'I stayed in tiny Cotswolds town where Harry Potter was filmed - what I found amazed me'
An 18th-century building steeped in history in a quaint Oxfordshire town steeped in even more history, The Feathers Hotel, which sits in the shadow of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock town centre, has recently been refurbished into a top-class restaurant with stylish bedrooms and super-friendly staff.
The character of the original building has been preserved, with low doorways, mazes of staircases and a muted colour scheme, while the suites in particular are stunning, with roll-top baths, stone fireplaces and canopy-clad beds. It’s the ideal place to base yourself if you’re looking for a slice of luxury with good pubs and fine dining on your doorstep.
The food at The Feathers Hotel
Dinner at The Feathers’ Nest restaurant is a delight, with a classic British menu executed to perfection, featuring plenty of local produce and presented beautifully.
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On our visit, every dish was as delicious as the last – even the sides – and in fact my partner, a vegetarian who is often left a little underwhelmed by the lack of choice at posh restaurants, declared his celeriac linguine and pile of cheese-topped gnocchi to be the best meal of the weekend, surpassing even more renowned eateries in the area.
Guests can start (or end) their evening in The Aviary bar, with low lounge seating, a centrepiece log burner and a signature cocktail list. There’s also a pretty courtyard out the back with fire heaters and pots filled with fragrant herbs and flowers, which we bet is super popular when the weather is warmer.
What to do in Woodstock
The star attraction in this tiny Cotswolds town is Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, which this spring will open up a new rooftop viewing platform and a Life Below Stairs experience, which will tell the stories of the staff who kept the palace running. Even if you don’t go inside this grand building it’s worth a walk around the estate’s lake and expansive grounds, where you can look out for the gnarly Harry Potter tree that featured in The Order Of The Phoenix. Blenheim Palace was also a filming location for other major productions such as Spectre, Mission Impossible and Bridgerton.
The rest of Woodstock is great for just pottering around. Pick up a homemade sausage roll and a cake from Hampers deli
before browsing the antique stores, gift shops and cafés in the town’s butter-coloured buildings. Later, stop for a pint at The Back Lane Tavern (an excellent recommendation from The Feathers’ staff), with its low ceilings, cosy corners and an impressive wine list.
How much does it cost to stay at The Feathers Hotel?
Rooms at The Feathers Hotel start from £250 per night.
