Woodstock is on the edge of the Cotswolds, just eight miles from Oxford's dreaming spires, and even closer to Blenheim Palace, stately birthplace of Winston Churchill. For some folk the best places to stay in Woodstock are just convenient bases for exploring the whole region - in between Oxford and the Cotswolds, and cheaper than either, but Woodstock is an attractive town in its own right, with a handful of notable churches and listed buildings, and home to the Oxfordshire Museum.

The oldest part of Woodstock is the prettiest part, and has an 18th century town hall and almshouses, the Church of St Mary Magdalene - which has a Norman doorway, as well as the Oxfordshire Museum, which has a beautiful garden surrounding it. There’s a very Georgian look to it, with lots of pale stone facades in neat, square shapes. Most of the best places to stay in Woodstock are in this part of town, though there are a couple of options outside of the centre, ideal for walkers, and those here to explore the region.

Blenheim Palace, and the festivals and events it hosts, are one of the main people come looking for the best places to stay in Woodstock. It’s an incredible stately home, still residence to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, and yet open year round - gardens by Capability Brown included. A visit to the palace today includes access to the Walled Garden, which has a giant hedge maze, a butterfly house and an adventure playground. This is the bit your kids might like best - though there are some real treasures within the palace.

The Best Places to Stay in Woodstock

For Foodies

• The Feathers is chic little hotel in Woodstock, with an impressive gin bar, and an award-winning restaurant. Within walking distance of Blenheim Palace, and eight miles from Oxford, this is a good choice for those seeking a smaller hotel with plenty of British charm. Expect modern English cuisine created from locally sourced produce.

For Romantics

• The Crown Inn, Woodstock is an 18th century built inn, with a pale stone exterior, five individually decorated rooms, and a lovely restaurant downstairs. Each of the rooms has its own colour scheme, and collection of art and antiques, giving them the feel of mini apartments.

Best Pubs-with-Rooms

• The Killingworth Castle is a fabulous pub, with ten simply, but charmingly, dressed rooms. The pub is friendly and buzzy, with a fantastic list of ales and homemade beer, and hearty pub fare made from exceptional local produce. Great for families too.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• If you’re travelling via London, you can take the train from Paddington to Oxford or Hanborough, and then a bus from there to Woodstock - on a good day you could do it in just an hour and a half. If you’re flying in, the closest airport is probably Heathrow, which is about an hour away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours away by public transport.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Blenheim Palace hosts a whole season of events, so there are many busy times to stay in Woodstock. There’s jousting in May; a food festival in June; Proms in July; horse trials in September, a Festive Fayre in November; and Christmas Markets in December. Summer is probably the busiest time to visit Woodstock, but that’s partly due to summer being the most popular time for visiting the UK, and Blenheim Palace is on many people’s UK bucket list.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Oxfordshire?
• Or consider one of Woodstock’s’ neighbours? Oxford? or Chipping Norton and the Cotswolds?
• Or you could refine your search by the type of accommodation you’re looking for? and consider just Oxfordshire's best pubs-with-rooms? or Oxfordshire’s most romantic hotels?
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.