The Ghosts of Blenheim Palace
5.8mi
The Holt Hotel, Oxford, Oxfordshire
The Holt Hotel is a stunningly pretty hotel that dates back to the 15th century. It used to be a coaching inn and has served up a warm welcome ever since then – but the pretty exterior hides a more sinister secret, that of numerous phantoms.
Description
The most reported ghost at The Holt is that of a highwayman, Claude Duval. He’s often seen walking around the corridors of the hotel and some guests have reported seeing him in their rooms. He was the leader of a notorious gang of highwaymen and was thought to be responsible for many murders, including that of Spurrier, the then landlord of the hotel, as well as his wife.
Guests have often reported hearing heavy footsteps in the corridors late at night and female guests, in particular, have reported feeling as though they were being watched, particularly in room 3. One guest felt his bed vibrate fiercely in the middle of the night and the landlord of the hotel heard voices in the attic with no apparent explanation for them.
Brief History
The Holt Hotel is a historic hotel located near Steeple Aston, Oxfordshire that was founded in 1475 as a coaching inn with just 6 rooms. It now has 86 rooms. There is actually a little bit of gruesome history at the hotel – in 1754 the licensee and his wife at Hopcroft’s Holt were murdered. The current building dates back to 1800.
About
The Holt is a traditionally refurbished hotel, retaining all of its old-world charm and style, but with all of the creature comforts of a modern, 3-star hotel. There is a range of rooms at the hotel, from single rooms for lone travellers right through to rooms with a four-poster double bed and Jacuzzi – there is definitely something here for everyone! All of the rooms are furnished in an elegant and traditional style, yet they are still cosy and contemporary and above all, very welcoming.
You’ll find delicious food at the Holt too – they have been awarded an AA rosette for outstanding food and they strive to maintain that standard, with a menu that changes according to seasonality and the produce on offer. There is also a large range of kegged beers, wines and spirits available. Coffee, tea and afternoon snacks are also available if you’re not looking to enjoy the main meal. The hotel also boasts a number of meeting rooms and conference facilities, all with natural sunlight and extensive facilities.
The hotel also has a wedding license and a full wedding can take place at the hotel, including the reception. Whatever your reason for staying here, you’re sure to have an enjoyable stay at the Holt.
Features
- 86 bedrooms, all en-suite
- Many rooms with spa bath and Jacuzzi bath
- Smoking and non-smoking rooms available
- 24-hour room service
- Trouser press in the room
- Tea and coffee making facilities in the room
- Television and telephone in the room
- Laundry facilities available
- Flowers, champagne and chocolates can be arranged in the room
- Wi-Fi
- Wedding License
Things to do
The Holt Hotel is perfect for quiet getaways in the country, but it is also ideally located to explore the stunning county of Oxfordshire. The Holt is ideally located close to the M40, meaning that you are within easy reach of numerous attractions such as the city of Oxford, Blenheim Palace and Bicester Designer Outlet Shopping Village.
Room Tariff
- Single room available from £71 per night, based on one person staying in the room, breakfast included.
- Standard double/twin room available from £95 per night, based on two people staying in the room, breakfast included.
- Superior double/twin room available from £107 per night, based on two people staying in the room, breakfast included.
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