Blenheim Palace, home to 11th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, offers a memorable day out. Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, the exquisite Baroque Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent Lake.
Inside, the scale of the Palace is beautifully balanced by the intricate detail and delicacy of the carvings, the hand painted ceilings and the amazing porcelain collections, tapestries and paintings displayed in each room.
‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’
Discover more about life at Blenheim Palace over the last 300 years in the NEW visitor experience open within the heart of the Palace. Follow the lady’s maid as she invites you to immerse yourself in the illustrious family history, seen through the eyes of the household staff.
The Gardens
From the majestic Water Terraces, the Italian Garden and fragrant Rose Garden, to the sweeping lawns, lake and ancient trees beyond, the gardens are amazing throughout the year. Wander through the Secret Garden, with its secluded winding paths, bridges and streams or take a walk over Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge and up to the Column of Victory to the north of the Palace. In addition, the Pleasure Gardens, reached by train or a 15 minute walk from the Palace, offer an ideal retreat for the family with the Adventure Playground, Butterfly House, Marlborough Maze and “Blenheim Bygones” – an exhibition of antique tools and machinery, formed around the original Walled Garden.
“Churchills’ Destiny – the story of two great war leaders”
A special exhibition runs all year in the Stables, celebrating the military achievements of John and Winston Churchill. The Indoor Cinema runs programmes about the inspirational history of the Palace and Gardens.
The Robot suggests downloading the folloiwng games and quizzes to do when visiting the Palace and Gardens:
Palace Quiz – Where are all the animals?
The Secret Garden
Opening Times:
The Palace and Formal Gardens close from 15th December until 13th February inclusive and reopen from 14th February 2009
The Park is open all year round between 10.30am to dusk (closed Christmas Day).
Situated in Woodstock, just 8 miles from Oxford, the Palace was created a World Heritage site in 1987.
By Train:
Trains to Oxford run regularly from London Paddington and Birmingham New Street.
Trains to Bicester run from London Marylebone and Birmingham Moor Street.
By Coach
Services run directly to Oxford from London and Birmingham throughout the day.
By Bus
The No 20 to Woodstock runs from Oxford Train Station and Gloucester Green Coach Station at 30 minute intervals and stops at the Palace gate.
It is a 10 minute walk to the Palace from the gates. Visit www.stagecoachbus.co.uk
Address:
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PX (Map)
Phone: 08700 60 20 80
Website:
www.blenheimpalace.com
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