Director
August 13, 2026
10% off
On every direct hotel booking
5% off
On every direct food and table booking
Director
Christmas lunch has its own particular charm — a slightly more relaxed alternative to a full evening dinner, well suited to families with young children, older relatives who prefer a daytime occasion, or groups who simply want to celebrate the season without a late night out. For those around Cheltenham looking for the right setting, Oakwood Hotel offers a genuinely festive midday celebration just a short drive from town.
Located in Twigworth on the Tewkesbury Road, just outside Gloucester, Oakwood provides an easy, straightforward journey from Cheltenham, along with the kind of relaxed, spacious setting that suits a proper Christmas lunch.
Christmas lunch tends to favour a slightly different atmosphere than a Christmas dinner — brighter, more relaxed, and often better suited to family groups spanning several generations. Oakwood’s spaces adapt naturally to this. The Grill offers a properly festive setting for a traditional sit-down Christmas lunch, with a menu built around quality Gloucestershire produce, while The Pub provides a more relaxed, informal option for groups who prefer a lower-key midday celebration.
For those wanting to make a full day of it, guests can extend the visit with a drink in The Drawing Room beforehand or afterwards, turning a Christmas lunch into a longer, unhurried celebration rather than a quick meal squeezed between other plans.
A few practical details separate a genuinely good Christmas lunch venue from an average one, particularly during the festive season:
A properly festive midday atmosphere. Christmas lunch should feel like an occasion in its own right, not simply a quieter version of dinner service.
Comfortable seating for family groups. With generations often coming together, a venue needs to seat larger family tables comfortably, without anyone feeling squeezed in.
A traditional menu, done well. The staples of Christmas lunch — a proper roast, all the trimmings, a good pudding — matter more than novelty, and should be prepared with genuine care.
Flexibility for dietary needs. Larger family groups often include a range of dietary requirements, so a kitchen willing to accommodate requests in advance makes a real difference.
Easy access for all ages. Straightforward parking and step-free access matter more for a Christmas lunch than many other bookings, given the range of guests typically attending.
A relaxed pace. Christmas lunch shouldn’t feel rushed simply because it takes place at midday rather than in the evening — guests should be able to linger over the meal.
As with all Christmas bookings, early planning matters. Oakwood’s team works with families and groups to confirm numbers, discuss dietary requirements, and ensure the table and menu are properly prepared for the day. Given how popular Christmas lunch slots tend to be, particularly at weekends in the run-up to the day itself, booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
For families travelling a longer distance to spend Christmas together, rooms are available on-site, allowing the celebration to continue into the evening without anyone needing to drive home straight after lunch.
For many families, Christmas lunch away from home has become something of a tradition in its own right — a chance to enjoy the day without the pressure of hosting, cooking, or cleaning up afterwards. Oakwood’s team aims to take care of every detail, so the focus stays on spending time together.
Oakwood Hotel is located on Tewkesbury Road, Twigworth, Gloucester, roughly 20–25 minutes’ drive from central Cheltenham. On-site parking is available, making it a straightforward journey for families and groups travelling in for Christmas lunch.
Oakwood Hotel is located in Twigworth, Gloucester, approximately 20–25 minutes’ drive from central Cheltenham, making it an accessible option for families travelling from the town and nearby areas.
Christmas lunch slots are popular, particularly at weekends in December, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended to secure a preferred time and table size.
Yes, spaces such as The Grill and The Pub can be arranged to suit larger family bookings, ensuring several generations can be seated together comfortably.
Yes, the kitchen can accommodate a range of dietary needs when informed in advance, ensuring every guest at the table is properly catered for.
Yes, The Pub offers a warmer, less formal setting for families who prefer a relaxed midday celebration rather than a fully traditional sit-down lunch.
Yes, on-site parking is available, making it convenient for families of all ages travelling to Oakwood Hotel during the festive period.
Yes, Oakwood Hotel offers on-site rooms, which can be a useful option for family travelling a longer distance who would like to continue the celebration into the evening.
Yes, the relaxed midday setting, straightforward parking, and comfortable spacing between tables make it a practical choice for family groups spanning a wide range of ages.
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