The Killingworth Castle is a charming boutique hotel in the Oxfordshire countryside with just eight rooms – and it felt like I was living my Italian dream in the heart of the Cotswolds
A stunning hotel and pub, boasting just eight bedrooms, made me feel as though I’d been transported somewhere entirely different, not least the undulating British countryside.
Situated in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, surrounded by charming towns and picturesque villages, sits The Killingworth Castle, a historic pub with multiple culinary accolades and eight sumptuous bedrooms. Its enchanting grounds featuring honey-hued stone structures and immaculate gardens brimming with seasonal blooms were sufficient to whisk me away to Italian vistas, as I contentedly embraced what resembled a home from home.
Located in Wootton, the hotel affectionately known as ‘The Killy’, is ideally situated as a base for discovering the Cotswolds and lies merely a 30-minute drive from the historic city of Oxford. Its position proves an undeniable attraction with proximity to some of Britain’s most stunning locations, such as Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water and Bibury, while the delightful town of Woodstock, just moments away, equally deserves exploration and houses the renowned Blenheim Palace.
The Killingworth Castle is operated by husband and wife duo Jim and Claire Alexander, who remain central to its running. From the instant I stepped through the door, I felt completely at ease, greeted warmly by their attentive team, the welcoming fusion of farmhouse character and boutique-hotel sophistication, and a picturesque backdrop that evoked my Italian fantasy, albeit amidst the heart of the glorious British countryside. When I wasn’t venturing through the Cotswolds or Oxfordshire, ‘The Killy’ proved the ideal sanctuary for an authentic rural escape, and while it may be compact, this only enhanced its appeal.
Individually crafted luxury accommodation
I arrived at one of their eight sumptuous rooms located in the stable block, which felt as though it belonged within the pages of a fairytale, complete with exposed beams, bare brickwork and angled walls. It genuinely felt like my own private haven.
There sat an impressive, rustic oak four-poster bed draped with a quilted throw, an elegant seating arrangement featuring leather chairs overlooking the courtyard, and a freestanding bath positioned in a corner alcove beneath a skylight that wonderfully welcomed the patter of spring rainfall.
While all the standard conveniences for a comfortable visit were present, every room also includes complimentary English sherry upon arrival – certainly a bonus for those pre-dinner aperitifs or evening digestifs. Each room is uniquely styled with carefully selected rustic period furniture, and my delightful accommodation in room eight provided a fusion of historical architecture with tailored luxury.
Culinary pleasures
After I had unpacked in my room, which required barely any time, I wandered across to the principal building housing the pub. There’s a bar selling local beers on top, alongside an inviting space featuring darts and a pool table, armchairs nestled around a log burner and the primary dining area, boasting a timeless rural atmosphere, vaulted wooden ceilings, bare stone walls, and framed photographs.
Under the stewardship of head chef Rob Mason, the pub boasts an à la carte menu, a set lunch, a Sunday menu, and a tasting menu, and has earned considerable prestigious recognition for its culinary offerings. The Killingworth Castle has maintained a continuous presence in the Michelin Guide, been awarded its third AA Rosette, and secured a place in the UK’s Top 50 Gastropubs list for 2026.
Needless to say, as an enthusiastic food lover, I was already brimming with anticipation before I’d even glanced at the menu. I opted for the tasting menu – partly to experience as many flavours as possible, but truthfully, once I’d laid eyes on it, it was virtually impossible to resist.
What followed was a glorious parade of spectacular flavours that delighted the eyes every bit as much as the palate. Even the treacle bread proved an extraordinary opening, elegantly presented on a bed of wheat and barley.
I went on to savour the delicate Evesham asparagus, accompanied by gribiche sauce, cracklebean egg yolk and sourdough with a vibrant hint of wild garlic, followed by a roasted hand-dived scallop, pork jowl, apple and cider butter sauce – a genuinely irresistible combination.
My standout course, however, was the wild sea bass Grenobloise, served with brown butter sauce, capers, lemon, and parsley. The final savoury dish was the gloriously tender Cotswold lamb, braised neck, peas, broad beans, goat’s cured and malt vinegar, which quite simply melted on the tongue.
Just when I thought the culinary generosity had reached its peak, the first dessert course arrived – a vanilla and rhubarb creation that served as the ideal palate cleanser, followed by an indulgent chocolate delice featuring Hukambi milk chocolate, hazelnut, and Cruz del Mar raisins. It was undeniably a flavour voyage I shall be reminiscing about for quite some time.
The tasting menu at The Killingworth Castle is priced at £95 per guest, with the opportunity to supplement it with a wine flight for an additional £55 per person. Alternatively, diners may opt for a three-course à la carte meal at £65 per person.
The allure of ‘The Killy’
Breakfast proved equally impressive, boasting the most vibrantly orange egg yolks I’ve ever had the pleasure of encountering atop a beautifully crafted eggs Benedict, accompanied by bacon. The intimate nature of the hotel, with just eight rooms, truly came into its own at breakfast time – there was no frantic morning scramble over the last slice of pineapple or lengthy queues for a freshly made omelette.
Instead, my morning commenced with a warm greeting from owner Jim, a restorative cup of coffee, and the gentle murmur of fellow guests within the welcoming, traditionally styled surroundings of ‘The Killy’. I could have quite effortlessly lingered far longer, utterly absorbed by my environment.
Rooms at The Killingworth Castle are available from £169 per night on weekdays and from £205 at weekends, with breakfast included. For further details or to make a reservation, visit The Killingworth Castle website.
Accommodation at Killingworth Castle starts from £169, including breakfast. Visit www.thekillingworthcastle.com/
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