Blenheim Palace Tours and Activities

Blenheim Palace which includes heritage elements and heritage architecture
Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace which includes heritage elements, heritage architecture and château or palace
Blenheim Palace featuring heritage elements and heritage architecture
Blenheim Palace

Amble through a picturesque riverside park to reach this stately Baroque palace and landscaped garden.

Blenheim Palace is a grand country house with marvelous landscaped gardens, set amid gorgeous green parkland. Come here to admire its majestic fountains, picturesque grounds and the 18th-century palace building, which encompasses a range of architectural styles.

As you enter this lavish estate, you’ll be stepping into the main home of the Dukes of Marlborough. The holder of the title of duke, Charles James Spencer-Churchill, is a distant relative of Princess Diana and former Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The country house was built between 1705 and 1722, and was presented to the first Duke of Marlborough after his military success. However, political infighting soon led to his exile.

Stand in front of the palace façade and take a moment to appreciate the stately design. With the landscaped garden sitting pretty in the foreground, this is also a good spot for taking photos. Beside the well-trimmed hedges, you’ll be able to see a large pond with several fountain jets. This site’s architectural beauty and eclecticism is said to have inspired the English Romantic Movement.

Inside, the layout remains as it was in the early 18th century. Walk through the rooms and seek out the room where Britain’s beloved wartime leader Winston Churchill was born in 1874. Or join a guided tour of the State Rooms, during which you can learn more about the various dukes who lived here.

Outside, the gardens feature designated trails, as well as a rose garden, cascades and a large lake. The design of the more than 2,000 acres (809 hectares) of parklands is the work of Lancelot "Capability" Brown, England's most famous landscape architect. He was born in 1716 and to celebrate his 300th anniversary, 2016 is marked as the Year of the English Garden.

Blenheim Palace sits beside the River Glyme in the Woodstock area, less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Oxford’s center. Buses depart regularly from the heart of the city, taking half an hour to reach the palace. Oxford Airport is just to the east of the site.Ticket options vary for the gardens, the park and the palace. The site opens daily from morning until early evening.

Plan a trip to see Blenheim Palace

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

Hotel Riu Plaza London Victoria

4 out of 5
London City Centre
per person
20 Oct - 24 Oct
found 2 days ago
Return direct flight included
Melbourne (MEL) to London (LHR)
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,617 reviews)
Breakfast buffet was great with lots of options.

Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

The Guardsman Hotel and Residences

The Guardsman Hotel and Residences

5 out of 5
London City Centre
per person
23 Oct - 30 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Melbourne (MEL) to London (LHR)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (494 reviews)
We had such a pleasant stay at The Guardsman Hotel! The front desk lady was awesome. She helped carry our luggage up and even gave us a quick room tour. The maintenance guy was super quick and polite when helping us with the safety box. And the gentleman working in the restaurant was absolutely amazing. So friendly and kind, he really made our experience special. The location is unbeatable. You are just steps away from all the top tourist spots, restaurants, and shops. I will definitely be recommending this hotel to my friends when they visit London. Huge thanks to the whole team!

Reviewed on 5 Aug. 2025

Hotel 41

Hotel 41

5 out of 5
London City Centre
per person
23 Oct - 30 Oct
found 1 day ago
Return direct flight included
Melbourne (MEL) to London (LHR)
10/10 Exceptional! (560 reviews)
Room upgrade was not told to us ahead of time; the upgrade had stairs and bulky chairs. We finally got ‘downgraded’ to our original room booking which we much preferred due to not being below the rooftop terrace and no stairs.

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Tours & day trips

See all 151 activities
Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's England, Oxford & Cotswolds Tour from London

Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's England, Oxford & Cotswolds Tour from London

Activity duration is 10 hours and 30 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 40 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$163 per adult
Warwick Castle, Shakespeare's England, Oxford & Cotswolds Tour from LondonOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 76 activities
Oxford Self Guided Walking Tour with Mobile App

Oxford Self Guided Walking Tour with Mobile App

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$10 per adult
Oxford Self Guided Walking Tour with Mobile AppOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 10 activities
Oxford: Sightseeing River Cruise

Oxford: Sightseeing River Cruise

Activity duration is 45 minutes
9.6 out of 10 with 4 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$39 per adult
Oxford: Sightseeing River CruiseOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 6 activities
The Hunt, an exciting cat-and-mouse game in Oxford

The Hunt, an exciting cat-and-mouse game in Oxford

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$19 per adult*
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Popular places to visit

Oxfordshire Museum

Oxfordshire Museum

You can study the exhibits at Oxfordshire Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your trip to Woodstock. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Oxfordshire Museum
Port Meadow

Port Meadow

Explore the great outdoors at Port Meadow, a lovely green space in Oxford. While you're in the area, stroll along the riverfront.

