Last year, I wanted a Christmas that reminded me of one of my favorite movies, The Holiday. I wanted all the cozy cottage, rolling hills and cobblestoned street vibes and set out to find a place we could get to relatively easily from central London. I also wanted to bring Scoop along.

Our lack of a vehicle limited our options and I was close to calling it a bust when I received a recommendation to check out Woodstock … the original one, which was founded back in the 13th century. It turned out to be everything I was hoping for and a perfect place to enjoy all of the yuletide spirit.

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Since I knew a lot of things would be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, I wanted to find a comfortable place we’d be happy to spend extra time in. The Bear Hotel also dates back to the 13th century, meaning it’s chock-full of quirky charm (thinking timber beams, crooked floors and low ceilings) while still offering plenty of modern amenities. They welcomed Scoop with lots of treats and laid out an impressive Christmas buffet full of classics. It was also apparently a favorite romantic hideaway for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

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The biggest attraction in Woodstock is Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and home to the Duke of Marlborough. I toured the palace to view their incredible Christmas decorations, and they also have shops and a variety of dining options. The best part of being close to Blenheim is taking advantage of the expansive grounds, much of which is free to roam. You’re also not far from Oxford University and it’s incredible architecture. When you’re ready for a rest (or a pint), stop into The Punchbowl or The King’s Arms.

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Blenheim Palace offers a range of farm shop products, from jams to tea towels, and they also host a large Christmas market each year with a variety of vendors. In addition to Blenheim, Woodstock is home to a variety of independent shops selling books, antiques, art and everything in between. No5 Park Street is a lovely boutique that’s located close to The Bear, offering women’s clothing along with jewelry and accessories, or you can also pick up local artisanal wines, food products and gifts at Hampers.

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