The Credentials
Tucked just off the main square in the chocolate-box Oxfordshire town of Woodstock, the 23-room Feathers Hotel has long been a resting place, but a recent refurbishment has transformed this building—with past lives as a 18th century sanatorium, a butchers, and a draper’s shop—into something more stylish and comfortable than your average countryside stay. With warm wood-panel walls and brushed-brass accents, there’s a sense of cosiness that’s more Soho Farmhouse than stuffy relic.
In 2023, the hotel was acquired and redone by The Ede Holdings group, a family-run property and boutique hotels developer with 65 years of experience.
The renovation, led by design studio AGC BTR, has given the boutique hotel a distinct feel, with just enough eccentricity to nod to its heritage (see: sloping floors, narrow passageways, and stone hearths), while offering all the creature comforts us city folks have come to expect (see: tiled showers, Opal coffee machines, and Roberts Revival Radios).
Sleep
We stayed in the Dove Suite, one of the hotel’s signature rooms on the first floor (no lift, but that’s part of the charm). High ceilings, incredible air conditioning, and an oversized bed with crisp white linens and marshmallowy pillows awaited, along with a stylish bathroom with freestanding bath. From the window, you can glimpse the new outdoor bar and restaurant, The Aviary and its pizza oven.
The room struck the right balance between comfort and character. I particularly loved the Teapigs teas and Urban Apothecary (Fig Tree scent). It felt indulgent without trying too hard.
Dine
The on-site restaurant, The Nest, is where things get interesting. It’s a relaxed brasserie set in a series of intimate rooms, with low ceilings, wood panelling, and bouquets of dried wildflowers. I started with seasonal asparagus and quail’s eggs—light, bright, and gone in about 60 seconds—before moving on to generously portioned salmon wellington. It was the kind of meal that makes you want to put your phone down and just enjoy.
I finished with a dark chocolate ganache, pepped up with notes of banana and shards of peanut brittle and floated upstairs in a carb-and-sugar-induced dream state.
There’s also The Aviary Bar, an inviting little nook with a chic sofa, outdoor seating, and an exciting cocktail list, though I opted for a classic spicy marg, which did not disappoint.
Who goes there?
During our stay, I spotted a couple of well-heeled older guests, young families, groups of friends, and couples. There were lots of pups too, which were clearly welcomed.
Out & About
You’re a stone’s throw from Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site and former home of Sir Winston Churchill, which is well worth a few hours of wandering. The hotel can score discount tickets and also show you secret paths onto the magnificent grounds, which are free to enjoy.
Woodstock itself is tiny but full of character with independent boutiques, art galleries, and antiques shops. Oxford is just a 25-minute drive away.
The Worst Thing
Don’t expect anything super luxe, as this hotel is more about warmth and comfort than all-out indulgence.
The Best Thing
The beds. Oh, the beds! Deep, soft, enveloping clouds of comfort.
Also, the staff. Warm, chatty, and the right side of attentive, they’re clearly proud of the refurbishment and happy to share insider tips on where to walk, eat and shop.
Lastly, the location. You can’t get closer to Blenheim Palace.
The Details
Rooms start from £250/night, with breakfast included.
The Feathers Hotel, Market Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
