Blenheim Palace (pronounced BLEN-im) is a country house in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England. It is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace. The palace, one of England's largest houses, was built between 1705 and 1722, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
The palace is named after the 1704 Battle of Blenheim. It was originally intended to be a reward to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough for his military triumphs against the French and Bavarians in the War of the Spanish Succession, culminating in the Battle of Blenheim. The land was given as a gift, and construction began in 1705, with some financial support from Queen Anne. The project soon became the subject of political infighting, with the Crown cancelling further financial support in 1712, Marlborough's three-year voluntary exile to the Continent, the fall from influence of his duchess, and lasting damage to the reputation of the architect Sir John Vanbrugh.
Have been visiting Blenheim Palace for many years. The palace grounds is a must see if you're visiting. Plenty of parking if driving or public transport can be used to visit. I personally enjoy walking around the open estate, which normally takes a few hours. Dogs are welcomed, but must be kept on a lead at all times! Great afternoon out to unwind and admire the palace and landscape of Blenheim.
Ian JonesFeb 28, 2018
Enjoyable time at Blenheim Palace on a snowy Feb day. Interesting Churchill exhibition & historical holographic show. Afternoon tea at the Orangery was v pleasant too. Shame we couldn't do the grounds justice but the wind chill factor encouraged indoor activities
Ian ChristieFeb 28, 2018
A really nice park, ideal for families with dogs. 5/5 would recommend. Pro tip: take the little train, it’s just 50p per person. The ticket you purchase lasts 12 months making it a good investment and incentive to come back.
V SXFeb 24, 2018
Very nice stately home. There is a tour available of the home of Winston Churchill and information on the related history of both Churchill and the palace itself (the only non-royal household to be labelled a "palace" I believe) Summertime allows one to enjoy the water garden alongside which there is a cafeteria selling hot and cold food, tea and coffee etc. The grounds are quite expansive too, and there are a number of walks around the Capability Brown landscape. All in all, a pleasant day out.
Hywel WattsJan 7, 2018
The 'Capability' Brown gardens are a beautiful sight and the house is full of historical significance. And what a treat to have someone play the beautiful organ, starting with some Handel. Pure magic.
Ken RalphFeb 11, 2018
Blenheim Palace is an amazing place, been here numerous times with work, it never fails to impress! The grounds are vast and very well kept, if you arrive through Woodstock gate you are greeted with the view of the bridge over the lake, the building itself is fascinating, I haven't been on the guided tours, but the guides are very knowledgeable! The water terrace is stunning and in summer it is very relaxing to sit and have a coffee next to!
tim greeningMar 20, 2018
Had a guided tour of Blenheim Palace and it was great, the staff really knew what they were talking about. The art was really nice, as were the ceramics. Well worth the ticket price.
J BillMar 20, 2018
On a cold wet May day thought that an indoor activity was called for. The palace was easy to find with a large parking area, a little expensive but on a nice day walking the gardens and grounds may have provided better value for money. We spent a great afternoon in the house, free audio visual presentation was fun and a guided tour bother really informative. Lots to see and we will go back for a more in the future. Coffee and cake in the restaurant was excellent and the food looked really good but was closed as we were there late in the afternoon.
Sandra & GrahamApr 29, 2018
AMAZING. Tad pricey but if you think about it.. it's great value for money if you convert the day ticket to a year pass (free). Come and go as much as u want after for a whole year . Didn't get the chance to see everything so will be back soon as I have the annual pass :) when the weather improves! Absolutely beautiful place. Breathtaking.
S1 CaanApr 9, 2018
Get there early it can get very busy. With doing a guided tour to fully appreciate the history. A beautiful setting, great views and gardens.
