Places To Eat Near Blenheim Palace
Enjoying a delicious meal prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients is the perfect way to end the day after exploring Blenheim Palace. Why not wash it down with a pint of our award-winning Butcombe beer?
The Bear Inn
Right on the edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll find The Bear Inn. Enjoy modern twists on pub classics in a historic pub with traditional features, rustic furnishings, a pleasant beer garden and a roaring open fire. After working up an appetite while exploring Blenheim Palace, you’ll want to try our Baked Camembert, Butcombe Original beer-battered fish and chips or, if you are visiting on a Sunday, Cirencester’s finest roast.
The Beckford Inn
If you’re a fan of beer-battered fish and chips, love a classic Sunday roast (with all the trimmings, of course), or you consider yourself a beer connoisseur, stop by The Beckford Inn for a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant and a friendly atmosphere. Ideal for a break after visiting Blenheim Palace, exploring the Gloucestershire countryside, or after a spot of shopping in Cheltenham – go on, you deserve it!
The Beehive
Cosy booths, a friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and award-winning beers await you at The Beehive in Carterton, close to the beautiful city of Oxford, and the spectacular Blenheim Palace. Stop by for your favourite classic pub meal – whether you’re a fan of fish and chips, peckish for a light bite, or in the mood for a proper British roast dinner – and indulge with a perfectly-paired pint of Butcombe beer.
The Prince Of Burford
The Prince Of Burford gastropub is situated right on the edge of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and just 30 minutes away from the fantastic Blenheim Palace. Treat yourself to their famous Butcombe Original beer-battered fish and chips, Cotswold burger, or decadent vegetarian pumpkin and ricotta tortelloni. Pair any of these delicious meals with a selection of award-winning Butcombe beer behind the bar.
The Fleet
Overlooking the River Avon, there’s not many views as spectacular as at The Fleet Inn. Enjoy a delicious alfresco classic pub meal in ambience, with the babbling sounds of the river mere metres away, and a pint of award-winning Butcombe beer in your hand – the perfect way to spend an evening after a wonderful day at Blenheim Palace.
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak gastropub in Prestbury is nestled between the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Cheltenham Racecourse, while also being in close proximity to Blenheim Palace. It boasts log fires, a dog-friendly snug bar and dining room with high quality pub food and excellent real ale. Choose from a selection of locally-sourced pub classics with modern twists, with options for kids, vegans, vegetarians, and other dietary requirements.
The Victoria Arms
The Victoria Arms restaurant in Old Marston is a traditional pub on the banks of the River Cherwell, serving locally-sourced food and award-winning Butcombe beer. With tranquil riverside garden views, it’s the perfect place for a hearty meal, a few pints, or cosy pitstop while exploring the local countryside or the nearby Blenheim Palace.
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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