Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Winston Churchill — one of England's largest and most magnificent baroque palaces, set in 2,000 acres of "Capability" Brown parkland. It makes an excellent day trip from London, particularly if combined with nearby Oxford.

Getting There

Take the train from London Paddington to Oxford (about 1 hour), then a local bus (the Oxford Bus Company's S3 "Blenheim Express") directly to the palace gates — journey time about 30 minutes from Oxford station, running regularly on most days. Alternatively, a taxi from Oxford takes about 20 minutes. Driving is an option if hiring a car.

Tickets & What to See

Palace and park tickets cost around £32.50 for adults (park-only tickets are cheaper and enough if you want the grounds without the palace interior). The State Rooms and Winston Churchill Exhibition are the highlights of the interior. The grounds — formal gardens, the Column of Victory, the lake and miles of parkland walks — take at least half a day to explore properly. Combined, a full day is comfortable rather than rushed.

Tips for Visiting

• Book tickets online in advance — saves money and guarantees entry on busy days.
• Combine with Oxford for a two-stop day: Oxford in the morning, Blenheim in the afternoon.
• The park-only ticket is good value if the palace interior is less important to you.
• Allow a full day — the house and 2,000 acres of grounds together take longer than expected.

Check the official Blenheim Palace site for current prices and events.