Peter RoyleMay 2, 2018
Fantastic place to come out for a day out. And yes it is expensive but you can convert your ticket into an annual pass for free! That's a really good deal. I recommend bringing a picnic as the food can be a little pricey and the grounds are so beautiful. The house was OK, lots of beautiful paintings. But the best part for me were the grounds and gardens. So very beautiful. Recommend going to the lake cascade and the pleasure gardens. In the pleasure gardens there is a butterfly house and honestly it was the highlight of the visit. So many beautiful butterflies in there. The house is very accessible for wheelchair users, there is parking and lots of places for refreshment and comfort breaks. A really lovely day out.
Brigitta FalciniMay 25, 2018
Love this place. So many things to see and do... Lovely palace and beautiful gardens. Very enjoyable for children with the train, the playgrounds, the butterflies... Nice restaurants, very nice pizza and good place for picnics too if you want to bring your own food. Lots of events all year round, some free with an annual pass. And the best part is the price, your ticket for the day can be converted to annual pass!!! Really worth it!!
Noelia GarciaMay 26, 2018
Historically important stately home with amazing gardens that includes a water cascade and butterfly enclosure. One day just isn't long enough to explore this wonderful estate. Being able to convert admission charge into a 12 month pass at no additional cost is a great benefit. Would thoroughly recommend.
Edward BullockJun 8, 2018
Blenheim is a huge estate with beautiful landscaping. There are extensive gardens that are very pleasant although the planting is a bit unimaginative. It is clear that this magnificent property was at one time incredibly impressive but is hard now to maintain that standard. The house itself is huge and baronial. I can imagine it would not have been a great place to live, too big to heat and very dark. For all its grandeur for me it lacks character, build to impress rather than charm. There is easily enough to do for a full day out. There is an additional charge to grow some of the apartments. For children the pleasure gardens have some good activities, the butterfly house and the maze are good. The catering is ok and reasonably priced and there is a large shop which is also not too expensive. The parkland is vast and worth a visit on its own.
Nick BusbyJun 5, 2018
We had a beautiful day. Weather was perfect. House is amazing but it was a little chaotic, there was a film crew setting up in some of the rooms. Absolutely loved walking through the estate grounds, so much space to wander. Will return for another visit.
June WolstenholmeMay 23, 2018
I have been to this palace many times. The former home of Winston Churchill and very inspirational. Well worth the visit. The architecture and each room with gilt ceilings are beautiful and so very artistic. The home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlboro. We love to see it each time, especially the bedroom of Winnie and his locks of hair as a child and the amazing art. Its amazing.
Susan LillardJul 6, 2018
A majestic demonstration of architecture and collected treasures. Not only do you have the opportunity to explore the childhood home of Winston Churchill but also learn more of the history of the family too. You can visit filming locations to one of the Bond movies here also (you know you want to run along that section of passageway!) the gardens too are truly spectacular. Take time to explore fully, half a day in the gardens and around the lake and then relax by the fountain (along with the ducks) with a cup of tea and a piece of cake.
Chris GloverJul 12, 2018
Blenheim palace is a very impressive palace. The audio guide which is included with the tour is very informative and well put together. The tickets are pricey however you are able to come back at any point from the point of purchase for one full year to revisit for free as many times as you would like. The gift shop is extensive, well thought out and has something for everyone. The garden grounds at the property are well kept.
Alisa CJun 20, 2018
Have been visiting Blenheim Palace for many years. The palace grounds is a must see if you're visiting. Plenty of parking if driving or public transport can be used to visit. I personally enjoy walking around the open estate, which normally takes a few hours. Dogs are welcomed, but must be kept on a lead at all times! Great afternoon out to unwind and admire the palace and landscape of Blenheim.
Ian JonesFeb 28, 2018
Enjoyable time at Blenheim Palace on a snowy Feb day. Interesting Churchill exhibition & historical holographic show. Afternoon tea at the Orangery was v pleasant too. Shame we couldn't do the grounds justice but the wind chill factor encouraged indoor activities
Ian ChristieFeb 28, 2018
A really nice park, ideal for families with dogs. 5/5 would recommend. Pro tip: take the little train, it’s just 50p per person. The ticket you purchase lasts 12 months making it a good investment and incentive to come back.
