Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Location
Blenheim Palace is located in Woodstock, around eight miles north-west of Oxford. The house is in easy reach of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and around 1h30 minutes from London.
The House
Named after the 1704 Battle of Blenheim, construction of Blenheim Palace began in the early 1800’s as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough for outstanding military leadership in Europe. The Churchill family have lived in Blenheim Palace since completion. The house is famously the birth place and family home of Sir Winston Churchill. It is the current residence of Charles James Spencer-Churchill, 12th Duke of Marlborough. The house was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the late 1980’s. Guided tours of the inside of the house can be booked to see artefacts preserved from Sir Winston Churchill’s childhood as well as the library and state rooms.
The Grounds
Originally a natural deer park, the grounds of Blenheim Palace were landscaped by the world-renowned Lancelot “Capability” Brown over an 11-year period in the mid-178th century, who is credited with retaining the natural beauty of the lakes and woodlands throughout the 2,000 acre parkland.
Unsurprisingly, Blenheim Palace has a plethora of activities for all ages and abilities.
In summer months, you can sit and admire the Secret Botanical Garden and listen to the dramatic cascading waterfalls.
For those looking for more of a challenge, the uphill walk to the Column of Victory takes you back in time to the 1st Duke of Marlborough looking down over his newly constructed castle. From the house you can also stroll around 4.6 mile circular walk, taking you on a tour around the perimeter of the grounds.
For children there is a Miniature Train for the journey to the Marlborough Maze and huge Adventure Play Area - perfect to tire out the kids for the evening!
Blenheim Palace is also very dog friendly throughout; dog-friendly ice cream can be purchased at stands throughout the estate along with water bowls.
Seasonal Events
Salon Privé
In a very fitting setting, Salon Privé is a luxury automotive showcase, matching the unparalleled grandeur of the Palace.
From rare classics to the most audacious hyper-cars, Salon Privé showcases the complete range of unique automobiles on show.
The Show also attracts an array of luxury brands, from luxury living to helicopters and yachts.
Christmas Light Trail
One of our favourite winter activities in the UK is the Christmas Light Trail.
The spectacular light display spans the perimeter of the Palace and incorporates the walled garden, lakes and mausoleum.
The trail takes roughly an hour to walk through and ends at the Christmas market; perfect for a warm hot chocolate!
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