Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace & Gardens
Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history. Blenheim Palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne and a grateful nation in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704.
Continuing our Christmas Blog theme for December we know that Blenheim Palace is famous for its love of all things Christmas. So, we thought we’d take a further look into this magical site to learn more on its history, what to do when you visit and what to expect at Christmas time!
History
With almost 300 years of history, Blenheim Palace has been a family home, mausoleum and national monument. Arguably however, its most famous as the birthplace and home of Sir Winston Churchill, England’s Prime Minister between 1940-45 and 1951-55. Churchill even proposed to his wife, Clementine Hozier, in the grounds of the Palace, in the Temple of Diana summerhouse on 11 August 1908.
The park and gardens were transformed by famed English landscape architect, Capability Brown. From his appointment in 1764, he worked to enhance the landscape with newly planted trees and man-man undulations. But it’s the Palace’s lake, which he created by damming the River Glyme, which is perhaps the most stand-out man-made feature.
During World War I, the Palace was used as a convalescence hospital for wounded soldiers. Then, during World War II, more than 400 pupils were evacuated there from Malvern College for one academic year. Blenheim Palace then opened its doors to the general public in 1950, and has attracted millions of visitors since then. Today, it’s the home of the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.
The Churchill Bust, Blenheim Palace
What to do
At Blenheim Palace there is much to do throughout your visit. The first recommendation is to perhaps start with a visit to the palaces magnificent palace state rooms where you can listen to an audio tour of some of their magnificent rooms and artefacts, hearing from experts on their fascinating stories of history and heritage. The formal gardens are the next place to visit as they were created over the centuries by esteemed garden designers such as Henry Wise and Achille Duchêne. The Formal Gardens reflect a journey through the styles of the ages. They surround the Palace, and include the majestic Water Terraces, the Duke's Private Italian Garden, the tranquil Secret Garden with all of its hidden treasures, the Churchill Memorial Garden and the beautifully delicate Rose Garden. There is also a family-friendly Walled Garden with a Butterfly House, Maze, Cafe and Play Area to keep the little one’s entertained too!
Palace State Rooms, Blenheim Palace
You will also get the chance to visit the birth room of Sir Winston Churchill, it has recently reopened at Blenheim. He was born on the 30th November 1874 and in order to mark the re-opening, a painting by Churchill entitled ‘The Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh’, has also gone on display in the bedroom for the first time. It is understood Churchill gave the painting to the man who supplied his trademark #Cuban cigars as a token of friendship.
You will also find the Churchill exhibition here located in an area of the Palace overlooking the Water Terraces used as an artist’s studio by the wartime leader. It features a mix of historic artefacts and new technology, documenting key aspects of the adventurous life of Sir Winston Churchill, the famous wartime leader and writer. With photographs, letters, artefacts and excerpts from his most famous speeches, you'll gain a real sense of our ‘Greatest Briton’.
A new sensory garden adventure has just opened, to discover some of the wonderful sensory experiences the Formal and Walled Gardens have to offer. They have also created an immersive and interactive experience in the Palace’s historic stable block showcasing the importance of horses at Blenheim through the centuries called The Stables Exhibition,
Furthermore, there are plenty of places to shop at Blenheim Palace as they partner with renowned British companies to produce exclusive ranges of exceptional quality, many of which showcase artwork and interiors from inside the Palace. We also work closely with local producers and artisans to celebrate the best our local area has to offer. The gift shops are stocked full of souvenirs so carve out time in your day to have a good browse! One thing we love about Blenheim at Resolute is that one of there ten-year goals to triple Blenheim’s contribution to the local economy, as they aim to work closely with local producers and craftspeople, to share the best Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas have to offer.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace
At Blenheim Palace the story of The Nutcracker is re-imagined within the Palace for Christmas. Each room is exquisitely transformed and filled with hidden surprises, from the toymaker’s workshop on a frosty Christmas Eve through the glistening Land of Snow and onto the candy-cane Kingdom of Sweets.
They really have the most perfect Christmas planned for you all with the after-dark illuminated trail sparkling in the Great Outdoors. It’s the most wonderful time of the year when over a million lights, lasers and seasonal sounds fill the air with festive fun through the Palace’s picture-perfect gardens. Look forward to some together time with family and friends as you discover glittering tunnels of light, dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in jewel-like colour. For a moment of reflection pause at mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden, gaze up at the larger-than-life illuminations and don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas along the way.
Illuminated Trail, Blenheim Palace 2019
Their crew of talented independent street food vendors bring a delicious twist to tasty treats on offer. Have yourself a holly, jolly Christmas and complete your walk under the stars with a spiced winter warmer or hot chocolate shared with someone special.
There wonderful Christmas market is also back for 2021 where you can wander through the boutique chalets filled with an assortment of hand-picked, hand-made, irresistible gifts and tempting treats for foodies. With over 70 designer/maker craft traders who will be housed in wooden chalets in the Great Court, their distinctive range of artisan products will make perfect treats and gifts this Christmas.
Christmas Markets, Blenheim Palace
Sources Used:
https://www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/what-to-do/palace-state-rooms.html
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/united-kingdom/england/articles/a-brief-history-of-blenheim-palace/