Places To Stay Near Blenheim Palace
After a tiring day exploring and learning about the history of Blenheim Palace, our range of nearby boutique hotels are the perfect place to stay the night. With cosy beds, family rooms and excellent breakfasts, you will leave feeling relaxed and ready for the next part of your Cotswold staycation.
The Beckford Inn
The Beckford Inn is a beautiful and newly refurbished 19th-century Cotswold pub and hotel in the village of Beckford, near Tewkesbury. With 12 boutique bedrooms full of comfy furnishings and personal touches, we offer the ideal base for exploring Blenheim Palace, and easy access to Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the M5. Inside, you’ll find cosy interiors, stone floors, open fires and an open-plan restaurant space where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Outside, you can relax in our spacious beer garden with a pint of our award-winning Butcombe ale.
The Prince Of Burford
The Prince Of Burford is a traditional pub and hotel converted from an 18th-century coaching inn, located in Burford on the edge of the Cotswold hills. We have 16 charming and comfortable ensuite rooms with dog-friendly and family-friendly options available, offering the ideal base for exploring Blenheim Palace, the Oxfordshire countryside and historic Oxford. On the menu, our focus is locally sourced seasonal dishes and exciting takes on pub classics, with a cracking selection of award-winning Butcombe beer, cocktails and wines behind the bar.
The Fleet Inn
Welcome to The Fleet Inn, in Twyning, near Tewkesbury. We are a riverside pub, hotel, and restaurant with a history dating back to the 1800s, three boutique bedrooms, a huge beer garden, and heated pergola terrace. We’re close to Blenheim Palace, Cheltenham (and its world-famous racecourse), Tewkesbury and other famous Cotswold attractions. On the pub menu, our focus is locally sourced produce, seasonal ingredients and pub classics, while behind the bar, we offer a wide range of real ale, craft beer, lager and cider from our award-winning brewery, Butcombe, and a cocktail menu with all the classics.
The Trout
Perched on the banks of the River Thames, The Trout in Oxford is a picturesque haven that blends historical charm with modern comforts. Dating back centuries, this Grade II-listed pub has a stunning riverside garden, perfect for relaxing with a refreshing pint while watching the water flow by. Inside, the low-beamed ceilings, cosy fireplaces, and traditional wooden furnishings create a warm, inviting atmosphere that embodies classic English pub culture. With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, the menu offers an exquisite range of British dishes that pair beautifully with their fine selection of ales and wines.
The Bird in Hand
Nestled in the heart of Berkshire, The Bird in Hand is a historic coaching inn with a welcoming blend of rustic charm and contemporary touches. Dating back to the 14th century, this quintessential English pub boasts exposed beams, log fires, and cozy corners where guests can unwind after a long day. Renowned for its mouthwatering seasonal menu, The Bird in Hand uses fresh, local ingredients to craft everything from pub classics to modern culinary delights. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink, a hearty meal, or an overnight stay in one of their stylish rooms, this pub promises a memorable experience in the countryside.
Blenheim Palace In Oxfordshire
One of the most visited attractions in the UK, Blenheim Palace is a must-visit when staying in the Cotswolds.
The History Of Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace was named after the 1704 Battle Of Blenheim, and is the only non-royal country house in England to hold the title of palace.
Construction of the palace commenced in 1705 and was completed in 1722. It is one of Britain’s finest examples of Baroque architecture.
It boasts over 300 years of history and, with 187 rooms, is one of the largest houses in England. It is arguably most well-known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
Blenheim Palace State Rooms
The State Rooms at Blenheim Palace are one of the most popular sights for visitors. If you were to imagine what the lavish rooms in a stately home might look like, then these are what would likely come to mind.
These rooms boast lavish carpets, gilded furniture, magnificent paintings and rare artefacts. Everywhere you look in these rooms reveals something of sheer opulence.
Guided tours are available to see the State Rooms on the ground floor and 2nd floor of the palace.
Sir Winston Churchill’s Birth Room
On November 30th 1874, Lady Randolph Churchill gave birth to a son in a tiny bedroom at Blenheim Palace. He was named Winston.
Although there are conflicting versions of events, it is widely believed that Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill was only born at Blenheim Palace as he arrived 2 months prematurely. The intended place of his birth was supposedly a house on Charles Street in Mayfair that his father had rented for Winston’s birth.
Whatever the truth may be, there is no dispute that he was in fact born at Blenheim Palace. The room is open for visitors and a painting by Churchill called “The Atlas Mountains from Marrakech” is on display for all to see.
Blenheim Palace Tours
When visiting Blenheim Palace, you can embark on two different tours, each of which offers an insight into different life experiences at the palace.
Upstairs Tour
The “Upstairs Tour” gives visitors the chance to see the main rooms used by the Marlborough family, from the 1st Duke to today. You will see the nursery where the young Lords and Ladies were cared for until as recently as the 1990s. You will also be exposed to some beautiful paintings by artists including Reynolds, Kneller, Sargent and Stubbs.
Downstairs Tour
The “Downstairs Tour” offers a glimpse into the lives of Palace staff over the past 300 years.
You can walk through the various corridors, see the iconic bell system and take a look at some of the areas which are still in use by Palace staff to this day.
Formal Gardens
The Formal Gardens surround the Palace and reflect the ages in which they were brought to life by designers such as Henry Wise and Achille Duchêne. As you explore the surroundings, you will take in the majestic Water Terraces, the Duke’s Private Italian Garden, the tranquil Secret Garden, the Churchill Memorial Garden and the beautifully delicate Rose Garden.
The pathway that leads to the Formal Gardens from the West Courtyard enjoys breathtaking views across the gardens and the lake.
The Walled Garden
The Walled Garden is a family-friendly area of Blenheim Palace.
You can reach The Walled Garden from the palace by taking an exciting trip on the miniature railway that the little ones will love.
Once there, the kids can entertain themselves in the small play area while you enjoy a snack or a drink (or both) at the Pizza Cafe.
Blenheim Palace Walks
Although there are other walks that you can enjoy while at Blenheim Palace, these are arguably the most popular.
The Lake Walk
A lovely walk that is just under 1 mile in length. It is recommended that wheelchair and buggy/pram users return to the palace via the Rose Garden once they reach the cascade.
The Queen Pool Walk
This is a dog-friendly walk of approximately 2 miles. This is a circular walk and is suitable for wheelchair and buggy users.
The Park Perimeter
The longest walk at Blenheim Palace at close to 5 miles in length. Suitable for wheelchair and buggy users and also dog-friendly, it does include some steep slopes.
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