Why Visit Blenheim Palace This Year?

10 March 2021

With wide-open spaces (over 2,000 acres is surely enough for a socially-distanced visit), beautifully landscaped parkland and famous exhibitions, a trip to Blenheim Palace makes for the perfect 2021 staycation. 

Just imagine, a peaceful, summer stroll through pleasure gardens crammed with water terraces, butterfly houses and yew mazes, before kicking back during a well-deserved coffee and cake pitstop. Add Blenheim to your ‘Stately Home Bucket List’ immediately!

The Palace

UNESCO World Heritage Site… Palace fit for a hero… Public monument celebrating the glory of Britain… Blenheim is easily one of the finest examples of English Baroque architecture. The palace itself is forever synonymous with the Churchill family; the land was originally gifted to John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough back in 1704 as a thank you for his military achievements, and years later, in 1974 to be precise, Sir Winston Churchill was born here. This lavish stately home remains the seat of the Duke of Marlborough to this day and is currently the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess. A permanent exhibition commemorates the life of this famous wartime Prime Minister, whilst the magnificent State Rooms reveal a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture. 

The Park

Outside lies a whopping 2,100 acres of sweeping parkland landscaped by the legendary Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Thick ribbons of trees, expansives lawns, grand cascades, shimmering lakes and long, straight avenues surround the majestic and postcard-perfect British landmark. 

You could spend an entire day enjoying the many parkland walks the estate has to offer; make your way in a loop around the Great Lake; explore the Queen Pool; or take your time around the longer Park Perimetre Walk and spy the elaborately embellished roof-line slipping in and out of view. The majority of parkland walks are suitable for wheelchair users. 

The Gardens

The estate also boasts a vibrant patchwork of gardens designed by the likes of Achille Duchêne and Henry Wise. Wander through the pair of lavish water terraces and explore everything from the secret garden and the rose garden to the formal gardens and the miniature train, which tootles back and forth to the pleasure gardens. Don’t miss the Churchill Memorial Garden or the secluded Temple of Diana, where Winston Churchill proposed to his future bride. 

Other highlights include a giant maze, a fragrant lavender garden, the tropical butterfly house and a plethora of relaxing cafes.

Must Visit For History Enthusiasts

Along with the aforementioned Winston Churchill exhibition, this grand stately home is a historical treasure trove. Packed to the rafters with colossal tapestries celebrating the first Duke’s victories, an ornate statue of Queen Anne (who originally gifted the land and funds to build the palace to John Churchill) and awe-inspiring trompe l’Iœil ceilings. A tour inside this giant baroque masterpiece is the perfect way to fully explore everything from the Great Hall and the State Dining Room to the Long Library to the Servants’ Quarters downstairs.

Stunning in every season, take your pick from our three unmissable breaks, including our Blenheim Palace, Kew Gardens & London’s Capital Sights break with June to October departure dates, the iconic Blenheim Palace Flower Show in June or plan ahead for our Festive Break to the Home Counties Grandest Houses this December, complete with Blenheim Palace’s sparkling Christmas market.