V SXFeb 24, 2018
Very nice stately home. There is a tour available of the home of Winston Churchill and information on the related history of both Churchill and the palace itself (the only non-royal household to be labelled a "palace" I believe) Summertime allows one to enjoy the water garden alongside which there is a cafeteria selling hot and cold food, tea and coffee etc. The grounds are quite expansive too, and there are a number of walks around the Capability Brown landscape. All in all, a pleasant day out.
Hywel WattsJan 7, 2018
The 'Capability' Brown gardens are a beautiful sight and the house is full of historical significance. And what a treat to have someone play the beautiful organ, starting with some Handel. Pure magic.
Ken RalphFeb 11, 2018
Blenheim Palace is an amazing place, been here numerous times with work, it never fails to impress! The grounds are vast and very well kept, if you arrive through Woodstock gate you are greeted with the view of the bridge over the lake, the building itself is fascinating, I haven't been on the guided tours, but the guides are very knowledgeable! The water terrace is stunning and in summer it is very relaxing to sit and have a coffee next to!
tim greeningMar 20, 2018
Had a guided tour of Blenheim Palace and it was great, the staff really knew what they were talking about. The art was really nice, as were the ceramics. Well worth the ticket price.
J BillMar 20, 2018
On a cold wet May day thought that an indoor activity was called for. The palace was easy to find with a large parking area, a little expensive but on a nice day walking the gardens and grounds may have provided better value for money. We spent a great afternoon in the house, free audio visual presentation was fun and a guided tour bother really informative. Lots to see and we will go back for a more in the future. Coffee and cake in the restaurant was excellent and the food looked really good but was closed as we were there late in the afternoon.
Sandra & GrahamApr 29, 2018
AMAZING. Tad pricey but if you think about it.. it's great value for money if you convert the day ticket to a year pass (free). Come and go as much as u want after for a whole year . Didn't get the chance to see everything so will be back soon as I have the annual pass :) when the weather improves! Absolutely beautiful place. Breathtaking.
S1 CaanApr 9, 2018
Get there early it can get very busy. With doing a guided tour to fully appreciate the history. A beautiful setting, great views and gardens.
Peter RoyleMay 2, 2018
Fantastic place to come out for a day out. And yes it is expensive but you can convert your ticket into an annual pass for free! That's a really good deal. I recommend bringing a picnic as the food can be a little pricey and the grounds are so beautiful. The house was OK, lots of beautiful paintings. But the best part for me were the grounds and gardens. So very beautiful. Recommend going to the lake cascade and the pleasure gardens. In the pleasure gardens there is a butterfly house and honestly it was the highlight of the visit. So many beautiful butterflies in there. The house is very accessible for wheelchair users, there is parking and lots of places for refreshment and comfort breaks. A really lovely day out.
Brigitta FalciniMay 25, 2018
Love this place. So many things to see and do... Lovely palace and beautiful gardens. Very enjoyable for children with the train, the playgrounds, the butterflies... Nice restaurants, very nice pizza and good place for picnics too if you want to bring your own food. Lots of events all year round, some free with an annual pass. And the best part is the price, your ticket for the day can be converted to annual pass!!! Really worth it!!
Noelia GarciaMay 26, 2018
Historically important stately home with amazing gardens that includes a water cascade and butterfly enclosure. One day just isn't long enough to explore this wonderful estate. Being able to convert admission charge into a 12 month pass at no additional cost is a great benefit. Would thoroughly recommend.
Edward BullockJun 8, 2018
Blenheim is a huge estate with beautiful landscaping. There are extensive gardens that are very pleasant although the planting is a bit unimaginative. It is clear that this magnificent property was at one time incredibly impressive but is hard now to maintain that standard. The house itself is huge and baronial. I can imagine it would not have been a great place to live, too big to heat and very dark. For all its grandeur for me it lacks character, build to impress rather than charm. There is easily enough to do for a full day out. There is an additional charge to grow some of the apartments. For children the pleasure gardens have some good activities, the butterfly house and the maze are good. The catering is ok and reasonably priced and there is a large shop which is also not too expensive. The parkland is vast and worth a visit on its own.
