Right on the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, just eight miles north west of Oxford, lies the wonderful town of Woodstock.
Sadly for them, most visitors to Woodstock never actually see the historic town centre, tucked away off the busy main road, as they’re heading to Woodstock’s grand and glorious neighbour, Blenheim Palace.
Woodstock is more than worthy of a visit in its own right. A medieval ‘new town’, founded to cater for visitors to a royal hunting lodge, Woodstock has a 900 year record of hospitality.
The town’s fine Georgian facades often disguise far older buildings that house all manner of fascinating hotels and cafes, shops and galleries. There are two excellent museums - The Oxfordshire Museum and the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum – and don’t miss the town’s church with its fine collection of embroidered kneelers and a musical clock, which plays a different tune each day.
Woodstock is definitely a place for leisurely browsing and a place to make discoveries – whether it’s a unique gift in one of the many intriguing shops or just another fascinating snippet of history.
The real insider’s tip is to stay in Woodstock: there are great places to stay and to eat; you’ll have time to explore the town and all the delights it has to offer; but you’ll also discover the best way to visit Blenheim Palace, on foot! Stroll down through the old town, turn the corner and suddenly you’re at the Town Gate – enjoy the wonderful view, across the lake to the Grand Bridge and Blenheim Palace behind and spare a thought for those poor visitors that missed both Woodstock and the best view of Blenheim!
Free downloadable walks and guides:
