An impressive monument to a victorious battle! (Blenheim Palace (Woodstock))

Member Name: Loopylooploo

Product:	Blenheim Palace (Woodstock)
Date:	07/07/09 (67 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Plenty to see, magnificent surroundings

Disadvantages: Too little time to see everything!

Blenheim Palace, Formal Gardens and Park


~~~~~A very brief snippet into its history~~~~~

In the early eighteenth century, Europe was engaged in bitter fighting as the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) raged. In 1704, the French King, Louis XIV, sought to knock the Holy Roman Empire out of this conflict by capturing its capital, Vienna. The Grand Alliance (England, Habsburg Empire, Dutch Republic, Portugal, Spain, & the Duchy of Savoy) was determined to retain the Empire and thus, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill (1650-1722) made plans to intercept Louis before his forces and allies could reach Vienna.

In one of the most significant battles in European history, the Battle of Blenheim (1704) was a decisive victory for the Grand Alliance. In gratitude, Queen Anne gave John Churchill the manor of Woodstock and, until 1712 - after the Marlboroughs had lost the royal favour - the Crown paid for the palatial home.

The foundation stone was laid in June 1705, and the palace was designed and built by Sir John Vanbrugh, who later resigned after one too many arguments with the Duchess, Sarah. Nicholas Hawksmoor is also known to have designed and overseen various areas of the construction, particularly after Vanbrugh left.

Over the years, numerous changes occurred, particularly in the gardens. 'Capability' Brown was brought in to landscape the palace park and gardens by the 4th Duke of Marlborough.

In more recent times, Blenheim was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, who arrived on the 30th November 1874, a few weeks early. It was never intended that he would be born at the palace!


~~~~~What to see and do~~~~

Blenheim Palace, park and gardens is a truly impressive holding and there is plenty to see and do. A whole day is insufficient to really take advantage of everything.

1. The State rooms

You are able to walk freely around this area or with a guided tour, and it is through these State rooms that you really get a sense of time and place. The palace holds numerous collections of portraits, tapestries, Meissen and Sevres porcelain, and even Boulle furniture. You will also be able to view the ceilings of Nicholas Hawksmoor and the stone work of Grinling Gibbons. There is also a copy of the famous Marlborough dispatch, which he sent from the battlefield of Blenheim to his Duchess to inform of the victory, on display.


2. The Churchill Exhibition

As his birthplace, there is a Churchill Exhibition dedicated to the statesman, which includes access to the room where he was born. Although it was never his home, Churchill was apparently always fond of Blenheim and for five years in the 1890s Churchill was heir presumptive to the dukedom.

In the Churchill Exhibition, there is Sir Winston's painting of the Great Hall at Blenheim and several of his letters and photographs.


3. 'Blenheim Palace: the Untold Story' 300 years of enticing tales.

An interactive experience and one definitely worth doing; I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is in the upstairs of the Palace (and unfortunately has not wheelchair access). It is hard to describe what it is as it is the life of the palace and some of its inhabitants through the eyes of one of its main servants, now a 'ghost'. (It employs modern digital technology to create this.) The experience is self guided and takes about 35 minutes.


4. Miniature train ride

Near to the main pedestrian and vehicle entrance is the miniature train ride, which takes visitors to the Pleasure Gardens. These Gardens include the Marlborough Maze and Butterfly House. I was unable to do this as time ran out, but it's on my 'to do' list for next time.


5. The Grand Bridge and the Column of Victory

Near to the main front of the palace is the beginning of the Great Avenue, along which the Grand Bridge leads up to the Column of Victory. It is certainly worth taking a saunter up this Avenue, but do bear in mind that it is some distance!


And so much more!


~~~~~Shop and facilities~~~~~

For those of you who like to take away a souvenir, there are a few sources on site. One of the smaller gift shops is in the actual palace and contains the more 'delicate' items of porcelain and fragrances, for instance. There is also a bookshop near to the Chapel, but the main gift shop, the Flagstaff Gift Shop, holds the largest number of gifts. In addition, there is a small Ice Cream Parlour with a small courtyard for seating, as well as online shop facilities at http://shop.blenheimpalace.com. The ice cream is delicious by the way!

What I found pleasantly surprising was the cost of items. Okay, so they we not on the cheap, cheap side. However, I was expecting extortionate. This wasn't the case. I think everyone could find something for themselves at a reasonable price.


~~~~~Accessibility~~~~~~
Like with all properties of certain ages, they were not designed to cater for wheelchair access. However, the Palace has endeavoured to improve access as far as possible. They do recommend advance booking for large groups with disabled members or people with special needs. I think this is so that they can ensure that necessary changes to routes etc. can be made at the Palace. I recommend looking at the website for more information.


~~~~~Entrance fees~~~~~
Entrance fees are not cheap, but you can buy tickets based on what you plan to see.

Palace, park and gardens:
Adult £17.50
Child £10.00
Concessions £14.00
Family (1adult and 3 children) £46.00
Family (2 adults and 2 children) £46.00

Park and gardens:
Adult £10.00
Child £5.00
Concessions £7.50
Family (1adult and 3 children) £25.00
Family (2 adults and 2 children) £25.00

The Palace is running a special offer whereby you buy one day's tickets and you'll be able to convert it into an Annual Pass (you get twelve months' free!).


~~~~~Where is it? ~~~~~

Blenheim Palace is in Oxfordshire, just northwest of Oxford, near the historic town of Woodstock. It is easily accessible by road (the A44 Evesham Road) and is serviced regularly by buses and coaches. From Oxford Rail Station, you would need to look for the S3 service (run by stagecoach). The bus stop is just outside the gates on Hensington Road.


~~~~~Recommended? ~~~~~

I thoroughly enjoyed my day at Blenheim and think it is a place that can capture the imagination of anybody. Worth a visit and I certainly know that I shall be going back some time.


(The Blenheim Palace website was used to confirm details.)

Summary: A place for all the family in one of Britain's more engaging and magnificent houses