Team Bear
Blenheim Palace is a must-see British attraction in the Cotswolds.
Situated on the edge of the Cotswolds in Oxfordshire, it is known as ‘Britain’s greatest palace’, complete with elaborately decorated rooms, exquisite furnishings, exhibitions of historic artefacts and spectacular walks in their Formal and Walled Gardens.
After your day out at Blenheim Palace, pay a visit to The Bear Inn in Cirencester and see what award-winning Butcombe beers we have available behind the bar, before ordering something from our delicious, seasonal menus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Serving delicious, seasonal pub food and award-winning Butcombe beer, The Bear Inn is a piece of Cirencester history that dates back to the 18th century.
To reach The Bear Inn from Blenheim Palace, you must head south-east on Oxford Road (A44) towards Cadogan Park and then, at Bladon Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Bladon Road (A4095).
After approximately 2 miles, turn left onto Lower Road and continue for a further 3 miles. At Eynsham Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A40 and continue for 7 miles and then, at the next roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on A40 for 3 miles.
At Asthall Barrow Roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on A40 for 3 miles. When you reach Burford Roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on A40 for a further 1 mile, before turning left onto B4425 and continuing for approximately 9 miles.
Turn left to stay on B4425 for 6 miles, and then continue onto Burford Road (A429). At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on Burford Road (A429) and then, at the next roundabout, take the 1st exit and stay on Burford Road (A429).
At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit onto London Road and then continue onto Lewis Lane before turning right onto South Way and then right onto North Way. The Bear Inn will be on your left.
To remind our customers how much we appreciate them, we created the Butcombe Loyalty Club.
Turn points into pounds, enjoy 25% off food every Butcombe Wednesday, and receive extra rewards throughout the year.
To sign up, check your balance and more, head to our Loyalty Members area.
Thank you for your booking, we look forward to welcoming you.
