Looking to treat yourself to a boutique weekend getaway now that the festive period is over? Why not try this recently-refurbished 18th century hotel, tucked away in the quaint Costwolds town where scenes from the James Bond and Harry Potter franchises were filmed?
The luxurious, four-star Feathers Hotel can be found in the picturesque town of Woodstock in Oxfordshire, just a few miles outside of Gloucestershire – and right in the shadow of Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, which still belongs to the Churchill family today.
The hotel offers 17 individually-designed rooms and six suites, combining rustic elegance with modern fixtures. It also offers a top-tier restaurant and a team of welcoming staff, as well as other superb local pubs and dining establishments just a stone’s throw away.
Whilst it has recently undergone renovation, the historic building’s original charm has been carefully maintained, with low doorways, a maze of staircases and a muted colour scheme. The suites are particularly striking, featuring roll-top baths, stone fireplaces and beds draped with canopies.
If this isn’t enticing enough, you can visit knowing that you may well be staying in the same room as some of the cast and crew from the 2015 James Bond film, Spectre, who used the hotel as a base while filming at nearby Blenheim Palace almost a decade ago.
Meanwhile, dining at The Feathers is a delight, with the Nest restaurant delivering a traditional British menu that’s flawlessly executed, beautifully presented, and brimming with local ingredients, reports The Mirror.
Guests at The Aviary bar can start or end their evening in comfort, with cosy lounge seating, a central log burner, and an enticing cocktail menu. A delightful courtyard at the rear features fire heaters and pots filled with fragrant herbs and flowers, making it a popular spot when the weather is warm.
In terms of local attractions in Woodstock, Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, is the main attraction in this charming Cotswolds town. This spring, the palace will introduce a new rooftop viewing platform and a ‘Life Below Stairs’ experience, revealing the stories of the staff who kept the palace running.
Even without entering this grand building, a walk around the estate’s lake and extensive grounds is worthwhile, where you can see the twisted Harry Potter tree that featured in The Order Of The Phoenix. Blenheim Palace has also been used as a filming location for other major productions, such as Mission Impossible and Bridgerton.
The rest of Woodstock is ideal for a leisurely stroll. Pick up a homemade sausage roll and a cake from Hampers deli before browsing the antique shops, gift stores and cafés located in the town’s honey-coloured buildings.
Later, visit The Back Lane Tavern (highly recommended by The Feathers’ staff) for a pint, with its low ceilings, snug corners, and an impressive wine list. Room rates at The Feathers Hotel start from £250 per night.