Woodstock and Villages Area Guide
Woodstock owes its existence in the main to the affairs of Henry The Second, who housed his mistress, Rosamund the Fair, here and later granted the town a royal charter. That was in the 12th century. Today, the World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace – the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and currently home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough - boasts a magnificent palace, Capability Brown landscaped gardens, and a year-round programme of events.
Woodstock is a fine town containing many attractive period buildings: the 18th century Town Hall; the Church of St Mary Magdalene with its Norman doorway, early English windows and a musical clock, which plays tunes hourly. Only eight miles north west of Oxford, with regular bus services linking Woodstock and the city and train stations at Long Hanborough and Oxford Parkway, it’s well located for commuting. Woodstock also has a good choice of independent shops, galleries and boutiques. From the 13th century Bear Hotel to Hampers to The Kings Arms and more, within its compact and vibrant centre there are wonderful places to eat and drink.