Woodstock
About Woodstock
Welcome to the Woodstock edition of The Oxford Magazine.
Woodstock, an old English word meaning “clearing in the woods”, is a picturesque historic town in Oxfordshire draped in history.
This dignified market town has historical links to nobility and royalty, as Woodstock Manor was the birthplace of the eldest son of King Edward III and was where Queen Mary I was imprisoned for a time by Elizabeth I.
The town grew up as a coaching stop around the Royal hunting lodge, which later became the site of Blenheim Palace, home of the Dukes of Marlborough since the early 1700s, and the birthplace of the statesman Sir Winston Churchill – he was born in the palace in 1874 and is buried in the nearby village of Bladon.
The Oxfordshire Museum can fill you in on the town’s fabled history, while the plush centre of Woodstock more than merits a saunter for its regal townhouses, clad with ivy and wisteria. Today, Woodstock is fast gaining a reputation as an exciting hub for contemporary art, with a host of galleries.
Local news & editions
Darwin Escapes unveils plans for Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat
Launched in partnership with Blenheim Palace and nestled beside the estate’s 2,000-acre grounds, the collection of luxury holiday lodges in the heart of Oxfordshire is set to open for Summer 2023.
Superstar DJ Pete Tong to bring Ibiza Classics show to Nocturne Live next summer
Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics joins 125 million-selling, Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy winning singer Lionel Richie on the line-up for next year’s Nocturne Live concert series at Blenheim Palace.
Lionel Richie adds second date to Nocturne Live 2023 appearance
The Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy-winning singer will bring his dazzling live show to the 10,000-capacity Great Court at Blenheim Palace on Wednesday, 14, and Thursday, 15 June 2023.
Lionel Richie will return to the UK for Nocturne Live 2023 at Blenheim Palace
The Academy Award winner, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year, is the first artist confirmed to perform at the event, with more names set to be announced.
West Oxfordshire District Taxi operators ask to increase fares
More than 20 of the 105 drivers or operators licensed by the district called on the council for the ability to charge more based on inflation and rising fuel costs.
Gardeners at Blenheim Estate create 50 acres of wildflower meadows
Visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site this summer will be treated to a kaleidoscope of colourful wildflowers, with over 70 native species on display.
New exhibition at SOFO Museum to explore stories of children and military lives
The exhibition explores the experience of children of serving military personnel and also children who have been affected by conflict, historically and contemporarily.
New exhibition at Blenheim Palace to showcase Churchill’s friendship with artist Paul Maze
Blenheim Palace is hosting a new exhibition showcasing Winston Churchill’s love of painting and lifelong friendship with renowned Anglo-French artist Paul Maze
Incredibly popular Blenheim Palace Flower Show set to return this summer
Featuring more stands than ever, the incredibly popular Blenheim Palace Flower Show will make a welcome return this summer from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 June.
Hello Spring, Hello Woodstock
Visit Woodstock between 26 and 31 March and discover for yourself all that the town has to offer, with many of the independent shops promoting offers with their newly arrived spring stock and personal service.
