rooms
From Boaters’ Stop to Oxfordshire Favourite
Originally a small cafe serving boaters and ramblers, Annie’s Tea Rooms has grown into one of the most iconic stops on the Oxford Canal. Set within a lovingly restored canalside building, the tea room retains its rustic charm — whitewashed walls, flower-filled planters, and canal boats drifting quietly by.

Over the years, it’s become a community hub for both locals and travellers, known for its friendly staff, hearty portions, and relaxed, unhurried atmosphere.

The Oxford Canal – England’s Leisure Waterway Jewel

Stretching from Coventry to Oxford, the Oxford Canal was completed in 1790 and originally designed by the pioneering engineer James Brindley. Its winding path through rural Oxfordshire once carried coal and produce to the capital, and today it’s one of Britain’s most loved leisure cruising routes.

For modern-day boaters, Kidlington and Thrupp are key stopping points, offering good moorings, access to facilities, and of course — a visit to Annie’s Tea Rooms.

Canal-Side Dining at Annie’s Tea Rooms

Homemade Comfort Food and Classic British Treats
Annie’s menu is a celebration of fresh, homemade comfort food. Visitors can enjoy:

Traditional cream teas with warm scones, clotted cream, and jam
A full English breakfast or light lunch options like jacket potatoes and soups
An indulgent range of cakes, pastries, and traybakes
Quality coffee, tea, and locally sourced ice creams
Everything is served with care, and many ingredients are locally sourced, supporting Oxfordshire producers.

Indoor Charm and Outdoor Bliss
Inside, Annie’s Tea Rooms offers cosy seating with canal-themed décor, while the outdoor terrace overlooks the Oxford Canal’s peaceful waters, where narrowboats gently glide past. On sunny days, the terrace buzzes with life — dogs lazing under tables, cyclists taking a break, and boaters chatting over lunch.

A Perfect Stop for Oxford Canal Boaters

Easy Moorings and Boater Facilities
Boaters can moor up right outside Annie’s Tea Rooms, with designated visitor moorings managed by the Canal & River Trust. The spot is ideal for a rest stop or overnight stay, and facilities like water points, bins, and a boatyard are close by.

Friendly to All Travellers
Whether you arrive by narrowboat, on foot, or by bicycle, Annie’s Tea Rooms welcomes everyone. Many boaters plan their Oxford Canal journeys to include a morning tea or breakfast stop at Annie’s, especially those cruising between Oxford and Banbury.

Exploring the Surrounding Area
Thrupp – A Historic Canal Village
Just steps from Annie’s Tea Rooms is The Boat Inn, another canal-side gem with a rich boating heritage. Together, these two venues form the heart of Thrupp Wharf, a must-visit spot for canal travellers.

Nearby Attractions
Shipton-on-Cherwell – a charming hamlet with picturesque locks.
Kidlington Village – one of England’s largest villages, with shops, pubs, and transport links.
Oxford – just 6 miles south along the towpath, offering museums, colleges, and riverside walks.
These destinations make Thrupp and Kidlington ideal bases for exploring both rural Oxfordshire and historic Oxford City.

Best Mooring Spots at Annie’s Tea Rooms
Thrupp Visitor Moorings
Facilities: Pump Out, Elsan, Water, Refuse& Recycling, picnic tables

These mooring spots provide a peaceful overnight stay with easy access to both Annie’s Tea Rooms and The Boat Inn — two of the Oxford Canal’s most loved venues.

Why Canal Boaters, Walkers and Cyclists Love Annie’s Tea Rooms

The Oxford Canal towpath between Kidlington and Thrupp is one of the most scenic stretches in southern England. It’s flat, shaded by willows, and alive with birdsong — perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling.

Annie’s serves as a natural rest stop for towpath travellers, offering everything from fresh coffee to hearty lunches and ice cream on summer days. Dog walkers are especially welcome, with fresh water bowls and plenty of space outdoors.

Wildlife and Scenic Views
The area around Thrupp is rich in wildlife. Visitors to Annie’s often spot swans, ducks, herons, and even the occasional kingfisher darting along the canal. Early mornings and evenings are particularly peaceful, with the gentle sound of boat ropes creaking and the scent of wildflowers in the air.

Photographers and artists frequently gather here to capture the reflections of boats and bridges in the canal’s calm water.

A Hub of Community and Canal Culture
Annie’s Tea Rooms isn’t just a cafe — it’s a social hub for the Oxford Canal community. Local boaters’ groups often meet here, and the tearoom plays a central role in Thrupp’s seasonal events like canal festivals and charity fundraisers.

The atmosphere is relaxed, welcoming, and quintessentially English — a place where time slows and smiles come easily.

FAQs About Annie’s Tea Rooms, Kidlington

Q1. Where exactly is Annie’s Tea Rooms located?
It’s located in Thrupp, near Kidlington, directly beside the Oxford Canal in Oxfordshire.

Q2. Can boaters moor nearby?
Yes, there are visitor moorings right outside the tea rooms, managed by the Canal & River Trust.

Q3. Does Annie’s Tea Rooms serve breakfast?
Yes, Annie’s is famous for its full English breakfasts and brunch options, perfect for early-morning boaters.

Q4. Are dogs welcome?
Absolutely — dogs are welcome both indoors and outdoors, with water bowls available.

Q5. Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there’s limited parking at Thrupp Wharf, with additional spaces in nearby Kidlington.

Q6. When is Annie’s Tea Rooms open?
Opening hours vary seasonally, but it typically opens from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (check the latest times before visiting).

Conclusion – The Heart of the Oxford Canal at Thrupp

Annie’s Tea Rooms in Kidlington is more than a place for tea and cake — it’s a cornerstone of Oxfordshire’s canal culture. With its homemade food, friendly faces, and idyllic setting, it’s the perfect rest stop for anyone exploring the Oxford Canal by boat or on foot.

From sunrise breakfasts to lazy afternoon teas, every visit to Annie’s feels like a gentle pause in time — a reminder of the simple pleasures that make Britain’s waterways so special.

So next time you’re navigating the Oxford Canal, make sure to moor up at Thrupp and treat yourself to a slice of homemade cake, a steaming pot of tea, and a taste of true canal-side hospitality at Annie’s Tea Rooms.