In summary
A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, sitting proudly in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is the seat of the 12th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. It's surrounded by beautiful Formal Gardens, and visitors can explore its 2,000 acre Parkland. It's the perfect day out for adults who fancy an historical outing, but there's loads on offer for children too, with a maze, little train, butterfly house and an incredible Adventure Playground that's a day out in itself!
When do we visit?
I visited with my husband and sons Odhran, 9, and Reuben, 6, on a lovely Summer's day at the end of June. Blenheim Palace is open throughout the year except for Christmas Day. The Adventure Playground is open during Spring, Summer and school holidays. During Autumn and Winter, it's open Friday to Sunday. Different parts of Blenheim Palace and Gardens open and close at different times. For example, The Palace and Formal Gardens close before the Parkland and the Adventure Playground, and the miniature train tends to stop running around 3.30pm. So visit blenheimpalace.com/app to get up-to-date opening times for the day of your visit.
What is there to see and do?
Adventure Playground
I've started with the Adventure Playground because we arrived through the main entrance, and as the boys cycled up towards The Palace, they spotted the sign for the Adventure Playground and started veering left, adamant we visited there first. I had to promise them we were only heading on towards The Palace to drop the bikes at the ticket kiosk (a little black hut to the left before the entrance to the East Courtyard). There, they spotted an ice-cream kiosk and I was pleased we indulged in this treat early in the day, as when we returned later, there was a long queue.
Turning back on ourselves, we walked for about another 10 minutes before we reached the Walled Garden. There's a miniature train that runs from The Place to the Walled Garden (£1 each way to ride, under 3's go free) but one had just departed and the boys didn't want to wait for it to return, as they were too excited to get to the playground. After all the walking, I was happy to see that all the kiddy-friendly parts of the attraction were located next to each other (The Adventure Playground, Hedge Maze and Butterfly House) in the family-friendly Walled Garden area of Blenheim Palace.
There was a marquee with a kids-friendly theatre show taking place on the day we visited. The next show was in a hour and a half's time. We thought that would give us enough time to explore the playground before going to see the show. But as soon as we walked through the flower archway into The Adventure Playground, it was obvious the boys were going to be in no hurry to leave and we would miss the show.
The boys' eyes lit up when they saw all the climbing structures, and Odhran dived straight into the little man-made stream that trickles through the middle of the playground. With a water pump and water features including little water fountain jets, this part of the playground was a big hit, with lots of little kids splashing about in swimwear.
But there are also fantastic wooden structures, including giant carrots, with slides, tunnels, nets and rope bridges. There's a designated are for toddlers and zip wires for bigger kids. We had a great time playing hide and seek, and Odhran was having such a great time, he slipped and badly grazed his elbow and leg. I'd come unprepared without wipes or plasters.
Another mum jumped to my help before a member of staff was quick to offer assistance, and phoned for a first-aider. A lot of the staff are first-aid trained and on-hand to help with any issues that may arise. The first-aider was super helpful, and took us into a room (which doubles up as a first-aid room and a room can be used for children who might become over-stimulated and need a bit of time out). He cleaned Odhran's cuts with antiseptic wipes and bandaged him up well, all the while chatting in a friendly and reassuring way. We were super appreciative of his lovely, helpful manner, which allowed us to carry on and fully enjoy the rest of our day.
The first aid care is just an example of how the playground has been so carefully thought out. There are toilets and changing facilities within the playground area, picnic tables and plenty of areas for parents to perch while their children play, a kiosk selling ice-cream and hot drinks, and a standalone water fountain to fill up your water bottle.
The Adventure Playground is an attraction in itself. It's suitable from toddlers up to kids around 12, and kids could easily spend three hours in here. We just accepted that we would probably miss out on seeing some other part of Blenheim Palace as a result, but the boys were having such a fun time, we didn't want to drag them away.
Maze
The boys love a game of chase around a maze, and the promise of this was what eventually lured them out of the playground. Their dad was 'It', while myself and the boys tired to find our way out of the maze before he caught us. We had to climb the wooden structures in the middle a couple of times to get a bird's eye view and establish our route out, but eventually we managed to escape without being caught. If your family love a maze, then you'll want to make time to visit this part of the attraction.
Butterfly House
Next, we headed for Butterfly House. Here, a member of staff showed the boys how to gently coax the butterflies on to their finger, and Reuben was delighted when a butterfly landed on his head. One attached itself to Odhran's arm and seemed reluctant to fly away.
There were lots of different species and we spent more time in here than I thought we would. Just be careful there aren't any still attached to you before you leave! I had to step back inside, as, much to the boys amusement, one was trying to make a cunning escape by attaching itself to my bottom.