Nick BusbyJun 5, 2018
We had a beautiful day. Weather was perfect. House is amazing but it was a little chaotic, there was a film crew setting up in some of the rooms. Absolutely loved walking through the estate grounds, so much space to wander. Will return for another visit.
June WolstenholmeMay 23, 2018
I have been to this palace many times. The former home of Winston Churchill and very inspirational. Well worth the visit. The architecture and each room with gilt ceilings are beautiful and so very artistic. The home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlboro. We love to see it each time, especially the bedroom of Winnie and his locks of hair as a child and the amazing art. Its amazing.
Susan LillardJul 6, 2018
A majestic demonstration of architecture and collected treasures. Not only do you have the opportunity to explore the childhood home of Winston Churchill but also learn more of the history of the family too. You can visit filming locations to one of the Bond movies here also (you know you want to run along that section of passageway!) the gardens too are truly spectacular. Take time to explore fully, half a day in the gardens and around the lake and then relax by the fountain (along with the ducks) with a cup of tea and a piece of cake.
Chris GloverJul 12, 2018
Blenheim palace is a very impressive palace. The audio guide which is included with the tour is very informative and well put together. The tickets are pricey however you are able to come back at any point from the point of purchase for one full year to revisit for free as many times as you would like. The gift shop is extensive, well thought out and has something for everyone. The garden grounds at the property are well kept.
Alisa CJun 20, 2018
Have been visiting Blenheim Palace for many years. The palace grounds is a must see if you're visiting. Plenty of parking if driving or public transport can be used to visit. I personally enjoy walking around the open estate, which normally takes a few hours. Dogs are welcomed, but must be kept on a lead at all times! Great afternoon out to unwind and admire the palace and landscape of Blenheim.
Ian JonesFeb 28, 2018
Enjoyable time at Blenheim Palace on a snowy Feb day. Interesting Churchill exhibition & historical holographic show. Afternoon tea at the Orangery was v pleasant too. Shame we couldn't do the grounds justice but the wind chill factor encouraged indoor activities
Ian ChristieFeb 28, 2018
A really nice park, ideal for families with dogs. 5/5 would recommend. Pro tip: take the little train, it’s just 50p per person. The ticket you purchase lasts 12 months making it a good investment and incentive to come back.
V SXFeb 24, 2018
Very nice stately home. There is a tour available of the home of Winston Churchill and information on the related history of both Churchill and the palace itself (the only non-royal household to be labelled a "palace" I believe) Summertime allows one to enjoy the water garden alongside which there is a cafeteria selling hot and cold food, tea and coffee etc. The grounds are quite expansive too, and there are a number of walks around the Capability Brown landscape. All in all, a pleasant day out.
Hywel WattsJan 7, 2018
The 'Capability' Brown gardens are a beautiful sight and the house is full of historical significance. And what a treat to have someone play the beautiful organ, starting with some Handel. Pure magic.
Ken RalphFeb 11, 2018
Blenheim Palace is an amazing place, been here numerous times with work, it never fails to impress! The grounds are vast and very well kept, if you arrive through Woodstock gate you are greeted with the view of the bridge over the lake, the building itself is fascinating, I haven't been on the guided tours, but the guides are very knowledgeable! The water terrace is stunning and in summer it is very relaxing to sit and have a coffee next to!
tim greeningMar 20, 2018
Had a guided tour of Blenheim Palace and it was great, the staff really knew what they were talking about. The art was really nice, as were the ceramics. Well worth the ticket price.
J BillMar 20, 2018
On a cold wet May day thought that an indoor activity was called for. The palace was easy to find with a large parking area, a little expensive but on a nice day walking the gardens and grounds may have provided better value for money. We spent a great afternoon in the house, free audio visual presentation was fun and a guided tour bother really informative. Lots to see and we will go back for a more in the future. Coffee and cake in the restaurant was excellent and the food looked really good but was closed as we were there late in the afternoon.
