Holiday rentals in Woodstock

With a name meaning “clearing in the wood,” the town of Woodstock was once part of a royal forest with its own royal hunting lodge. And although the market town, eight miles northwest of Oxford, is no longer associated with the crown, it does have a former royal residence, Blenheim Palace, on the doorstep. The centre of Woodstock is dominated by its 18th-century town hall, with its sandy-coloured stone and imposing façade.

As you make your way around, you’ll pass historical houses of creamy or honey-coloured limestone alongside tea rooms and small shops. Pass through the town gate in the shadow of St Mary Magdalene church and you’re in a completely different world, with enchanting views of the grounds of Blenheim Palace and its impressive lake and bridge. You can explore the landscaped property up to the majestic Column of Victory pillar, or stretch your legs along the Millennium Trail System, with four trails around Woodstock. You may spot deer, beaver, and other woodland creatures here — along with blackberry bushes full of fruit in harvest season.

Thanks to its proximity to Blenheim Palace, Woodstock is very popular during the high season, from June to early September. This is also when the temperatures are at their warmest for wandering around the parklands. Things start to cool down in autumn, particularly at night, so bring an extra warm layer. In winter, temperatures frequently dip below freezing and there can be a good deal of snow, so be sure to bundle up and bring a good pair of boots. The area sees a fair amount of rain year round, so it’s a good idea to pack an umbrella no matter when you plan on visiting. Temperatures begin rising again in spring, with April and May bringing mild weather for hiking the nearby trails.

The palace organises popular events during the year, including a live concert series in June with some of the biggest names in music. Its Battle Proms Picnic Concert occurs at the beginning of July, with classical music, fireworks, and vintage planes flying overhead. The Christmas Market celebrates the holidays in November and December with stalls offering crafts, handmade gifts, ceramics, and delicious treats.

Blenheim Palace

One of the most magnificent private homes in the United Kingdom, Blenheim Palace was built at the beginning of the 18th century for the first duke of Marlborough. You can wander around the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s elegantly decorated rooms, with a dizzying collection of tapestries, paintings, and priceless artefacts, as well as the Long Library and private chapel. Its private grounds include exquisite water terraces.

The Oxfordshire Museum

Housed in an 18th-century building in the centre of Woodstock, the Oxfordshire Museum takes you on a journey through the history of the region, from the Jurassic era to the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Victorians. You can also discover more about the flora, fauna, and woodlands in the area before coming face to face with a life-sized replica of Megalosaurus in the walled garden.

Oxford

A 50-minute bus ride from the heart of Woodstock takes you to one of the most prestigious university cities in the world. You can amble around the cobbled streets of the historic centre, or head into one of the many colleges to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of university life. Try your hand at punting on the river, and be sure to take a look inside the botanical gardens.