The Palace
After the Butterfly House, we went to The Palace. The day was getting on and there was still lots to do. I wanted to make sure we didn't leave without even setting foot inside The Palace! I was glad we did this after The Adventure Playground, Maze and Butterfly House, as I feel if we'd done The Palace first, the boys would have rushed us round to get to what they considered the fun bits! But, after being entertained for hours, they were happy to indulge us. At our time of visiting, there was a fantastic Icons of British Fashion exhibition taking place, and I loved following the route around this showcase of clothing, shoes and accessories by legendary designers through the decades, including Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and Lulu Guinness. As we wandered around, I heard another visitor telling his friends how amazing Blenheim looked at Christmas, and I could only imagine how magical the rooms would look, filled with baubles and giant Christmas trees. I also loved reading about the history of The Palace. Before our visit, I only knew that it was the birth place of Winston Churchill. So, I abandoned my husband to rush ahead with the boys, while I took my time to read all the information about Churchill's grandfather and how Blenheim Palace came to be built. I found all the information really fascinating.
Rowse Honey Hive
This new interactive space invited families to explore the important role of bees and other pollinators in our ecosystem. It's a hands-on experience where families can learn about bees, hedgerows and the best plants for attracting pollinators to their own gardens. There are immersive activities here for little ones to enjoy.
Special events
There is so much to do at Blenheim, and that's even before we get into the boating, paddle boarding and kayaking! On top of this, there are so many different events taking place at Blenheim Palace throughout the year that you could visit several times and find something new to explore on each visit. In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is hosting special events throughout this year. I loved the exhibition that allowed us to discover the pivotal moments of Churchill's life that unfolded at Blenheim Palace. After a family day out at Chartwell (former home and gardens of Sir Winston Churchill in Kent), it was really interesting to put further aspects of his life into perspective. My nine-year-old was interested in Sir Winston's not so exemplary school report card! And I was moved by his childhood letters begging his parents to visit him in boarding school. It added so many more dimensions to such a historical figure, and I'm always hoping that little bits of history seep into my sons' brains as we wander round these places.
Blenheim thinks of events for kids and adults alike, and this Summer (now until 1 September) little ones can enjoy a fun Shaun the Sheep Trail. Find out morehere. And Bridgerton fans can stand in stunning locations from the hit show on The Bridgerton Trail. Find out more here. This Halloween, there's a spooky Illuminate Trail, and Christmas market at Blenheim is always a hit. So, check the website to make sure you visit at a time that offers the most exciting events for you.
Walks
Whether you choose to explore the Formal Gardens or the land extending around Blenheim Palace, there is plenty of ground to be covered here! The Tree Trail will take you on a journey through the magnificent landscaped across the estate, and the Formal Gardens reflect the styles throughout the ages. Standing on the bank of The Lake is The Harry Potter Tree, which fans of the 2007 film Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix won't want to miss out on.
What about food and drink?
There are cafés, restaurants and ice-cream and hot drinks kiosks on site. So, if whether you're after a hearty meal, and afternoon tea or a quick bite, you're covered. The Orangery Restaurant offers a touch of sophistication for those wanting to treat themselves to something a bit fancy. The Oxfordshire Pantry and The Stables Café are a good pit-stop for those in search of a quick sweet or savoury bite to eat. The pizzeria is well places next to The Walled Garden for lunch times with kids. We packed a picnic (there are lots or spots to relax and eat, including picnic tables both outside and inside the Adventure Playground. We stopped for a treat in the courtyard and spent £17 on a Rocky Road, Scone with jam and butter, and three Mansfield ice-pops.
How long does it take to go around Blenheim Palace and Garden
We didn't manage to see everything in a day. The boys spent so much time in the Adventure Playground alone that by the time we'd finished, their little legs were exhausted. So, although, I've loved to have explored the grounds around Blenheim, we were lucky to get a glance at the Formal Gardens. We'll definitely be back when we're next in the area.
How much does it cost?
All tickets must be booked in advance and you can even book online on the day of your visit. There are different passes. But if you're looking to visit The Palace and its gardens and the Adventure Playground, you'll needed the Palace and Play Pass - adult ticket costs £50, child £40 (free for under 3s), or a family ticket (two adults, two children) costs £150. A Palace Park and Gardens Pass (not including Adventure Playground) costs £38 for an adult, £22 for children over age three, or £99 for a family ticket (two adults, two children). But both these tickets included unlimited access for 12 months after date of purchase. It's also possible to purchase just a Park and Gardens ticket (so not including Adventure Playground). This costs £28 for an adult, £13.50 a child over age three, or £80 for a family ticket. A single visit Adventure Playground ticket can be added to the Palace Park and Gardens, and the Park and Gardens Pass at a cost of £5 for an adult and £7 a child. But if you're planning to return, it's more cost effective to purchase the Palace and Play Pass.
Discounts: NHS staff, blue light card holders and member of the Armed Forces can enjoy 10 per cent off the cost of entrance (not available on Christmas at Blenheim Palace tickets). Email customerservice@blenheimpalace.com to access a special discount code.
