Blenheim Palace Tours and Activities

Blenheim Palace featuring heritage architecture and heritage elements
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace showing heritage elements, heritage architecture and a castle
Blenheim Palace featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture
Blenheim Palace


Amble through a picturesque riverside park to reach this stately Baroque palace and landscaped garden.

Blenheim Palace is a grand country house with marvelous landscaped gardens, set amid gorgeous green parkland. Come here to admire its majestic fountains, picturesque grounds and the 18th-century palace building, which encompasses a range of architectural styles.

As you enter this lavish estate, you’ll be stepping into the main home of the Dukes of Marlborough. The holder of the title of duke, Charles James Spencer-Churchill, is a distant relative of Princess Diana and former Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The country house was built between 1705 and 1722, and was presented to the first Duke of Marlborough after his military success. However, political infighting soon led to his exile.

Stand in front of the palace façade and take a moment to appreciate the stately design. With the landscaped garden sitting pretty in the foreground, this is also a good spot for taking photos. Beside the well-trimmed hedges, you’ll be able to see a large pond with several fountain jets. This site’s architectural beauty and eclecticism is said to have inspired the English Romantic Movement. 

Inside, the layout remains as it was in the early 18th century. Walk through the rooms and seek out the room where Britain’s beloved wartime leader Winston Churchill was born in 1874. Or join a guided tour of the State Rooms, during which you can learn more about the various dukes who lived here. 

Outside, the gardens feature designated trails, as well as a rose garden, cascades and a large lake. The design of the more than 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of parklands is the work of Lancelot "Capability" Brown, England's most famous landscape architect. He was born in 1716 and to celebrate his 300th anniversary, 2016 is marked as the Year of the English Garden.

Blenheim Palace sits beside the River Glyme in the Woodstock area, less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Oxford’s center. Buses depart regularly from the heart of the city, taking half an hour to reach the palace. Oxford Airport is just to the east of the site. Ticket options vary for the gardens, the park and the palace. The site opens daily from morning until early evening.

Plan a trip to see Blenheim Palace

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Best Lodging Options Near Blenheim Palace

Macdonald Bear Hotel

Macdonald Bear Hotel

4 out of 5
Park Street, Woodstock, England
Macdonald Bear Hotel
Kings Arms Hotel

Kings Arms Hotel

3.5 out of 5
19 Market Street, Oxfordshire, Woodstock, England
Kings Arms Hotel
The Punch Bowl

The Punch Bowl

3 out of 5
12 Oxford Street, Woodstock, England
The Punch Bowl
Marlborough Arms Hotel

Marlborough Arms Hotel

4 out of 5
26 Oxford Street, Woodstock, England
Marlborough Arms Hotel
Woodstock Arms

Woodstock Arms

2 out of 5
6-8 Market Street, Woodstock, England
Woodstock Arms
The Blenheim Buttery

The Blenheim Buttery

4 out of 5
7 Market Place, Woodstock, England
The Blenheim Buttery
Oxford Grade 11 listed house

Oxford Grade 11 listed house

Oxfordshire
Oxford Grade 11 listed house
Blenheim Edge, The Causeway

Blenheim Edge, The Causeway

3 out of 5
Woodstock
Blenheim Edge, The Causeway
Cosy Central Townhouse in Woodstock

Cosy Central Townhouse in Woodstock

Woodstock
Cosy Central Townhouse in Woodstock
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Blenheim Palace

At Blenheim Palace, you can enjoy spectacular walks through its stunning grounds, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a fitness retreat. The great attractions include the magnificent palace itself and its beautiful gardens. Don't miss the opportunity to have a lakeside picnic, soaking in the serene views, and be sure to check out the iconic Punch Bowl, a unique natural feature that adds to the charm of this historical site.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Bicester Avenue, located 14.5km away, offers a vibrant shopping mall experience with entertainment options. Closer to home, the Covered Market and Cowley Road, both 12.9km away, provide a mix of local businesses and family-friendly vibes. Enjoy your shopping.

Recreation

At Iffley Road Track, enjoy invigorating training sessions in a vibrant sports atmosphere. Port Meadow offers a serene environment for relaxation and leisurely strolls, while Bicester Golf and Country Club invites you to unwind on the greens, blending outdoor activity with tranquil views.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of High Ropes Oxford, a zipline ropes course located 22.5km from Blenheim Palace, offering exhilarating outdoor adventures. For a scenic hike, explore the Thames Path National Trail, situated 8.0km away, showcasing beautiful landscapes. For some action, try Delta Force Paintball Banbury, 18.0km away, for an adrenaline-packed day.

Nightlife

Experience a vibrant nightlife at Blenheim Palace with a visit to the New Theatre Oxford for a cultural show, or catch a romantic film at Cineworld Witney. For more entertainment, the Oxford Playhouse offers a delightful mix of performances suitable for families and couples alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Blenheim Palace

When visiting Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, England, tourists can explore a mix of historic and modern colleges and churches. The area offers a rich cultural experience for families and individuals alike. Don’t miss the chance to discover Blenheim Palace and its stunning grounds, while considering options like purchasing palace tickets to enhance your visit. With so much to see and do, Blenheim is a delightful getaway for those eager to immerse themselves in history and beauty.

  • University of Oxford: Immerse yourself in the rich history and academic prestige of this iconic institution, located 11.3km from Blenheim Palace. Stroll through stunning architecture and lush gardens while soaking in the vibrant culture that has influenced scholars for centuries.
  • Oxford Castle: Experience the romance and historical significance of Oxford Castle, situated 12.9km away. Explore its ancient stone walls, learn about its storied past, and enjoy picturesque views of the surrounding area, all while embracing the cultural essence of this remarkable landmark.
  • Bodleian Library: A must-visit for families and culture enthusiasts, Bodleian Library, located 12.9km from Blenheim Palace, is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. Marvel at its breathtaking architecture and vast collection of manuscripts, making it a perfect stop for knowledge seekers of all ages.

Best time to go to Blenheim Palace

The best time to visit Blenheim Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Blenheim Palace falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Blenheim Palace falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.1°F (4.5°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September57.7°F (14.3°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Blenheim Palace

When planning your visit to Blenheim Palace, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February or October for lower accommodation prices, with Mondays being the cheapest nights to stay. Use Expedia to search for budget-friendly hotels, and apply filters for Eco-certified options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package for additional savings. Lastly, always check for promo codes like blenheim to find the best rates and ensure you’re sorting by price from lowest to highest for the most affordable options.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Blenheim Palace are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Blenheim Palace is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Blenheim Palace is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Blenheim Palace with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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