The Feathers Hotel

I was quite frankly exhausted. Work had been incredibly busy and my family and I were like ships passing in the night. I needed a relaxed, low-ley and laidback few days away with Mr Smith, to recharge and reconnect. The two-hour drive from our south-London abode, through lush green countryside on our way to the Cotswolds, was cathartic. Our shoulders dropped and peace crept in. As a first time visitor to Woodstock, I fell in love with the market town's quaint, traditional charm, and array of independent shops and boutiques. Just off the main high street is The Feathers Hotel, a stone's throw from the incredible Blenheim Palace, Oxford and the surrounding Cotswolds countryside. The fact we arrived during a rare UK heatwave of 30 degrees and cloudless blue skies may have added to my excitement — but genuinely, this isn't merely a hotel. It's an experience, a wonderful blend of historic charm and modern sophistication that truly ruffles the right feathers.

With its striking 17th-century façade, The Feathers immediately captivates. The recent interior-design overhaul has been nothing short of transformative. Gone are any remnants of outdated decor, replaced by a chic, contemporary palette that draws inspiration from the rolling Cotswolds landscape. Warm, neutral tones are punctuated by rich fabrics: velvet, embroidered cushions and plush carpets that invite you to sink in and relax.

We were staying in Suite 3, a large, elegant space with a huge bedroom, an ensuite with a roll-top bath tub and a separate living space, which served as a makeshift office for my husband's seemingly never-ending Teams calls. It’s always the small touches that make a great hotel visit, and the welcome note, fruit basket and slices of homemade lemon-drizzle cake (my personal fave) struck the right tone from the outset. Not flashy, but homely and thoughtful. I slept like a baby in the super-comfy king-size bed, with its crisp cotton sheets and plump pillows. The cups of tea in bed each morning, watching an hour of Wimbledon before we ventured out for the day, were blissful. 

There is a lot to explore in close proximity of The Feathers, as it’s so well located. Blenheim Palace is a 10-minute walk away from the hotel, so that was our first port of call. The palace and gardens by Capability Brown were truly beautiful and a complete respite away from the city. Afterwards, we drove 20 minutes to Aynhoe Park for my interiors and Gavi di Gavi fix at RH England, where the rural air and relaxed vibe hit us full on, rendering us incapable of moving from the outdoor seating area and restaurant for several hours. Being in this part of the country forces you to slow down, to rest and be present. It is very special indeed.

Mr Smith and I love to eat, so we had high hopes for The Feathers' two restaurants. On night one, given the balmy evening weather, we made our way outside to The Aviary, the Mediterranean-inspired courtyard bar and restaurant. It transported us in spirit to Ibiza's Café del Mar, with chilled house music, olive trees, striped umbrellas and spicy margaritas. The new space boasts an impressive list of cocktails alongside a great menu — and I say this with authority, as we stayed a while and sampled a wide variety. The pizza topped with chorizo, sweet peppers and chutney was divine.  

On night two, we upped the stakes and the little black dress and heels were busted out for dinner at the hotel's modern European restaurant, The Nest. The terracotta-pink dining room — with its dark wood-panelling and crisp, white-linen café curtains — has an intimate and sophisticated ambience. Head Chef Luke Rawicki's menu is a testament to locally sourced quality, and every dish we sampled was a culinary delight. Dinner was a triumph, every dish lovingly created and delicious (a special shout-out to the scallops and oxtail ravioli, which were both out of this world). I'm someone who rarely eats breakfast, but that went out of the window during this trip, as the FOMO took over. The next thing I knew, I was presented with a sourdough crumpet, buttery scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, the flakiest croissant ever made and a selection of conserves. I enjoyed every bite. From breakfast to a truly exceptional dinner, the food was consistently outstanding. 

Beyond the aesthetics, the service at The Feathers deserves a special mention. From the moment we arrived, the staff were exemplary. Their genuine warmth and attentiveness, the way they were always going above and beyond — from allowing us to choose our table for dinner, to organising a VIP shopping trip to Bicester Village — truly enhanced our stay. It’s clear they understand that hospitality is as much about human connection as it is about luxurious surroundings.

A world away from generic cookie-cutter hotels, The Feathers Hotel stands out as a property with personality and soul. It’s a place where you can truly unwind, indulge and feel utterly pampered.