Cedar Hollow Oxford is a collection of whimsical, immersive stays set within 12 acres of private woodland on the edge of Oxford. Inspired by the imagination, stories and spiritual journey of C. S. Lewis, Cedar Hollow sits beside the C. S. Lewis Nature Reserve and offers a magical base from which to explore Oxford’s literary heritage.
Guests can choose from three distinctive accommodations: a treehouse high among the branches, a faun-inspired woodland cave and the cosy Beaver’s Den glamping retreat. Depending on the accommodation, guests can dine among the trees, step through a magical wardrobe and zipline into the woodland, gather around a firepit, or relax in a private jacuzzi or wood-fired hot tub.
Each stay is filled with handcrafted details and interactive magical props designed to make guests feel part of the story. These include enchanted mirrors, talking objects, hidden doors, puzzles and other unexpected effects that respond to visitors as they explore.
Shared leisure facilities include a heated indoor swimming pool, private tennis court, woodland sauna, table tennis, woodland walks, outdoor dining spaces and barbecue areas.
Visitors can also follow the Trail of Illusions through the woodland, discovering a series of playful visual puzzles, optical illusions and interactive exhibits designed to challenge perception and surprise both children and adults.
At the heart of the woodland is Cedar Hollow’s Bee Museum, where visitors can discover the fascinating world of honeybees, pollination and honey production. Guests can also book a honey-tasting and cream-tea experience featuring a selection of Cedar Hollow honeys, freshly baked scones, honey-inspired treats and sparkling honeyade.
A vintage double-decker Routemaster bus has been transformed into one of Cedar Hollow’s most unusual gathering spaces. Guests can visit the café on board, enjoy views across the woodland from the upper deck and attend intimate, story-led magic shows featuring illusion, mind reading and interactive storytelling.
Additional bookable experiences include woodland escape adventures, massages, private dining and a Palestinian-inspired breakfast.
Throughout the grounds, visitors will discover carvings, hidden details and a heritage trail celebrating C. S. Lewis’s life in Oxford. Features include reclaimed stone and timber from Holy Trinity Church, where Lewis worshipped, together with displays inspired by the double-decker bus and motorcycle journeys he described as significant moments in his spiritual journey.
Cedar Hollow combines the tranquillity of a private woodland retreat with imaginative accommodation, interactive magic, unusual attractions, memorable food experiences and an exceptional range of leisure facilities.
Awards
Visit England Awards of Excellence (Silver) for Best Self Catering Accommodation in England
Beautiful South Awards of Excellence (Silver) for Best Self Catering in the South East of England
Green Tourism Gold Award for ecotourism credentials
