Blenheim Palace

Last month we went on a day trip to Blenheim Palace which is situated in the historic town of Woodstock, 8 miles from Oxford. If you want to know more about the palace click here

Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, the magnificent Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and a lake. They do not allow photography inside the palace. Some photographs from the trip.

Blenheim Palace  was created to celebrate victory over the French during the Wars of the Spanish Succession. In particular it was a gift to the First Duke of Marlborough. He was the military commander who skilfully led the Allied forces into battle on 13th August 1704 at Blindheim (Blenheim). After the Battle Marlborough personally received the surrender of Marshall Talland, leader of the French forces.

The Duke also ensured that the Palace became a monument to Queen Anne. It was the Queen and a grateful nation who granted to the Marlboroughs, the Manor of Woodstock and the promise of the funds needed to build such a house.

The gardens

The cascade....

The Grand Bridge

The Column of Victory far away

Miniature Winston Churchill locomotive train which takes visitors from the Palace to the Pleasure Gardens 

Check out the name of the engine

I loved these toy houses...

Marlborough  Maze which is said to be the world's second largest hedge maze

Now for some food, we ate in the cafe. 

And a slice of walnut cake

It was a lovely visit and we enjoyed the day throughly. The best thing is if you buy the ticket, they convert your day ticket to an annual one.  I am definitely planning to revisit soon.