Visiting Blenheim Palace with kids
Where is Blenheim Palace?
Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. It’s about a 20-minute drive from Oxford City Center and 2 hours via public transportation.
What is Blenheim Palace famous for?
Blenheim Palace the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill in 1874.
It’s a world heritage site and was given to John Churchill the, 1st Duke of Marlborough in the 1700s for his military triumphs. Its construction was mired in controversy – partly due to the choice of architect and partly because of circumstances surrounding the funding. It’s one of England’s largest homes – and it is HUGE. Blenheim Palace was designed to be admired from afar, and you can’t help but be impressed by the 2,000-acre estate.
Who lives at Blenheim Palace?
The Palace is the residence of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Charles James and Elda Spencer-Churchill. They reside in the apartments on the left wing of the palace.
Is Blenheim Palace good for families to visit?
From the Palace (collect the family quiz from the main door) to Pleasure Gardens with maze and adventure park to getting an ice cream or burger in one of the many eating establishments – there’s LOADS for families to do at Blenheim Palace!
Blenheim Palace: Suggested activities for families
- Start at the Palace, and take a quick walk through the private apartments.
- Have lunch in the Water Terrace Cafe (sit down pub food with a good kids menu).
- Check out the shop, there’s a huge children’s area with nice gifts and books.
- Explore the Park. Take a buggy tour and check out the plant and wildlife, or just walk around at your own pace.
- Take the miniature train from the Palace to the Pleasure Gardens
- Check out the butterflies in the tropical butterfly house.
- Try the Marlborough Maze (though be warned it can take 20 minutes to complete).
- Let off steam in the Adventure Playground.
- See if there is anything going on in the “Potting About” craft studio.
Photos of Blenheim Palace
IF YOU GO
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1PP blenheimpalace.com (18 miles from Oxford). The home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, this World Heritage Site makes a great family day out. You can convert a palace/park/gardens ticket into an annual pass.
How to get to Blenheim Palace
From London Paddington, the train to Oxford Parkway takes about an hour, then take the bus (20 minutes). A 30% discount is granted to visitors arriving by public transport or by bike.
Stuart Forster | 15th Oct 15
I’ve fancied the idea of heading to Blenheim Palace for a while but hadn’t realised it was a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thanks for that info. I’m looking forward to giving the maze a go.
HonestMum | 15th Apr 15
The palace looks exquisite (as does the food)-love the handstand shot too: brilliant x
Michelle Peters | 10th Mar 15
I have passed by few times and didn’t realise there was a children’s play area. The fiat 500 must have been a lovely bonus.
Mari | 4th Mar 15
Look at that dining table, I always daydream about how it would have been to be seated at a dinner party back in the day. A gorgeous palace to visit
Michelle Twin Mum | 3rd Mar 15
It looks like a great day out and my little gymnastic would be very jealous of your daughters super straight legs! Mich x
Cass@frugalfamily | 2nd Mar 15
That looks like a great place to visit although we’d have to avoid the butterflies as my 12 year old has an irrational hatred of them 😉
Boo Roo and Tigger Too | 1st Mar 15
I really would love to visit Blenheim Palace, it looks an amazing place to go and so much to see.
Kate Takes 5 | 1st Mar 15
Your family car journeys look a lot more exciting than ours are! (And less stressfuly..) Looks like a lovely day out. And I’m hugely impressed with the handstand – they are HARD!