Trains to Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is more than just an impressive country house. The World Heritage Site acts as a pillar for the market town of Woodstock, with its beauty, history and cultural significance attracting visitors from far and wide. After more than three centuries, Blenheim Palace’s connection with its community is as strong as ever, providing a charming destination for families, couples, and friends all year long.
How to Get to Blenheim Palace by train:
Blenheim Palace is located in Woodstock, a historic and picturesque town just north of Oxford. There are bus services available straight to Blenheim Palace from Oxford station, taking just over forty minutes. Oxford is accessible from a range of nearby stations if you’re looking for a fun day trip, including from Banbury station and Leamington Spa station.
Blenheim Palace and its surrounding areas are perfect for a weekend trip too, with lots of other Cotswolds attractions nearby. Some of these include the Oxford Bus Museum and Combe Mill. There are also plenty of charming places to stay near the palace, try, for instance, The Bear Hotel in Woodstock. The Bear stands out among the other beautiful period buildings with its distinctive ivy-clad brickwork. Inside, the hotel embraces and celebrates its heritage, featuring ornate oil paintings, intricately crafted four-poster beds, and a charming dining room with original features.
There are also plenty of things to do in Oxford itself, so it’s easy to incorporate Blenheim Palace into a city staycation. Oxford is easy to access directly from further afield stations, like Birmingham New Street and Newcastle station.
Things to do at Blenheim Palace
There’s so much to do at Blenheim Palace, no matter the season. In Spring, the gardens come to life with foxgloves, roses and shrubs in every shade of green imaginable. The Formal Gardens surrounding the palace are a nod to a grander, more opulent era – with extravagant fountains, twisted topiary and secret pathways.
In Summer, the gardens make space for the annual Blenheim Palace Flower Show, featuring magnificent floral displays, handmade products and plenty of sweet treats to browse and buy. After meandering through the market stalls, the perfect place to have lunch is The Orangery Restaurant. The hall is lined with enormous sash windows, allowing sunlight to flood the space. The gorgeous sage walls create an inviting, natural atmosphere, making diners feel as if they are enjoying their meal outside in the gardens.
Blenheim Palace is a haven for families, with a whole host of activities for kids to enjoy. The pirate-themed Adventure Play is a safe and thrilling space for little ones to let their imaginations run wild. From zip lines to climbing walls to cargo nets, an adventure at sea is always on the cards for budding pirates. After a tiring afternoon, visitors can head to one of the Palaces cafes to gulp down a delicious hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows – a treat even the fiercest pirates would envy!
For those keen to learn about the history of Blenheim Palace, there are plenty of comprehensive tours to take advantage of. Monthly British Sign Language tours take place throughout the palace, park, and gardens, completely free and without the need for booking. Daily buggy tours provide a convenient way to explore the formal gardens, while exclusive tours of the palace's private apartments offer a glimpse into rarely seen areas. There really is so much history to discover at this treasured UK site.
About Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace is one of the most historically significant estates in the UK. Constructed between 1705 and 1722, Blenheim Palace started life as a gift to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne. This was in recognition for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. The palace was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and is an outstanding example of English Baroque architecture.
Some of Blenheim Palace’s proud architectural highlights include:
- The Long Library: One of the most impressive rooms in the palace, the Long Library stretches over 55 metres and houses over 10,000 books. It also contains a magnificent pipe organ.
- The Great Hall: The centrepiece of the palace, the Great Hall, features a grand ceiling painted by Sir James Thornhill, depicting the Duke of Marlborough's victories.
- The State Rooms: These beautiful rooms are filled with fine art, tapestries, and antique furniture, reflecting the grandeur of the palace and its fascinating history.
1874 saw the birth of Winston Churchill in the palace’s Crimson Drawing Room. He spent much of his life at the palace and cherished it. Visitors can find out more about the famous prime minister at the Churchill Exhibitions, including how Blenheim’s own military history inspired much of his career.
In 1987, Blenheim Palace became a World Heritage Site, a significant honour that highlights the palace’s immense global value. This designation ensures that Blenheim Palace is protected for future generations, which is why the site is continually undergoing restoration and conservation efforts. Conservators of the attraction are mid-way through a decade long project which has included the first dredge of the Queens Pool in over a century and the replacement of the Orangery Restaurants roof. Starting in 2025, the restoration of the palace's roof will commence, marking the largest project to date and aptly named the Above and Beyond project. Restoration is primarily funded through admission charges, so visiting and enjoying the site is actually the best way to ensure future generations can experience it too.
If you’re planning to visit Blenheim Palace, don’t forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or the CrossCountry app. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