Port Meadow

Oxford Bus Museum

You can browse the exhibits at Oxford Bus Museum, a museum with a story of its own, during your holiday in Long Hanborough. Stroll along the area's riverfront or simply savour its lively bars.

Oxford Bus Museum

Eynsham Park

Explore the great outdoors at Eynsham Park, a lovely green space in North Leigh. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Eynsham Park

River Cherwell

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at River Cherwell during your travels in Hampton Poyle. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

River Cherwell

Thames Path National Trail

You can take time to visit Thames Path National Trail during your travels to Eynsham. Wander the area's riverfront or simply enjoy one of its lively bars.

Thames Path National Trail

Top Blenheim Palace Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Macdonald Bear Hotel

Macdonald Bear Hotel

4 out of 5
Park Street, Woodstock, England
Macdonald Bear Hotel
Kings Arms Hotel

Kings Arms Hotel

3.5 out of 5
19 Market Street, Oxfordshire, Woodstock, England
Kings Arms Hotel
Marlborough Arms Hotel

Marlborough Arms Hotel

4 out of 5
26 Oxford Street, Woodstock, England
Marlborough Arms Hotel
The Punch Bowl

The Punch Bowl

3 out of 5
12 Oxford Street, Woodstock, England
The Punch Bowl
Woodstock Arms

Woodstock Arms

2 out of 5
6-8 Market Street, Woodstock, England
Woodstock Arms
The Blenheim Buttery

The Blenheim Buttery

4 out of 5
7 Market Place, Woodstock, England
The Blenheim Buttery
Oxford Grade 11 listed house

Oxford Grade 11 listed house

Oxfordshire
Oxford Grade 11 listed house
Blenheim Edge, The Causeway

Blenheim Edge, The Causeway

3 out of 5
Woodstock
Blenheim Edge, The Causeway
Yew Tree House

Yew Tree House

2 out of 5
15 Hensington Rd, Woodstock, England
Yew Tree House
See all 1,478 properties in Blenheim Palace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Blenheim Palace

At Blenheim Palace, enjoy a delightful picnic in the scenic grounds, explore extensive nature trails, and embark on spectacular walks that showcase the stunning landscape. Discover the beauty of Blenheim Palace through various walking routes, perfect for all fitness levels, and relish in the round attractions that highlight the rich history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site. It's a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration in the heart of England.

Shopping

The Covered Market, 12.9km away, offers a vibrant public atmosphere, while Cowley Road, also 12.9km away, is perfect for family-friendly shopping. If you're up for a drive, Bicester Shopping Park, 14.5km away, combines business with entertainment in a lively setting.

Recreation

Experience the Iffley Road Track for an invigorating run or training session, surrounded by a vibrant sports atmosphere. Enjoy the serene Port Meadow for leisurely strolls and relaxation amidst nature. For golf enthusiasts, Bicester Golf and Country Club offers a delightful outdoor experience with stunning views.

Adventure

Embark on the Thames Path National Trail for a scenic hike, 8.0km from Blenheim Palace, surrounded by nature. For adrenaline, try Delta Force Paintball Banbury, located 18.0km away, or tackle the High Ropes Oxford zipline course, 22.5km from the palace, for an exhilarating outdoor experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Blenheim Palace with a show at the New Theatre Oxford, just 12.9km away, or catch a flick at Cineworld Witney, 9.7km away. For a lively cultural vibe, don’t miss the Oxford Playhouse, located 11.3km from the palace.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Blenheim Palace

Whether you're a history buff or just seeking a family-friendly experience, Blenheim Palace and its surroundings offer a wealth of attractions, including historic colleges, modern universities, and charming churches. Don't miss out on exploring Blenheim Palace itself, and be sure to check out nearby popular hotels for a comfortable stay. Capture the beauty of the palace with some stunning photos, making your visit truly memorable.

  • University of Oxford: A prestigious institution steeped in history, the University of Oxford offers a unique cultural atmosphere. Explore its stunning architecture and vibrant student life, which has flourished for over 900 years.
  • Christ Church College: This iconic college, part of the University of Oxford, blends academic excellence with beautiful gardens and remarkable architecture. The college's chapel and dining hall are particularly noteworthy, evoking a rich sense of history and culture.
  • Bodleian Library: As one of the oldest libraries in Europe, the Bodleian Library houses a vast collection of manuscripts and books. Its stunning interiors and historical significance make it a must-visit for families and culture enthusiasts alike.

Best time to go to Blenheim Palace

The best time to visit Blenheim Palace is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.8°F (3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February40.1°F (4.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September57.7°F (14.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December41.2°F (5.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Blenheim Palace

To save money on your visit to Blenheim Palace, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February or October, when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels and sort by price. Look for package deals that combine flights and hotel stays for additional savings. Always compare room rates and check for promo codes to maximise your budget while enjoying your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Blenheim Palace are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Blenheim Palace is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Blenheim Palace is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Blenheim Palace hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.