In fact, this is the only building outside of the royal buildings to hold the title of 'palace', making it a truly unique visit. Covering over 2000 acres, the surrounding grounds at Blenheim Palace are just as worthy of exploration.
Today, the Palace is home to one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries.
How long to allow for a Blenheim Palace visit. Touring the house will take you about 40 minutes using the audio guide. The Churchill exhibition another half an hour. Within the house there is also The Untold Story exhibition which tells stories about the house and the people who lived in it takes another 40 minutes.
As it is a private estate entry to the Blenheim can be expensive, but a little-known secret is that a number of public footpaths cross the park, so it's possible to enter without needing to buy a ticket, absolutely free.
We visited today and had the most magical time, I would 100% recommend to anyone. The staff were all lovely and the whole day is really well organised and planned. I can honestly say it's the best Christmas day out we have ever had as a family. Image from 2023 trail.
Is Blenheim Palace worth visiting | Home of Churchill Family
Can you just walk around Blenheim Palace for free?
As it is a private estate entry to the Blenheim can be expensive, but a little known secret is that a number of public footpaths cross the park, so it's possible to enter without needing to buy a ticket, absolutely free.
The traditional wooden chalets will be showcasing a range of festive treats from designer-makers and artisan food and drink producers. Entry to the market is free. Parking charges apply. Your very merriest Christmas starts here.
In fact, this is the only building outside of the royal buildings to hold the title of 'palace', making it a truly unique visit. Covering over 2000 acres, the surrounding grounds at Blenheim Palace are just as worthy of exploration.
Do the Churchill family still own Blenheim Palace?
Blenheim Palace today is still the home of the Churchill family. It is currently the home of the Twelfth Duke of Marlborough, Charles James Spencer-Churchill. The land is now owned by the king since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The family has paid rent for the land for the past 300 years.
Here is all you need to know to access Blenheim for free, using the 'secret green gate' in Woodstock. It's perfectly legal – you will be using a Public Footpath to enter instead of one of the official entrances. It's just a 5 – 10 minute walk and will bring you in right next to the lake.
It's bigger than Buckingham Palace, but it's also privately owned by the family that built it over 300 years ago. It's been the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough since 1704 and was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Free car parking is available to all Blenheim Palace visitors (a parking fee applies to selected third party events, like Christmas), with disabled parking for blue badge and accessible parking at the front of the main car park with a shuttle buggy to the Palace. Further parking is available at the Walled Garden.
At Blenheim Palace you will find the 'Harry Potter Tree' which is where the scene containing Snape's flashback was filmed; taunted by James Potter and friends a young Snape was levitated into the air upside down in front of the tree.
Films shot at the exteriors include Spectre while the interior has been used as a filming location for Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation among others.
Was Princess Diana related to Duke of Marlborough?
He is the eldest surviving son of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and his first wife, Susan Mary Hornby. As a member of the Spencer family, he is a distant relative of the war-time Conservative Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and of Diana, Princess of Wales, born Lady Diana Spencer.
The short answer is yes. Via the Spencer-Churchill line, Princess Diana is related to Winston Churchill, former British prime minister. Their common ancestors include Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl Spencer (1675-1722) and his wife Anne Churchill: Diana's 7x great-grandparents, and Winston's 5x great-grandparents.
Spend a day out at Blenheim Palace and you won't be disappointed. We were on our way back from a day in the Cotswolds when we stumbled upon this historic palace. Sometimes I think this is the best way to enjoy places. With no expectations the rewards can be even more memorable.
Visit beautiful Blenheim Palace, where Sir Winston Churchill was born and raised. See some iconic filming locations from the popular BBC TV series 'Downton Abbey': the home of Isobel Crawley, the Downton Cottage Hospital, and the village church.
The palace, one of England's largest houses, was built between 1705 and 1722, and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The palace is named after the 1704 Battle of Blenheim.
Magnificent palace set in beautiful landscaped grounds. If you do not wish to, or do not have time to visit the palace you can enjoy a walk in the grounds and wonderful views of the palace by entering the grounds via a free public pathway.
Dogs are not permitted in the Walled Garden, Blenheim Palace Adventure Play, Formal Gardens or Palace, with the exception of assistance dogs. Visitors are not permitted to bring food and beverages into the Palace. The use of tripods or selfie sticks is not allowed inside the Palace.
How long does it take to walk around Blenheim Palace Christmas lights?
The Blenheim Palace Illuminated Trail is loved by locals and visitors alike. With the Snow Queen and Father Christmas making appearances in recent years, it's a great event for families. The Illuminated Trail takes about 90 minutes to complete but you can take things at your own pace.
