I wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of London for a while and get a little closer to the Cotswolds I love. While searching for somewhere nearby, I came across The Killingworth Castle online, and it immediately caught my attention.
What followed was one of those experiences that stays with you. Between meeting the owner, settling into the beautiful surroundings, and enjoying a truly memorable lunch, it quickly became a place I know I will return to.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON brings you to Oxfordshire to share one of my favourite recent discoveries.
Getting to know The Killingworth Castle, Oxfordshire
A bit of background
Dating back to 1637, The Killingworth Castle started as a farmhouse before becoming a coaching inn, welcoming travellers along a busy Oxfordshire route.
In 2012, husband-and-wife duo Jim and Claire Alexander rescued it from decline. Experienced in restoring characterful inns, they carried out a thoughtful renovation, bringing the pub back to life while preserving its historic charm.
What makes it unique
The Killingworth Castle has a charm that makes everything feel just right.
Outside, it has the classic charm of an English country pub, with honey-coloured stone and a timeless façade.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and layered, balancing rustic charm with understated elegance.
What truly sets it apart is the food. This is more than a pub with good cooking, it is a destination in its own right.
With awards and recognition in the Michelin Guide, the kitchen focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes that are refined yet comforting.
All that said, the best part of the visit was, of course, sitting down to enjoy the atmosphere and the food.
Step inside The Killingworth Castle
From the moment we stepped inside, we felt instantly charmed.
The atmosphere was relaxed yet refined, with the warmth of the fireplace at the entrance immediately making us feel comfortable.
We found ourselves slowing down, taking it all in, and settling into the moment.
Before sitting down to eat, we took a moment to explore the rooms, each with its own distinct character, some styled like cosy libraries, others with tables set for dining in a range of intimate and larger spaces, perfect for everything from a quiet meal to a small gathering.
The main living room stands out in particular: beautifully decorated, filled with natural light, and effortlessly inviting, it’s easy to imagine relaxing there the whole afternoon with a book or a glass of wine.
A lunch to remember
Once seated in the biggest room, we started with two dishes that set the tone perfectly: a delicate cured Chalk Stream trout served with buttermilk and caviar, alongside a beautifully balanced beetroot whipped goat’s cheese with pine nuts.
Both were fresh, light, and full of flavour. The kind of starters that make you quietly excited for what is to come!
For the mains, the slow-braised ox cheek was everything you would hope for: rich, tender, and deeply satisfying.
The charred hispi cabbage was another highlight: smoky, flavourful, and full of character.
All this came with a delicious wine that complemented the flavours perfectly, making the meal even more memorable.
And then came dessert, a complete surprise. A vibrant passion fruit sorbet, paired with small meringue pieces and delicate crumbs, creating a dish that was both refreshing and indulgent at the same time.
One of those desserts that you wish would never quite end!
Each course felt carefully thought through, without ever feeling complicated. The kind of food that speaks for itself.
The hotel experience at The Killingworth Castle
The Killingworth Castle isn’t just a place to eat, it’s also a place to stay, and I can already imagine how lovely it would be to spend a night here!
The eight boutique rooms, tucked into a converted stable block, each have their own character, some like cosy libraries, others like intimate sitting rooms.
Whether for a romantic weekend or a foodie escape, staying here would be the perfect way to extend the experience and soak in the atmosphere.
There was something genuinely delightful about The Killingworth Castle: a hidden treasure where every detail, from the setting to the food, makes the experience feel truly special. Watch my reel for a closer glimpse of this beautiful spot here.
I hope you found inspiration in this post. If you are planning a visit to The Killingworth Castle soon, please share your experience on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
For more ideas, take a look at my other escapes outside London here, perfect for a weekend getaway or a day trip in and around the city!
What you need to know for your visit:
The Killingworth Castle
Address: Glympton Road, Wootton, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1EJ, United Kingdom
Website: The Killingworth Castle
