Blenheim (24th July)

Blenheim Palace is located in Woodstock, just north of Oxford. It is the home of the Marlboroughs and was where Churchill was brought-up (when he wasn't in boarding school!). Churchill is even buried in a village outside the estate.

The Palace was built with the money that Queen Anne gave the 1st Duke of Marlborough as a reward for his great victory at Blenheim, on the River Danube in Bavaria. This Battle was a decisive victory for the Grand Alliance in the War of Spanish Succession in 1704. A series of impressive tapestries depicting scenes from the Battle hangs in various rooms of the Palace.

It is definitely one of the most impressive palaces or castles in the U.K. (maybe the most impressive?), even though it is not a Royal property. It is impressive at so many levels: both inside and outside; in terms of architecture and landscaping; and in-and-of-itself, as well as because of its history.

Not only is there the Palace and Park, but there is also the Pleasure Gardens, with a maze and various other attractions, which can be travelled to on a mini steam train. The shop is really good too! We got some excellent history books for the kids at discount prices.

We highly recommend a visit to Blenheim.

We again used Tesco Clubcard Deal Vouchers to go to this expensive attraction.

See a photo album of this trip here: