∙ OUR STAY AT THE FEATHERS ∙ There are some hotel stays that you enjoy, and then there are those that leave you wondering how soon you can return. Our recent stay at The Feathers in Woodstock firmly fell into the latter category.

Located in the heart of one of Oxfordshire’s most beautiful market towns, just moments from Blenheim Palace and perfectly placed for exploring both Oxford and the Cotswolds, The Feathers has recently undergone an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment. The result is a boutique hotel that beautifully blends history, luxury, comfort, and personality.

∙ A HOTEL INSPIRED BY ALL KINDS OF FEATHERS ∙

The Feathers’ distinctive name has an intriguing history. The hotel was renamed in the 1980s by renowned hotelier Gordon Campbell Gray, who chose the name as a tribute to his personal collection of taxidermy birds. Before this, the property operated as The Dorchester Hotel. The building itself has an equally fascinating past, having evolved from a collection of historic structures that once included an 18th-century sanatorium, a butcher’s shop, and a draper’s shop. Today, these rich layers of history contribute to the unique character and charm that make The Feathers such a memorable place to stay.

The bird theme runs elegantly through the hotel, from the wonderfully named Aviary bar and restaurant to the Nest restaurant and the individually named suites, including our own home for the night, the magnificent Pheasant Suite.

The Feathers pays homage to the property’s long-standing bird-inspired identity, which continues to influence the hotel’s design, character, and atmosphere today. Following its extensive refurbishment, the hotel feels fresh and contemporary whilst still respecting the charm and quirks of the historic Grade II listed building.

∙ AN ESCAPE FROM THE HOTTEST DAY OF THE YEAR ∙

We arrived on what was reportedly the hottest day of the year, with temperatures soaring to an almost unbelievable 35 degrees. Stepping through the doors of The Feathers felt like entering another world. The hotel is currently the only hotel in Woodstock with air conditioning throughout, and unlike many places that seem reluctant to use it properly, The Feathers embraces it wholeheartedly.

The entire hotel was delightfully cool. The lounges, restaurants, corridors, and our suite all offered welcome relief from the heat outside. After a long journey through sweltering temperatures, it immediately set the tone for a wonderfully comfortable stay.

∙ THE PHEASANT SUITE ∙

Our room for the night was stunning. Beautifully designed, spacious, luxurious, and incredibly comfortable, the Pheasant Suite managed to feel both indulgent and relaxing at the same time.

Waiting for us was a fabulous welcome basket filled with fresh fruit, cake, and drinks, a thoughtful touch that immediately made us feel at home.

The bed was exceptionally comfortable, the sort of bed that tempts you into cancelling plans and staying put for the day. The bathroom was equally impressive, featuring excellent toiletries and luxury touches throughout.

We particularly appreciated the complimentary minibar, which was generously stocked with cold drinks and milk for our coffee, along with the excellent tea and coffee-making facilities. Every detail had clearly been considered.

∙ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE FEATHERS ∙

∙ HOSPITALITY DONE PROPERLY ∙

One thing that stood out throughout our stay was the consistency of the service. Every single member of staff we encountered was warm, welcoming, professional, and genuinely helpful. It is obvious that a huge amount of effort has gone into creating and maintaining high standards throughout the hotel. From reception to housekeeping, breakfast service to dinner, every interaction felt natural, polished, and sincere.

In an industry where consistency can sometimes be difficult to achieve, The Feathers have created a culture where excellent hospitality comes naturally. Every member of the team was a credit to the hotel.

∙ BEAUTIFUL SPACES AROUND EVERY CORNER ∙

The refurbishment has transformed the hotel into one of the most stylish places we have visited in the Cotswolds and far beyond. Every space feels beautifully considered. The common areas are elegant yet comfortable. The lounges invite you to linger. The colour palettes are calming and sophisticated. Throughout the building there is a sense of understated luxury that never feels forced or pretentious. The atmosphere is wonderfully cosy and calm, making it a pleasure simply to spend time in the hotel itself.

∙ DINING IN THE AVIARY ∙

In the evening we enjoyed dinner in The Aviary, the hotel’s beautifully designed restaurant. The space itself is stunning, but it was the food and service that truly impressed us. Every dish we ordered was delicious, thoughtfully presented, and expertly cooked. The menu strikes a wonderful balance between sophistication and comfort, while the service throughout the evening was impeccable.

The Aviary has quickly become one of Woodstock’s most talked-about dining destinations, and after our experience, it is easy to understand why.

∙ BOOK YOUR TABLE AT THE AVIARY ∙

∙ A BREAKFAST WORTH WAKING UP FOR ∙

The following morning began with an excellent breakfast experience in The Nest restaurant. The buffet was beautifully presented and generously stocked, offering everything you could want to start the day. Alongside this, we enjoyed a freshly cooked breakfast that was every bit as impressive as the evening meal. Again, the service was faultless.

∙ A JEWEL IN THE COTSWOLDS HOTEL CROWN ∙

We have been fortunate enough to stay in many wonderful hotels across the Cotswolds and beyond, and The Feathers genuinely stands out. Beautifully refurbished, exceptionally comfortable, wonderfully air-conditioned, home to fantastic dining, and staffed by a team that clearly cares deeply about what they do, it offers everything one could look for in a luxury hotel stay.

Whether you are planning a visit to Blenheim Palace, exploring Oxford, discovering the villages of Oxfordshire, or using it as a base for a wider Cotswolds adventure, The Feathers is perfectly positioned.

Put simply, it is one of the finest hotel experiences we have enjoyed in a long time, a true jewel in the Cotswolds hotel crown and one that should be firmly on every traveller’s must-visit list.

∙ BOOK YOUR STAY AT THE FEATHERS ∙