Kiki the Pet Inspector’s Report: Stylish Stay at The Feathers, Woodstock

When it comes to dog-friendly weekend escapes from London, Woodstock ticks every box. Just under 90 minutes from the capital by car – or a breezy train ride to Oxford followed by a short cab – it’s the kind of place where Cotswolds charm, countryside, and canine companionship come together. And at the heart of this gorgeous Cotswolds market town sits The Feathers, a recently refurbished boutique hotel where dogs are welcomed in style.

From the moment we arrived, the welcome was exceptional. The staff couldn’t have been more enthusiastic about meeting Kiki, our Norfolk Terrier, who behaved beautifully, lapping up the attention. It’s clear this hotel takes its dog-friendly credentials seriously – not just with the warm welcome, but with thoughtful touches throughout the property. Situated right in the centre of town, The Feathers is characterful yet stylish, with a swish lobby, inviting sitting rooms, bar and a top notch restaurant, The Nest. There’s also a new dog-friendly restaurant, The Aviary, with an outdoor terrace, making it an ideal base for both two and four-legged guests.

Best of all? Blenheim Palace, with its vast parkland and stunning lakeside walks, is just a short stroll away. The ultimate adventure playground for dogs like Kiki!

Our Dog-friendly bedroom – Comfort and Character

We stayed in one of the hotel’s dog-friendly ground floor rooms, and it couldn’t have been more convenient. No need for staircases or lifts – ideal for middle-of-the-night loo trips or quick walks before breakfast. The room was elegant and comfortable, with plush furnishings, soft lighting, and a calming colour palette that made it feel like a true retreat.

Kiki was particularly impressed with her welcome pack. This included a soft dog bed, food and water bowls, tasty treats, and even a tennis ball for playing in the courtyard garden. It’s the little touches that make the biggest difference. For us humans, the bed was super comfortable and the marble-tiled bathroom was very spa-like – spacious and luxurious, featuring a rainfall shower and fluffy robes. Whether you’re a pampered pup or a pampering pet parent, this room has all the right ingredients for a relaxing stay.

Food and Drink – New Dog-Friendly Restaurant

Dining at The Feathers was a delight – and even better, Kiki didn’t have to miss a moment of it. For our first evening meal on Sunday night, we took Kiki along to the new Aviary restaurant where we grabbed a table on the terrace. The restaurant, a great spot for unwinding after a busy day of dog walking, was full and buzzing. We opted for their signature cocktail followed by one of their wood-fired sourdough pizzas, which was absolutely delicious. Kiki, meanwhile, was more than happy with a few crusts and plenty of attention from the staff, and the other guests!

On our first morning, we opted to leave Kiki in the room so that we could try out the stylish new dining space – the Nest.  Breakfast was delicious and beautifully presented – we opted for Bircher Muesli and Smoked Salmon Sourdough Crumpet with Scrambled Egg.

For dinner Monday evening, we headed along to the Back Lane Tavern, only a short stroll away. This is also dog-friendly and serves delicious small plates from the sea, field or farm. On our last morning, we decided to bring Kiki along for breakfast at the hotel. They laid up a table for us in the bar and we had a terrific breakfast from the same restaurant as the day before, but with the addition of Kiki enjoying a few tasty morsels.

Discovering the sights – The Cotswolds and the City of Dreaming Spires

Woodstock is a dream for dog lovers, but the star attraction is undoubtedly Blenheim Palace, just a short walk from the hotel. With 2,000 acres of grounds to explore, including landscaped gardens, lakeside paths, and shaded woodlands, it was heaven for Kiki. She especially loved the wildlife – ducks, geese, and even the occasional squirrel kept her thoroughly entertained.

We visited Blenheim Palace both days and even managed an early morning run before taking Kiki out for an hour-long stroll.

Back in town, we discovered just how dog-friendly Woodstock really is. From cute coffee shops like the Woodstock coffee shop to artisan gift stores, most places welcomed Kiki with treats.

One of the best surprises of our stay was just how easy it was to get into Oxford city centre. We hopped on a local bus, and within 30 minutes we were wandering through the city’s historic streets. We took it in turns to visit the amazing Ashmolean Museum and Kiki had a great time at the University Parks. Here, we roamed an area of riverside parkland and stopped by the super dog-friendly George Street Social cafe, where we chatted to a couple of students who took a shine to Kiki.

Kiki’s Verdict:

If Kiki could book her own holidays, she’d be back at The Feathers in a heartbeat. From the thoughtful touches in the room to the fuss made by every member of staff, she was treated like a true VIP (Very Important Pooch). With Blenheim on the doorstep, paws-on dining options, and a location packed with charm, this was one trip that got the full five-paw seal of approval.

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer countryside break, The Feathers is the perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds with your canine companion by your side.