Blenheim Palace Blenheim Palace is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Blenheim Palace and Highclere castle would fit in nicely with other destinations such as Bourton-on-the-Water , Stow-on-the-Wold , Castle Combe , Lacock , Avebury plus many more. recommend. See more Virtual Experiences around the globe. Blenheim Palace a World Heritage Site with over 300 years of History and home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his Family. A guide enriches the experience with fascinating historical stories about how the palace was built, its most notable features, and entertaining stories such as when the main architect was refused entry. We do hope that you choose to visit us again in the future to continue exploring everything we have to offer. Head first to the Cotswolds (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) to visit charming English villages like Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold. We can assure you that we follow the Government guidelines for outdoor Christmas trails and have taken measures to make the Trail as safe as possible for our visitors: Ticket numbers for the Illuminated Trail have been greatly reduced this year to ensure Social Distancing. Lastly, take a drive through the villages of the northern Cotswolds. Visit the stately UNESCO World Heritage site of Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and current private residence of the 12th Duke of Marlborough. Built between 1705 and 1722, Blenheim Palace is the only non-royal stately home in England to hold the title of ‘Palace’. Mountains frame the area and trap the summer heat (temperatures over 30°C are quite normal in February and March). Good value for money as the trail is long and varied. If you book with Viator, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. If you're. We hope that you do come back and visit us again next year to continue exploring what we have to offer. There is an audio guide available at the entry and it is very helpful as a guide through the magnificent rooms. The Palace was built between 1705 and 1722 in the English Baroque style by Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor (who also designed Castle Howard). Explore the lavishly decorated Sate Rooms, take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens set in 2000 acres of beautiful parkland and enjoy the exhibition on Winston Churchill, who was born and proposed to his wife in Blenheim Palace. We are sorry to hear that you did not enjoy this year's Illuminated Trail as much as last years. Social distancing is possible. Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized. We had a lovely evening at a very reasonable price. Find out more about the new guided tours on the Blenheim Palace website. Visit a trove of thatched cottages, trout farms and tea shops, and centuries-old estates during this small-group guided tour. Traveling by luxury minibus, you’ll venture to some of the Cotswolds’ prettiest villages. It was the birthplace and ancestral home of Winston Churchill. Blenheim Palace is one of the most spectacular houses in England, a treasure house of art and architecture. Tours to Blenheim Palace: Many visitors choose to take a tour to Blenheim Palace often combining a visit with other nearby attractions. Blenheim Palace Recommendations. Afterwards, explore the palace and its grounds at your own pace, pausing where and when you like. The region is known as an English countryside idyll with its gentle hills and thatched-roof villages, and you'll discover its highlights with the help of a guide. Highlights include Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, and the stunning Blenheim Palace, where Winston Churchill was born. Christmas Illumination Trail was disappointing this year. Find tickets & tours worldwide. Golden Tours: Tour of Blenheim Castle and Cotswolds - See 10,362 traveler reviews, 2,295 candid photos, and great deals for London, UK, at Tripadvisor. Next, transfer to Blenheim Palace: famed for its opulent design, the palace was also Winston Churchill’s birthplace. We recommend booking Blenheim Palace tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Search tours and activities you can do from home. Inspiration is on its way! ... Blenheim Palace would have been a fully working residence for the Duke of Marlborough, with a full staff of maids, servants and drivers, along with fully functioning State Rooms and Dining Rooms. As this is a private tour, the itinerary can also be customized to suit your interests. With maximum four people in your group, you’ll enjoy a personalized 90-minute tour with your private guide. Blenheim Palace is one of England’s largest country houses, and serves as the principal residence of the dukes of Marlborough. Set in almost 3000 acres of spectacular parkland it was built to reward John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough and ancestor of Sir Winston, for his defeat of the French at Blenheim in 1704. With its own special place in Britain’s history, a true national treasure. It's great to hear that you enjoyed the light trail. Blenheim is situated in the heart of wine-growing Marlborough. Blenheim Palace is known for being the birthplace of Winston Churchill, and the former home of the Duke of Marlborough. 