Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built between 1705 and 1724.
History
The palace was originally conceived as a gift from a grateful nation to John Churchill, the first Duke Of Marlborough. This munificence was for his victory over the French and Bavarians at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704 during the War of the Spanish Succession.
The palace is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, another hero of war. It was constructed in the short-lived English Baroque style. The palace is surrounded by 2100 acres of verdant parkland.
The house at Blenheim
Gardens at Blenheim
The formal gardens at Blenheim Palace include the lovely water garden seen below. Other gardens include The Italian Garden (no access), The Secret Garden, The Rose Gardens and The Pleasure Gardens.
The house and water garden at Blenheim, Oxfordshire
Visitors to Blenheim Palace can use the free train service (see below) to move between the main entrance to the palace and The Pleasure Gardens.
Free train service at Blenheim
One element of The Pleasure Gardens is a butterfly house where the visitor may have a close encounter with the inhabitants and The Cascade – a large ornamental water feature by Capability Brown. Another popular feature is the Marlborough Maze – one of the largest hedge mazes in the world.
Butterflies
Access – Getting There
Blenheim Palace is located just off the A44 in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. Blenheim is 10 miles (16 km) north west of the city of Oxford – about 20 minutes by car. The palace is open daily until 31 October and then from Wednesday to Sunday between 3 November and 12 December.
Nearby
Visitors to Blenheim Palace may also want to visit nearby Burford, Christ Church College or Christ Church Cathedral.
The church nave of Christ Church Cathedral
Oxford map
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock, Oxfordshire
OX20 1PX
Tel: 01993 811091
Oxford (and Blenheim Palace) makes for a pleasant day trip from London but there are several good places to stay in this historic university town. Some recommended hotels include the four-star Jurys Inn Oxford, the three-star Hampton by Hilton Oxford, and The Oxford Spires Hotel.
See a listing of hotels in Oxford.
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