Oxford can boast many famous historical pubs and inns where revellers have worn the boards bare over the centuries . . .

Eagle & Child, St Giles, is famous for being the place where a group called the Inklings, including C S Lewis and Tolkien, used to meet for literary gatherings. Drinks available vary, but usually include Oxfordshire-brewed Hook Norton ales. 01865 302925.

Kings Arms, Holywell Street, is one of Oxford's best-known pubs. It is popular with both students and theatre-goers. It is often very busy, especially in term-time. Serves a fine selection of Young’s beers which change every two weeks or so. 01865 242369.

The Lamb & Flag, St Giles, is across the road from the Eagle & Child. The building used to be a 15th-century coaching inn and has a literary claim to fame. Thomas Hardy is said to have written parts of his novel Jude the Obscure here and ‘the obscure tavern in a rough place’ referred to near the end of the book is thought to be the Lamb & Flag. It serves London Pride, Spitfire, Skinners, Lamb & Flag Gold and a guest ale, which varies. 01865 515787.

The White Horse, Broad Street, (near Blackwells), a favourite pub of the TV detective Inspector Morse. It is tiny, secluded and cosy, but can get very crowded. A good selection of real ales is available. 01865 728138.

The Bear Tavern, Alfred Street, dates back to 1242 and this shows in the original building and interior which is completely authentic. The huge collection of ties which adorn the walls add atmosphere to this cosy drinking den. 01865 728164 The Turf Tavern, Bath Place, off Holywell Street, could be the oldest pub in Oxford — and it may also be the most famous and hard to find! Like The White Horse, it has also featured in TV’s Inspector Morse. And it is one of the most popular places for students to celebrate after exams. You will find a huge range of traditional real ales here. 01865 243235.

The Old Tom, St Aldates, is named after the bell in Christ Church college's Tom Tower opposite, the pub has undergone several recent refurbishments — and was the city’s first ‘no-smoking’ pub, but it remains a good place to get a feel for the atmosphere of ‘real’ Oxford.

The Head of the River, Folly Bridge. You can’t beat this pub on a hot sunny day. Sitting on wooden benches watching the rowers in action, it is a great place to soak in Oxford’s atmosphere. 01865 721600.

The Old Bookbinders Ale House is in the heart of Jericho. This charming back street pub, voted Pub of Year in 2008 by Oxford’s CAMRA branch, featured in the very first episode of Inspector Morse. Two new guest ales are available each week and the pub regularly holds mini-beer festivals and special events, such as open mic nights, quizzes and bands. For information about these and the guest ale timetable, call 01865 553 549 or visit the website: www.oldbookbinders.co.uk

The Rose and Crown, North Parade, has managed to maintain an intimate Victorian public house atmosphere by avoiding introducing themes, loud music and games machines. And it has taken the bold move of banning mobile phones. Anyone seen using one has to put a donation in the pub’s charity tin. Call 1865 510551, or visit the website: www.rose-n-crown.co.uk

The Perch at Binsey dates back at least 800 years, and the current Grade II Listed building, to at least the 17th century. Together with most of the other buildings in Binsey, the pub is owned by Christ Church. Walk up the towpath from The Perch and you will find the spot where Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote his poem Binsey Poplars, penned when he discovered the riverside trees had been felled. The replacements for these trees, which stretch from Binsey to Godstow, lasted until 2004, when the present replantings began. Binsey was frequented by author Lewis Carrolland is noted as one of the first places that he gave public readings of Alice in Wonderland. From 1928 through to 1948, The Perch was hugely popular among Oxford University students as a venue to hear the latest jazz. The building is said to be haunted by the ghost of a heart-broken soldier who threw himself in the river (presumably in the area of the Thames known as Black Jacks Hole — a well-known suicide spot at the time. His ghost returned to the inn to forever drown his sorrows. Today, The Perch serves delicious French food with a twist as well as fine ales. The landlord, Johnny Mignon, dedicates all his time and passion to restoring the building and grounds to their original form. For more information call 01865 72889 or visit the website: www.the-perch.co.uk