Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Blenheim Palace plays a unique role within Britain, and is the only palace that is neither royal or church built or owned. It is though much more than just an anomaly and the eighteenth century stately home is visited every years by hundreds of thousands of tourists each and every year.

Blenheim Palace is situated in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, and is only eight miles outside of Oxford itself at Woodstock. Three hundred years old Blenheim Palace has also been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The construction of Blenheim Palace began in 1705, and was originally intended to be a gift from a grateful nation to reward the military leadership of John Churchill. Churchill had proven himself an inspired tactician and had brought success against the French and Bavarians, including the notable Battle of Blenheim.

Blenheim Palace - gailf548 - CC-BY-SA-2.0

The palace was constructed in the English baroque style from the designs of Sir John Vanburgh. It is an impressive site that still greets the eye of the visitor as they make their way up towards the building. The 1st Duke of Marlborough was in and out of favour after 1705 but by 1717 Churchill was once again a national hero and resided in the palace, although he did not live to see its completion in 1724. The history of Blenheim Palace has much in common with the fortunes of the Dukes of Marlborough and the palace and family itself was saved from ruin by marrying into money with the Vanderbilt fortune.

The building still retains the eighteenth century grandeur including the large courtyards and gateways. The interior of the palace though has changed greatly over the years, although today it has been restored to a splendid finish. Some of the tapestries, porcelain and hand finished ceilings found within the staterooms of Blenheim Palace are breathtaking.

The history of Blenheim Palace though is more than just the home of the 1st Duke of Marlborough, as it was also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister and War time leader.
Although still the home to the Dukes of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is open to the paying public from the middle of February until the middle of December. Even outside of these months though, the park and pleasure are still open. It is best to check with the ticket office of Blenheim Palace to make sure that the grounds and palace are open. Admission varies depending on what areas of the palace you are looking to visit.

Blenheim Palace from the South - Ohcloudsunfold - Released into PD

More than the traditional stately home though, Blenheim Palace has evolved and is now a thriving business, all needed to justify the admission price. Blenheim Palace if of course set in two thousand acres of immaculate parkland and formal gardens. The parkland itself remains true to the original plans of “Capability” Brown, and still contains the original lake and boathouse. Water plays a big part on the make up of the grounds, including the Grand Cascade and fountains and water terraces.

The Library at Blenheim - Jvhertum - Released into PD

The gardens themselves are enough for some people but the price of admission also includes free rides upon the miniature railway built in the grounds. For the young, and also the young at heart there is the Marlborough Maze and adventure playground, and the Butterfly House is also a great way to pass some time. Those interested in the more historical elements of Blenheim Palace will also find the visitor experiences of “Blenheim Palace The Untold Story” as well as “Churchills’ Destiny”.

To me it is the perfect day out, the relaxing elements of the garden and parklands offset beautifully by the history and elegance of Blenheim Palace itself. England is blessed by its history and is rightfully proud of its grand houses and more people should take the opportunity offered to them to take in this history.

Copyright - First Published 27th October 2008