Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, Kidlington

75 photos

Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire Kidlington Exterior photo

Book on our site

up to 10% cheaper

than Booking.com

Key details

About the Hotel

Banbury Road, Kidlington, Kidlington, United Kingdom

Close to Blenheim Palace

Great

8.3

9.0

/10

4.7

4.3

Location

Sturdy's Castle Country Inn sits strategically between Tackley and Kidlington, a stone's throw from Blenheim Palace. Its convenient location allows guests to explore the picturesque West Oxfordshire countryside. The proximity to Woodstock enhances the allure of this historic venue.

Dining

Sturdy's Castle offers a diverse culinary experience with traditional pub classics and award-winning Indian dishes from Krishna's Indian Menu. Menu highlights include jacket potatoes, local steaks, and a selection of mouthwatering curries. An extensive drinks menu includes fine wines, crafted cocktails, and local ales, catering to all tastes.

Accommodations

The inn provides cozy, well-appointed rooms, ensuring a peaceful night's sleep for all guests. Rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, plush bedding, and complimentary breakfast options. Each room offers modern amenities combined with the charm of a historic inn.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Sturdy's Castle welcomes families with features such as high chairs and children's cutlery in the dining area. The spacious garden includes a kids' climbing frame for outdoor play. This environment promotes a family-friendly dining experience.

Historical Significance

Dating back 400 years, Sturdy's Castle is a notable coaching inn that blends history with hospitality. This attraction draws travelers and locals eager to experience a piece of local heritage. The inn's character enriches the overall experience for visitors.

Highlights

Location: Steps from Blenheim Palace and Woodstock

Dining: Traditional pub classics & Indian dishes

Accommodations: Cozy rooms with flat-screen TVs

Family-Friendly: High chairs and climbing frame available

Must-do experiences

Stroll through the gardens of Blenheim Palace before lunch.
Taste the famous Oxford sausages at The Old Bookbinders Ale House.
Browse the local produce at Kidlington Market every Thursday.
Visit the Ashmolean Museum for stunning art and history exhibits.
Enjoy a tranquil hike along the River Cherwell's scenic paths.

View all

Select your room type

Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double Room

2 persons

80 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room

2 persons

80 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

Superior Double

2 persons

260 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Security
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Key access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Children's menu
Children's play area

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Heating
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

At Sturdy's Castle, guests are invited to savor authentic British cuisine in a warm and inviting setting. A commitment to accommodating diverse dietary preferences ensures delightful meals throughout the day, all delivered by a friendly and attentive staff.

Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire Kidlington Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

British

Ambiance

The restaurant features a cozy indoor setting perfect for relaxing meals with friends or family, offering a casual yet welcoming atmosphere.

Key Offerings

Indulge in a varied menu that caters to all, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Kickstart the day with an excellent cooked breakfast or enjoy generous dinners filled with excellent choices and hearty portions. The bar complements the dining experience with sensible pricing.

Reservation

Not needed

Open for lunch and dinner, serving meals from 12:00 to 19:30 (Monday to Thursday), 12:00 to 20:30 (Friday and Saturday), and 12:00 to 17:30 on Sunday.

Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire Location

Banbury Road, Kidlington, Kidlington, United Kingdom

Map view

Banbury Road, Kidlington, Kidlington, United Kingdom

City landmarks

Palace

Blenheim Palace

2.4 mi

Landmark

Oxford School of Drama

4700 ft

Church

Church of St Nicholas

1.1 mi

Museum

The Oxfordshire Museum

1.9 mi

Landmark

Blenheim Park

2.2 mi

Landmark

Tackley Methodist Church

1.3 mi

Church

Church of St Mary

1.5 mi

Museum

Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum

1.9 mi

Landmark

Blenheim Palace Conference Center

2.0 mi

Landmark

Pigeons Lock

1.5 mi

Gallery

Dantzig

1.9 mi

Landmark

Woodstock Open Air Pool

1.6 mi

Landmark

Stratford Lane

1.6 mi

Landmark

St Hugh of Lincoln

1.7 mi

Church

Church Of St Mary Magdalene

2.0 mi

Landmark

Woodstock Methodist Church

1.9 mi

Landmark

Junction Art Gallery

1.9 mi

Landmark

Woodstock Jazz

1.9 mi

Landmark

Woldstone Jewellery & Silverware

1.9 mi

Landmark

Woodstock Social Club

1.9 mi

Church

Church Of Holy Cross

2.0 mi

Landmark

Woodstock Baptist Church

1.9 mi

Landmark

Iona House Gallery

2.0 mi

Theatre

Shakespeare's Rose Theatre

2.3 mi

Landmark

Blenheim Palace WHS

2.5 mi

Golf Course

Kirtlington Golf Club

2.3 mi

Church

Church Of St Giles

2.2 mi

Landmark

Column of Victory

2.2 mi

Landmark

Temple of Health

2.3 mi

Restaurants

Sturdy's Castle Country Inn

100 ft

Sturdys Castle Garage Banbury Road

Explore Kidlington

Explore Local Highlights

Blenheim Palace

40 minutes' walk

UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, with guided tours available.

Oxford School of Drama

17 minutes' walk

Renowned drama school offering performances and workshops that showcase student talent in a vibrant setting.

The Oxfordshire Museum

35 minutes' walk

Local history museum highlighting Oxfordshire's cultural heritage, featuring free admission on specific days.

