One of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the UK is Blenheim Palace and lucky for us the house and grounds are available for us to visit. So what is there to see at Blenheim Palace, well here at Make a Bucket List we’re here to tell you.
To begin with what you probably won’t know is that the palace was a World Heritage Site from 1987 and a member of the Treasure Houses of England.
The Palace itself is the home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and is a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Not only are the rooms themselves stunning, including the Great Hall and State Rooms but also the decoration of delicate portraits, tapestries and exquisite furniture.
You automatically feel the history and grandeur of the palace as soon as you walk through the wooden doors. You can walk around at a leisurely pace and take everything in at your own pace or take a guided tour and learn more about the Palace and its incredible collections by joining a free guided tour of the State Rooms. Tours don’t take place on Sundays, bank holidays or exceptionally busy days but guides will be available on hand to answer any questions.
An amazing fact about Blenheim Palace is that Sir Winston Churchill was born in the palace in 1874 and is his second most recognised residence after Chartwell House, although he never owned Blenheim for five years in the 1890’s he was presumed to have dukedom. According to the 10th Duke though…”much as Winston cared for Blenheim, it would not have appealed to him to go down in history as its owner. He had other and better ideas…”
A variety of exhibitions including the life and influence of Winston Churchill can be found but also discover the real life stories of the colourful characters who lived and worked in the house. At various points of the experience you will temporarily step out of the story into the present – where graphic panels, interactive exhibits and touch screen consoles provide a wealth of extra information. With these you can learn more about the Marlborough family and their servants, the fascinating link with the Spencer family and extraordinary details of the work by ‘Capability’ Brown.
So we’ve told you about the Palace but there’s so much more than the buildings as there’s also beautiful gardens and a huge 150 acre lake.
The Formal Gardens are the jewels in the crown. A collection of majestic gardens commissioned by the 9th Duke, their beauty is exemplified in the serene Water Terraces, the Secret Garden and The Duke’s Italian Garden. Elsewhere, there’s family fun to be found at The Pleasure Gardens – where a miniature train, giant maze and tropical butterfly house provide perfect entertainment for children.
However you spend your time at Blenheim Palace, you are guaranteed a wonderful day out – even without setting foot inside the house.
Just a few additional facts for you, parking is free for visitors and there are disability spaces closer to the palace for those who require them.
There’s plenty to choose from when it comes to food and drink including;
Oxfordshire Pantry – For a quick drink and bite to eat through the day,
Water Terrace Café – For a light bite or a hot lunch,
Pleasure Garden Deli – Delightful family oriented deli that won’t stop kids from having fun,
Indian Room – For an elegant Champagne Lunch or Afternoon Tea,
Orangery – For an extra special lunch and the
Champagne Bar – For a special moment of luxury serving exquisite Champagnes….
Plenty of choice for everyone.
Prices to this amazing attraction vary depending on whether you pre-book or pay on the day and the normal concessions apply. You can find out more by visiting the site which is as simple as clicking here. Enjoy and please let us know on our Facebook page when you visit and how you found it.
While you are in Oxfordshire, why not tie this amazing property in with another local attraction. One particular attraction we enjoyed was Wychwood’s Hobgoblin Brewery Tour, which had a lot of history as well as great tasting beer.