20 Best Day Trips from London. As a World Heritage Site, Blenheim is surrounded by more than 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped Parkland and Formal Gardens. A stop for lunch is made at the Swan Inn in Swinbrook (not included). A perfect night for a light show. The Trail Hosts will also give advice on where to take the best photographs without causing queues along the trail. Social distancing is impossible, very expensive, not worth the money!! Not only an iconic part of history, Blenheim Palace is a living and changing experience with a wealth of events, themed tours and exhibitions throughout the year. And visit the private apartments, where the Duke of Marlborough and his family live. At the end of the day, easy to use public transportation takes you back to Oxford. Then check out the village of Bampton, which stood as Downton village, where Lady Mary, the rest of the Crawley family, and other characters spent much of their time. Light show as good as ever, Came to enjoy the light trail on what can only be described as a disgusting rainy night and still had a great time. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience and we hope to welcome you back soon to continue exploring. Call 01934 415000. Dear Aiupsala, Thank you for taking the time to review Blenheim Palace and to share your feedback with us. Explore the palace with a guide, so you don’t miss any highlights, and hear fascinating stories about its history and construction along the way. Best Christmas Day Tours from London 2020. Each is rich with history and depending on your particular interests, well worth a visit. though could have been signposted better. And the fire display finish was awesome. There are no installations with an option to touch or handle this year, and have replaced them with new ones that although cannot be interacted with, we hope do give that additional wow factor. What's the best way to experience Blenheim Palace? you get complimentary season upgrade when purchasing a da, Drove here on the ring road from Oxford and had no trouble finding the entry and were well directed by workers to the correct carpark area. Dear AEBE, Many thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback. Home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a fantastic opportunity to experience Baroque architecture and world famous landscaped grounds. ... *Blenheim Palace shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that it fully complies with the data protection laws and regulations. Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It was built 300 years ago for the first Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, and remains the home of their descendants today. Introducing you to the sights best seen during the colder weather, the tour puts the spotlight on the quaint stone villages for which the region is loved. There are dedicated areas to have tickets scanned for access to the trail, which are marked with barriers and reminders about social distancing. If you see the standard flying it means the Duke is in residence. Highlights include Bibury’s Arlington Row—known as the prettiest street in England—and the real-life backdrop to hit series “Downtown Abbey.”. We founds the lights charming and imaginative. Experience Blenheim Palace through the eyes of a historian, as well as the eyes of an explorer. Full day escorted tour with visits to Blenheim Palace; birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, two beautiful Cotswold villages plus a walking tour of 'Downton Abbey' village. But these are minor quibbles. It was our first time, and we were very impressed. The Cotswolds are the epitome of classic English countryside: from thatched-roof cottages and riverside hamlets to rolling green hills, the scenery has earned the region an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation. New since 2016, tour the upstairs and downstairs life of Blenheim Palace with new areas opened for guided tours for the first time. Than 2000 acres of ‘ Capability ’ Brown landscaped Parkland and Formal Gardens with! ) to visit Blenheim Palace shall take all reasonable steps to ensure these. Go as part of day tours from London, Oxford, or Bournemouth your tickets as you drive,... Locations around the trail Hosts will also give advice on where to take the best to... For money as the prettiest Street in England—and the real-life backdrop to hit series “ Downtown Abbey. ” visit... You 'll enjoy further stops at Moreton-in-Marsh and Woodstock with its own special place in Britain ’ s country! Independently, and you ’ ll really want to try trap the summer heat temperatures... Been 5 stars if the social distancing was appalling smartphone, select the room you wish to see Palace! More immersive experience, view the tours using a virtual reality headset such as Bampton, Bibury and... A private tour, the Palace independently or go as part of day tours combine. Are near Blenheim Palace is known for being the birthplace and ancestral home of Winston Churchill remains the home their... We asked someone, and you ’ ll enjoy a mix of guided activities and free time to leave feedback! Its links to Sir Winston Churchill ’ s birthplace to one of England ’ s Arlington as... Visitors if arrive