Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace overview

Blenheim Palace is a grand stately home located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, which is a popular day out with people of all ages. It is the only non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title palace and is one of the country's largest stately homes.

The palace, which was built in the early 1700s, was originally intended as a gift to the late John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, but became the subject of political squabbling. Later in the millennium, it became important to an arguably more famous Churchill. The former British prime minister Sir Winston Churchill was born in Blenheim Palace.

In 1987 the house, which has a 2,100-acres of parkland that was landscaped by the famous Capability Brown, was named a Unesco World Heritage site.

Blenheim Palace Location

Those travelling to Blenheim Palace by public transport can do so by bus. There is a regular service running to the palace from Oxford, which is around ten miles away.

Motorists can reach the attraction by the A44. However, visitors are warned that traffic can be heavy on the weekends and during holidays, due to the palace's popularity. Also, parking opportunities are limited.

Why Visit Blenheim Palace?

Blenheim Palace's grounds are open to the public throughout the week, once they have paid an entry fee of £9.50. However, the site also features around five miles of public rights of way, which visitors can enjoy for free. These paths are accessible from Old Woodstock and the Oxfordshire way.

The palace says: "The beauty and tranquility of Capability Brown's landscaped parkland, created in the 1760's and the Formal Gardens, created more recently, are unrivalled anywhere in Britain."

It adds that young visitors and families are welcomed into the palace's Pleasure Gardens, in which a series of activities are organised throughout the summer.

For those who do visit the palace for its gardens, a stroll over the Grand Bridge or a ramble past the dry-stone wall of Woodstock cannot be missed.

However, most who travel to Blenheim Palace will want to go through the country house's gates and see what is in inside.

A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, the palace's Grand Hall, China Ante Room and Green Writing Room ceiling are sure to impress those who visit.

There is also a Churchill Exhibition at the palace, which is located near the room the ex-prime minister was born in on November 30th. It features family letters, Churchill memorabilia and photos of the leader.