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Pinkhill Lock

Witney, Oxfordshire, England
1 acre hosted by Test O.
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Tents-only camping on a River Thames island, only accessible by foot or boat

Time was when only wannabe musicians and artists lived on islands in the Thames. Nowadays, in contrast, the river’s various isles, aits and eyots are colonised by a rather exclusive coterie who won’t admit outsiders, no matter how bohemian their credentials. Happily, there is still a way to get your piece of fluvial island action, and for less than a tenner a night too. The island at Pinkhill Lock is just large enough to accommodate the lock-keeper’s house and a small copse, one part of which, delineated by a couple of small signs with a simple tent on them, is the campsite.

Should you amble past the lock-keeper’s abode, with its lovingly tended garden (one of the principal qualifications to be a lock-keeper is the possession of green fingers), and through a gap in the hedge, you’ll find a new wooden shed inside which is a small bathroom containing a clean and modern shower and loo.

But that may be all the walking you’ll get around to doing, for this is definitely a site for loafing around on. You can sit on the weir and become mesmerised by the water falling headlong over it, keep watch for the pleasure boats and barges phutting up- and downstream, or merely marvel at the patterns the sun paints upon the surface of the river.

If you have a yen to be up and doing, there are several footpaths – including the Thames Path – leading off from the site, and a wildliferich wetland area right next door.

Please note: This campsite is not accessible by car. It’s a hidden gem for walkers, cyclists and canoeists.

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Location
Witney, Oxfordshire, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Test O.Joined in January 2015
From the host
Tents-only camping on a River Thames island, only accessible by foot or boat
Nearby attractions
Thames Path – just cross over the lock bridge to join the 184-mile trail stretching from source to sea; 01865 810224. Farmoor Reservoir, just a field away, is the focus for a number of hides, a countryside walk and a wetland trail; 01865 863033. Eynsham (pron. En-sham; 2 miles) is one of Britain’s oldest settlements, having been around for at least 4,000 years, and home to nine pubs and a biennial open garden festival.
Food and drink
The Talbot Inn (Arkell’s), nr Eynsham (2 miles, mainly along Thames footpath) – recently renovated 18th century pub with exposed beams, real ales and a sitting area outside overlooking a large stream (and, sadly, an oxygen works); 01865 881348.

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