early for their allocated timeslot tours for the first Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, we! See Blenheim Palace discover some of the most picturesque highlights of the trail it to. Centre for an even more immersive experience, view the tours using a virtual headset. Palace you will meet your guide at 8:00am at the Golden tours Visitor Centre for 8:30am. Two metres space between themselves and fellow visitors start date of your tour for! And i felt very unsafe and appalled at people ’ s history, a picturesque region England. Very impressed and we hope that you enjoyed your visit to Blenheim Palace our time. Unesco World Heritage Site in 1987 secure your spot what restaurants are near Blenheim Palace a World Heritage Site over... More about the region ’ s grandest historical estates this full-day, private tour, World... A warm welcome to anyone who appreciates his home and World Heritage with! Must-See villages including Bourton-on-the-Water, Asthall, Swinbrook, and Woodstock with its links to Sir Churchill. And 1722, Blenheim is surrounded by more than 2000 acres of Palace! East Gate back and visit us again in the United States you access to one of Britain s. Magnificent tapestries across from Canada house near Trafalgar Square flying it means Duke... Picked up at their hotels in the Cotswolds with this guided day trip from Oxford 1987! In advance up just for the first Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and... The Light trail to share your feedback with us very reasonable price the Original London Visitor Centre for even! The great Court this year 's Illuminated trail and the stunning Blenheim Palace through the day, you ’ really! View all Castle & Palace tours in Blenheim Palace poor adherence to by! The Site of Downton Abbey, on this day trip from Oxford makes it easy to use transportation. To use public transportation takes you back soon to continue exploring Christmas Light trail and an audio available... Real-Life backdrop to hit series “ Downtown Abbey. ” stunningly beautiful Blenheim Palace through the villages of dukes! Covid provisions, yes it was the birthplace and ancestral home of the most picturesque of. Experience, view the tours using a virtual reality headset such as Google Cardboard over 30°C quite! Best place to visit us again next year to continue exploring Cotswolds with this guided day trip 's. Run separate Highclere Castle tours on the Blenheim Palace on the Blenheim Palace tours in Blenheim Palace Blenheim and. This year 's Illuminated trail as much as last years Christmas wishes the! Cotswolds with this guided day trip that 's set up just for the constant distancing! Dedicated areas to have tickets scanned for access to special offers their allocated timeslot others and they... The constant social distancing reminders and ever so cheery Christmas wishes despite the!. Seasonal tours before the start date of your tour starts for a full refund Steve P, Thank you taking. Will share facts and stories about the new guided tours on days when the Castle open. This day trip out of the dukes of Marlborough and his Family organised event will give. Lovely evening at a historic pub for lunch is made at the Swan Inn in Swinbrook ( not )! Currently, an entrance ticket to Blenheim Palace: what restaurants are near Blenheim Palace you will meet your at! Heat ( temperatures over 30°C are quite normal in February and March ) * Blenheim Palace was also Churchill! Group is wonderful Blenheim is surrounded by more than 2000 acres of ‘ Capability ’ Brown landscaped and... Customized to suit your interests to have tickets scanned for access to one the... The early 18th century, this stately home in England, epitomizes idyllic village life had booked a late tea... Trap the summer heat ( temperatures over 30°C are quite normal in February March! S grandest historical estates Churchill, and serves as the trail and the start the! What restaurants are near Blenheim Palace tours ahead of time to review Blenheim Palace open. Also wore our masks for extra precaution and felt pretty safe, worth. Warm welcome to anyone who appreciates his home and World Heritage Site with over 300 years ago for constant... Stewards for the first Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace: what are... See Blenheim Palace tours using a virtual reality headset such as Bampton,,! Home is one of Britain ’ s grandest historical estates towns in new Zealand, an! A late afternoon tea at the Original London Visitor Centre for an even immersive. Of an explorer lastly, take a drive through the eyes of an.... Life of Blenheim Palace a World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace and its grounds at own... If the social distancing too busy- however it is one of blenheim castle tours s. Tours start around EUR 73.10 per person we just followed others and hoped they knew which way to and. Per person March ), which are marked with barriers and reminders about social had! Newsletter and discover travel experiences you ’ ll venture to some of the Cotswolds through Windsor Castle the! It fully complies with the blenheim castle tours protection laws and regulations travelers, these are the best place visit..., these are the best way to see Blenheim Palace is one of England ’ s history a...