Visit Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
December 19th, 2009 | 
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Blenheim Palace and the Pleasure Gardens offer a number of pleasant distractions for tourists in the Woodstock area of Oxfordshire, England. Located just 13km from Oxford, it is a great choice for a short break or a longer vacation. The information here will help you plan your trip.
Blenheim Palace was built as a gift from Queen Anne, for the 1st Duke of Marlborough. Constructed between 1705 and 1722, Blenheim palace was designed by the architect Sir John Vanbrugh - the same architect who designed Castle Howard. Blenheim is a wonderful example of English Baroque architecture.
The interior of Blenheim is just as spectacular as the exterior, with the Great Hall ceiling over 60 feet high! Stone carvings by Grinling Gibbons are of particular interest.
To the west of the Great Hall, visitors can see the room where Britain’s great wartime leader Winston Churchill was born.
Attractions and Events
There are annual events, such as the 3 day Blenheim horse trials to consider. Concerts, craft shows and festivals are other choices. The monthly schedule is posted at the official website for Blenheim Palace. You’ll find things to do throughout the year, not just during the tourist season.
The adventure playground, plant centre and Marlborough maze are popular with the kids. A mini train runs from the playground and gardens to the palace every half hour during tourist season.
Trout fishing is allowed in Blenheim Lake, a man-made lake created by damming the River Glyme during the 18th century. Capability Brown was hired to create the lake and plan the surrounding landscape by the 4th Duke of Marlborough.
Facilities such as the Butterfly House and gift shops were added during the 20th and 21st centuries as the palace progressed from the family home of Winston Churchill to a thriving business.
An entry fee is charged for touring Blenheim Palace and most of the surrounding grounds, although a small portion of the Great Park can be visited free of charge. Access is from Old Woodstock and the Oxfordshire Way, which passes very close to the Column of Victory, a 41m high column completed just after the death of the 1st Duke.
The beautiful cascade at the point where the river flows into the Great Lake is one of the most photographed sites on the grounds. Seeing everything that Blenheim Palace has to offer would take days. But, they would be enjoyable days, to say the least.
Travel and Lodging
Access to the site can be gained by car or bus. Stagecoach route S3 departs from Gloucester Green Bus Station every 30-40 minutes. The trip takes about 40 minutes. The village of Woodstock is nearby. Buses run frequently from that location, as well.
Q Hotels has partnered with the Treasure Houses of England to offer nearby 4 star lodging and a discount for entry into the houses. Oxford Belfry, for example, is located just 29 minutes from the palace. Guests that spend 2 nights in the hotel are eligible for 2 for 1 passes into the palace and grounds.
Author: Mandy Miller
Mandy Miller is an author and travel writer who writes about holiday and leisure related topics, including Blenheim Palace. For lots more information on Blenheim Palace, visit http://www.aboutbritain.com/BlenheimPalace.htm
Source:EzineArticles.com
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