A Day Out at Blenheim Palace

Come rain or shine, Blenheim Palace is breath-takingly beautiful and a must-see destination in the Cotswolds. Built in 1705, Blenheim Palace has over 300 years of history to explore and as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, no history lovers will be left disappointed! Although don’t misunderstand, Blenheim has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Are you a movie fan? Nature lover? A keen walker? Enjoy miniature trains and treasure hunts? Blenheim Palace is the place for you if you’re looking for a Cotswolds day out. 

We decided to put our money where our mouth was a few weeks ago, as we paid a visit to this stunning spectacle of architecture. We signed up for the annual passes, meaning that you can visit again during your next Cotswold staycay as their 2000 acre gardens are beautiful all year round! 

The minute we stepped into the Great Court we instantly recognised it from movies like Cinderella, James Bond: Spectre and Gulliver’s Travels; Blenheim Palace is definitely not camera-shy! Speaking of, the Great Court is one for the Instagram feed. When you walk into the main entrance, (make sure to look up at the gorgeous painting on the ceiling!) you can follow the one-way system around the Palace state rooms. There are plenty of other exhibitions to enjoy too including an Expression of Nature and a new immersive and interactive experience in the Stables.

Despite there being plenty of indoor activities at Blenheim, we’d recommend visiting Blenheim in the sunshine so that you can explore their tranquil gardens in all of their beauty. There are five guided walking routes you can follow including the formal gardens, the lake, the pool and the park perimeter. In August, you can even hop in a rowing boat to explore the palace gardens along the river running through the estate. Get lost in the Marlborough maze, which is 2 miles long! You could also start a treasure hunt and begin the Where’s Wilf trail around the grounds for a youngster’s version of Blenheim’s history. If you’re a nature lover, you have to visit the Butterfly House, home to butterfly species from all over the world.

There are always so many exciting events coming up at Blenheim Palace! Their annual food festival is perfect for all foodies visiting the Cotswolds and their annual jousting tournament is always a fun family day out – access to both of these events are included in a Blenheim Palace annual pass.

Blenheim Outdoors

If you’re looking for foodie heaven in the Cotswolds, make sure to visit the Blenheim Palace Autumn Festival from the 30th September – 1st October. With a bounty of activities, workshops and speakers, it’s a great day out for the whole family.

Blenheim Palace is a delight to visit in the Summer months but we can’t write a blog post about Blenheim without mentioning Christmas… If you’re planning a Christmas getaway in the Cotswolds, the famous outdoor illumination display in the palace gardens is not to be missed. However, the first stop is for some yummy hot chocolate from one of the independent stalls at Blenheim’s Christmas markets.

Blenheim Christmas Markets

Where to Stay for Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace is located on the east of the Cotswolds. If you are planning a visit and would like to stay nearby, please take a look at our Oxfordshire accommodation or the fabulous holiday homes and cottages in Burford.