Blenheim Park

40 minutes' walk

Wide-open spaces for picnicking and scenic walks, with bike rentals nearby for exploring.

Kirtlington Golf Club

10-minute drive

Challenging 18-hole golf course set in picturesque grounds, perfect for enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Sturdy's Castle Country Inn

1 minute' walk

Traditional British pub offering hearty meals with local ingredients, known for its warm atmosphere and ales.

The Red Lion

5-minute drive

Charming gastropub known for gourmet burgers and seasonal dishes; reservations are recommended.

Junction Art Gallery

35 minutes' walk

Community art space showcasing local talent and regular events, including family-friendly exhibitions.

Woodstock Social Club

10-minute drive

Lively venue featuring live music and themed nights, perfect for an enjoyable night out.

Getting around

City Centre

Kidlington9 min · 3.7 mi

Airports

Gloucestershire (GLO)111 min · 45.8 mi

London Heathrow (LHR)130 min · 53.8 mi

Train

Islip Train Station12 min · 5.0 mi

Islip Railway Station12 min · 5.0 mi

Bus

Bus stop2 min · 400 ft

Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?

Get exlusive rates right now!

Check Rates

Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:30

Check-out

from 07:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Former name

Sturdys Castle

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 958 verified reviews

8.3/10

Great

88%

Recommend

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Comfort

8.4/10

Facilities

8.1/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.3/10

Location

8.7/10

Staff

9.0/10

Value for money

8.5/10

Harper from United States

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 10, 2026

9.5/10

Excellent Stay Near Blenheim Palace!!!

helpful stafffriendly staffexcellent foodtiny bottles

The staff was very helpful and friendly. The food was excellent. My friend and I visited because we were going to Blenheim Palace and exploring the area. I would stay again. The room had a good sized table with a chair. Complimentary water, coffee, and biscuits were provided.

The shower gel and shampoo bottles were tiny. That was a minor inconvenience.

Dining

9/10

The Indian restaurant is a highlight. The food was AMAZING!!! I enjoyed a delicious Indian meal in the in-house dining room one night. Breakfast was good, with a friendly staff attending to guests.

Service

10/10

Staff are helpful. Staff assisted with laundry needs when I enquired about guest laundry facilities. A staff member offered assistance with my laundry. They did not accept payment for this service. I appreciated this really good service.

0 Helpful

Show less

Rowan from United Kingdom

Family with children

Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 18, 2026

9/10

gentle staffsoft chairsevening selection

the staff felt kind and gentle. the room included two soft chairs. breakfasts felt lovely, and i appreciated the selection for evening meals.

only one thin pillow was available per person.

0 Helpful

William from United Kingdom

Business traveller

double room

2 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 16, 2026

8/10

excellent servicefriendly staff

the evening meal had excellent service the breakfast service was also quite good. the staff was friendly and helpful making the dining experience smooth.

the room felt a little colder but i didn't adjust the radiators

0 Helpful

Juliet from United Kingdom

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 12, 2026

6/10

acceptable stay, but issues exist

spacious roomuncomfortable bedpoor cleanliness

the spacious room was quite nice and met my basic expectations.

The bed was terribly uncomfortable and noisy. the springs poked into my back all night. the room wasn't very clean either. I noticed cobwebs and dust in several places and some litter was left behind.

0 Helpful

Nina from Germany

Business traveller

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 06, 2026

7/10

Adequate Stay Overall

excellent servicequality productsdated roompeeling paint

The staff provided excellent service. Breakfast included good quality products and a varied choice.

The room seemed dated. The door to my room needed repair, as the paint was peeling.

0 Helpful

Avery from United Kingdom

Couple

Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 27, 2025

9.0/10

charming stay near blenheim

spacious roomgood amenitiesfriendly staff

the twin room was spacious with lots of space. i noted good amenities were there. the restaurant food taste really good, and the staff are helpful and friendly. i felt value for money.

the floorboards around the toilet sunk a bit when i stood on them. i noticed it felt a bit unsafe.

Dining

10/10

the breakfast really set me up for the day. the dinner menu included an indian selection. i thought it was the best asian food i ever had, even though i live near many asian restaurants.

Service

9/10

everyone i meet were helpful and polite. the staff was tentative and considerate and were nice though. i saw female housemaids and they were so lovely and friendly, it.

Location

8/10

it's only three to four miles away from blenheim palace. oxford is a short trip and the cotswolds are easy to access. it is also close to the main road.

0 Helpful

FAQs

About Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

What is the closest train station to the Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire?

The nearest train station to the Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire is Islip, located approximately 10 km from the property.

Can we park our car at the 3-star Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire?

Yes, the 3-star Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire offers a car park on site.

At what time can I check-in at the 3-star Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire?

At the 3-star Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, you can check in from 15:00 till 22:30.

At what time can I check-out at the Kidlington motel?

You can check out of the Kidlington motel from 07:00 till 10:00.

How much does a room at the hotel cost?

The prices at the hotel start from £127.

What payment methods are available in the Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire?

At the Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, you can pay using American Express, Visa, and Diners Club.

What room types does the 3-star Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire comprise?

The 3-star Sturdy'S Castle - Historic Coaching Inn Near Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire provides such room types as Superior Double Room, Queen Room, and Twin Room.