It’s hard not to love Woodstock. Smart Georgian townhouses, glowing Cotswold stone, ivy-clad pubs, antique shops and Blenheim Palace – there are worse places to find yourself. As part of our monthly celebration of Oxfordshire’s many stand-out towns and villages, here are OX Magazine’s best-loved Woodstock favourites.
The Feathers
A quintessential Cotswold hotel, The Feathers is worth a visit for its gin bar alone. At last count, the bar stocks over 400 brands – and was doing it long before it was cool. Elsewhere, The Feathers’ restaurant serves classic, seasonal British cuisine – wild mushroom and spinach pie and roast whole plaice are favourites.
Soldiers of Oxfordshire
Woodstock’s poignant military museum attempts to relate to the connection between the military of Oxfordshire and the county in which they are based – hence the strapline of “Conflict and County”. Temporary exhibitions and interactive virtual experiences add to the museum’s comprehensive main collection, with offers for kids and families throughout school holidays.
Blenheim Lit Fest
Blenheim Lit Fest, or to give the event its proper name, Blenheim Palace Festival of Literature, Film and Music, is one of the nation’s most illustrious celebrations of books and literature, and of art forms inspired by literature: film, television and music. This year’s guests include Nicholas Parsons, Peter Conradi and Judith Makrell – make sure to peruse our full feature on the festival.
blenheimpalaceliteraryfestival.com
La Galleria
Classic beef carpaccio, creamy and authentic Burrata, crab and chilli linguine… La Galleria serves indulgent, traditional Italian and Sardinian food, in the centre of Woodstock’s market square. An extensive, Italian-centric wine list completes the experience – a must-visit.
Oxfordshire Museum
This large eighteenth century house in Woodstock provides a home for the Oxfordshire's collections; touring exhibitions, a stunning garden, museum shop and café complement the permanent displays. The museum is bigger than you might think, with 11 galleries displaying art, archaeology, local and natural history. Explore the county's innovative industries from nanotechnology to nuclear power and its past from the Jurassic to the Victorian period and beyond.
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshiremuseum
Dantzig Gallery
Woodstock’s premiere modern art gallery. Here you can find modern masters alongside emerging and established contemporary artists, including work by David Freud, Renegade Xavier and Sara Pope. Of particular interest this month is a sale of posters and prints from the 4th October, which will include work from artists including Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring and Salvador Dali.