If you’re looking for a more relaxed alternative to living in London where you’ll be rubbing shoulders with nobility, this lovely commuter town could be just the thing.
This lovely Cotswold market town is known for its excellent gastro-pubs and independent shops. Woodstock is even a little cheaper than the capital – house prices average at £631, 635 compared to London’s £687,196, according to RightMove.
One of its stand out features is the grand Blenheim Palace and estate. This world heritage site wraps around the whole town and is still home to a duke.
While it could be a little far from London for a daily commute, it’s a great option for those who only need to be in an office a few days a week. Since the home working trend began during the Covid-19 pandemic, more people have been moving to the area from the capital.
Blenheim Palace is still occupied by a member of the nobility
(Image: Tim Graham/Getty Images)
“People are often looking for a study or an outhouse, something that they can make into a work space,” said Martyn Brittan, Sales Manager at Breckon & Breckon estate agents. “There were a lot of older clients but over the years it’s become a real mix.”
Mr Brittain says the area’s many train stations and connections to London are a real draw for people moving to the area. Some of its main stand out features include Blenheim Palace, its market and the many shops in the area, he says.
Things to do
The Blenheim Estate wraps around the whole of Woodstock
(Image: Martyn Ferry/Getty Images)
A day out to Blenheim Palace is an essential for anyone visiting Woodstock. The palace remains home to Charles James Spencer-Churchill, 12th Duke of Marlborough – so you could even catch a glimpse on your visit.
There’s also plenty of gastropubs to have a bite to eat in Woodstock. The Backlane Tavern is a lovely bar for wine and small plates, while the Duke of Marlborough is a great family and dog friendly pub.
The town is also a perfect location for a spot of shopping. It is home to not only Woodstock Farmers Market but plenty of “indie” shops as well.For home and décor you could try Gleide Home Decor, or for bookworms there is the Woodstock Bookshop.
lso Feathers Hotel, in central Woodstock, holds the Guinness World Record for largest gin bar with over 400 gins.
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Woodstock’s proximity to the Cotswolds, offering ample opportunities for countryside walks and outdoor recreation. The town’s water meadows and quiet back streets provide a serene backdrop for those seeking a slower, more contemplative pace of life.
Eating out
The Crown at Woodstock is a lovely gastro pub (recommended in the Michelin Guide) with a pretty orangery festooned with twinkly fairy lights on an evening. The Woodstock Arms offers gorgeous Sunday lunches . For somewhere a bit more touristy is The Orangery at Blenheim overlooking the Italian gardens and it is newly refurbished.
How to get there
One of Woodstock’s most compelling attributes is its strategic location. With Oxford Parkway station offering a swift 55-minute journey to London Marylebone and buses running to Oxford every 20 minutes, the town is ideal for professionals seeking a countryside lifestyle without sacrificing career opportunities.
The route from London to Woodstock varies depending which route you take. There’s plenty of different stations nearby that will take you into the city.
The train from Hanborough to Paddington takes around an hour, while from Oxford it takes around 55 minutes. From Oxford Parkway to Marylebone takes around an hour-and-15-minutes. If you’re driving, the journey takes about an hour via Worsley Bridge Rd.
Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com
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