Tips for visiting Blenheim Palace
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Visit blenheimpalace.com/app to get up-to-date opening times for the day of your visit.
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Don't forget to bring headphones. By downloading blenheimpalace.com/app you can listen to an audio tour of some of the most magnificent rooms in The Palace and hear fascinating facts from experts
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It's quite a walk from the main entrance to The Place and to The Walled Garden so consider bringing scooters and bikes for the parts of the attraction you can use these in. There are places you can park the scooters and bikes in between, just ask a member of staff.
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Bring swimwear and a towel or a change of clothes for little ones who might bet over-excited with the water feature in the Adventure Playground. It's also worth packing clogs or water appropriate footwear.
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Pack a picnic, drinks and lots of snacks to keep costs down.
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There's a nice gift shop. Odhran and Reuben bought a sword and shield and pirate gems here. So, your little one might want to bring their pocket money, or try to avoid altogether.
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If visiting with kids, I'd advise heading up to The Walled Garden area first as this is where most of the kid-friendly attractions are located.
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Don't stress about cramming it all in - there's a lot to see and do here, so accept that you might not get to do it all and maximise your time by prioritising what you want to see and do most.
Take a Break's verdict
Blenheim Palace is a day out that has something to offer everyone in the family, from grandparents and parents to kids. There's more to pack in than you can manage in a single day. So, it's a good job the pass is valid for 12 months. But even if you live a distance away and are only likely to make the one trip, we found it to be full and fun-packed day that makes it still worth the money. It's also, an attraction that's definitely worth the journey. We rate it a 5/5 attraction.
Make a break of it
Blenheim Palace has partnered with Darwin Escapes to create Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat - a collection of luxury self-catering lodges set in the grounds of the Blenheim Palace Estate. We had a three-night stay here, and from the moment we arrived, we could tell it was going to be a relaxing and restorative break. The grounds around the lodges were so peaceful and serene, with wildflower beds around each lodge. We stayed in Vanbrugh Lodge, which I later learnt was named after John Vanbrugh, the English architect who designed Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard. We've stayed in chalets and lodges before. But as we stepped through the doors of our lodge at this retreat, we were instantly struck by the sense of luxury and the quality of the design, colour schemes and materials used in the creation of these lodges. The luxury lodges at Blenheim Palace Lodge have featured in the final of the TV show Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr, and you can choose to stay in one of the two lodges that the two finalists designed.
Our lodge wasn't one of these, but still it felt like a very large suite in a fancy boutique hotel or a stay in a chic little holiday home. It was so stylish and cosy. Two double bedrooms were separated by a living area that included a kitchen with an island and breakfast table, and a comfortable living space with a sofa, coffee table and flatscreen TV. There were two shower rooms opposite each bedroom - each with a waterfall shower and stocked with luxury shower and body products from Arran Aromatics. There was great use of space in the lodge, with plenty of storage and a cute dressing table with a touch sensor light-up mirror in the area between each bedroom and its opposite shower room. Glass panelled doors opened out on to a back area where there was rattan furniture to relax on with a drink while we watched the sunset during the evening, or to enjoy breakfast outdoors on a morning. Our lodge overlooked a wild meadow, and we cut through here to make the short walk (about 15 minutes) to the entrance gate to Blenheim Palace. Even the bedding felt luxurious, and we had the most comfortable sleep.
The lodge came equipped with everything you need to enjoy a break away. I'd packed a hair-dryer and an iron but the lodge was already equipped with these things, including an ironing board. There was a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, freezer, microwave, washing machine and dishwasher. We were even provided with tea, coffee and milk sachets, and a sponge for washing dishes, dishcloth and a single dishwasher tablet. There were fluffy towels and toilet paper - pretty much everything you need to just whack your clothes in a bag and set off for a weekend away without having to thing about all the finer details (bring some laundry powered if you think you might need to wash clothes). The only thing that would have added to the experience is if the TVs (they're in the bedrooms as well as the living area) had been set up so we could connect to our personal Netflix account. It's also worth mentioning that the lodges are pet friendly, so your four legged friend is welcome to join in your family break away.
Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat is ideally located within walking distance of Woodstock and you'll find a Co-op food store nearby to top up in supplies. Woodstock is a charming town and we stopped off for a drink and chips and dips in the beer garden of the Back Lane Tavern. You'll find nice pubs, restaurants and boutique shops here to explore. Bring your bikes, as nearby, there's Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park, and little ones will enjoy Cogges Manor Farm. Further afield, there's Oxford Botanic Garden, Bicester Village (if you're looking for a bit of designer shopping!) and Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens.
If you're looking for a tranquil retreat, from which there's plenty to explore, then Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat ticks all the boxes. We returned from our visit feeling completely relaxed and restored.