Sandra & GrahamApr 29, 2018
AMAZING. Tad pricey but if you think about it.. it's great value for money if you convert the day ticket to a year pass (free). Come and go as much as u want after for a whole year . Didn't get the chance to see everything so will be back soon as I have the annual pass :) when the weather improves! Absolutely beautiful place. Breathtaking.
S1 CaanApr 9, 2018
Get there early it can get very busy. With doing a guided tour to fully appreciate the history. A beautiful setting, great views and gardens.
Peter RoyleMay 2, 2018
Fantastic place to come out for a day out. And yes it is expensive but you can convert your ticket into an annual pass for free! That's a really good deal. I recommend bringing a picnic as the food can be a little pricey and the grounds are so beautiful. The house was OK, lots of beautiful paintings. But the best part for me were the grounds and gardens. So very beautiful. Recommend going to the lake cascade and the pleasure gardens. In the pleasure gardens there is a butterfly house and honestly it was the highlight of the visit. So many beautiful butterflies in there. The house is very accessible for wheelchair users, there is parking and lots of places for refreshment and comfort breaks. A really lovely day out.
Brigitta FalciniMay 25, 2018
Love this place. So many things to see and do... Lovely palace and beautiful gardens. Very enjoyable for children with the train, the playgrounds, the butterflies... Nice restaurants, very nice pizza and good place for picnics too if you want to bring your own food. Lots of events all year round, some free with an annual pass. And the best part is the price, your ticket for the day can be converted to annual pass!!! Really worth it!!
Noelia GarciaMay 26, 2018
Historically important stately home with amazing gardens that includes a water cascade and butterfly enclosure. One day just isn't long enough to explore this wonderful estate. Being able to convert admission charge into a 12 month pass at no additional cost is a great benefit. Would thoroughly recommend.
Edward BullockJun 8, 2018
Blenheim is a huge estate with beautiful landscaping. There are extensive gardens that are very pleasant although the planting is a bit unimaginative. It is clear that this magnificent property was at one time incredibly impressive but is hard now to maintain that standard. The house itself is huge and baronial. I can imagine it would not have been a great place to live, too big to heat and very dark. For all its grandeur for me it lacks character, build to impress rather than charm. There is easily enough to do for a full day out. There is an additional charge to grow some of the apartments. For children the pleasure gardens have some good activities, the butterfly house and the maze are good. The catering is ok and reasonably priced and there is a large shop which is also not too expensive. The parkland is vast and worth a visit on its own.
Nick BusbyJun 5, 2018
We had a beautiful day. Weather was perfect. House is amazing but it was a little chaotic, there was a film crew setting up in some of the rooms. Absolutely loved walking through the estate grounds, so much space to wander. Will return for another visit.
June WolstenholmeMay 23, 2018
I have been to this palace many times. The former home of Winston Churchill and very inspirational. Well worth the visit. The architecture and each room with gilt ceilings are beautiful and so very artistic. The home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlboro. We love to see it each time, especially the bedroom of Winnie and his locks of hair as a child and the amazing art. Its amazing.
Susan LillardJul 6, 2018
A majestic demonstration of architecture and collected treasures. Not only do you have the opportunity to explore the childhood home of Winston Churchill but also learn more of the history of the family too. You can visit filming locations to one of the Bond movies here also (you know you want to run along that section of passageway!) the gardens too are truly spectacular. Take time to explore fully, half a day in the gardens and around the lake and then relax by the fountain (along with the ducks) with a cup of tea and a piece of cake.
Chris GloverJul 12, 2018
Blenheim palace is a very impressive palace. The audio guide which is included with the tour is very informative and well put together. The tickets are pricey however you are able to come back at any point from the point of purchase for one full year to revisit for free as many times as you would like. The gift shop is extensive, well thought out and has something for everyone. The garden grounds at the property are well kept.
Alisa CJun 20, 2018
Monday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Thursday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Friday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Saturday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
Sunday | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
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