The Feathers Hotel

Tucked away in the heart of endlessly picturesque Woodstock, The Feathers offers the warmest of Cotswold welcomes. From roaring fires to elevated interiors that effortlessly blend rural charm with contemporary comfort, this hotel centres a slower pace of life – with days measured out in gentle starts, pottering strolls and meandering conversations. There’s a timeless feeling to The Feathers, perched in this historic market town, that will have you feeling as though you’ve wandered into the pages of a vintage paperback – cosy and well-loved, with the gentle ease of a bygone era.

Start your day in a cloud-soft bed, then descend for a hearty breakfast of toasted teacakes, porridge laden with berry compote, or eggs royale. Suitably fortified, it’s time to don your waxed jacket and head out to explore the surrounding area. Blenheim Palace, right on your doorstep, is a must – offering stunning architectural (and arboreal) views all year round. Time your visit well and you might experience the world-famous Horse Trials, or the Blenheim triathlon, which sees athletes ploughing through the waters of the estate’s great lake. After an afternoon of retail therapy in nearby Bicester Village, or cerebral sightseeing amid Oxford’s dreaming spires, return to the welcoming glow of The Feathers, to reset with a warm bath and comforting pot of tea.

When it’s time to dine, the hotel’s restaurant, The Nest, is a triumph of modern European cuisine. With an emphasis on local, seasonal fare, enjoy dishes such as the signature stuffed saddle of West Country lamb, chalk stream trout and macerated Evesham strawberries. Expect an intimate atmosphere and unhurried experience, where quality and precision are the order of the day. Just be sure to leave room for an expertly mixed cocktail. Or for a more informal dining experience, alight at The Aviary, where the sourdough pizzas are the stuff of local legend. When bed calls, ascend to one of 23 individually designed rooms and suites, ranging from cosy doubles to the character-filled attic suite, where you’ll drift off under white-washed rafters.