Blenheim Palace - a monumental country house
Located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, Blenheim Palace is the only non-royal non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace. But it is a title it truly deserves. Building began in the early 19th century, and important figures to have lived at the palace include wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill (Blenheim was his birthplace). Today, it is the residence of the Duke of Marlborough. However, the palace, park and gardens are open to the public, and make for an excellent day out.
Fun for all the family at Blenheim
As well as the historical splendour of the palace itself, children in particular will love the butterfly house, maze, adventure playground, and the Blenheim Park Railway, a miniature train that links the palace to the gardens. The palace is also a popular site for concerts and festivals, and has itself starred in many movies, with the James Bond film Spectre among the more notable films to have been shot in part at Blenheim.
Trace history at the Oxfordshire Museum
Only half a mile from Blenheim, The Oxfordshire Museum is also located in Woodstock and is the perfect place to visit after you've enjoyed the palace. Tourists interested in Oxfordshire's past will be fascinated by the natural and social history collections, and the interactive dinosaur gallery is great for little monsters. Planning a trip to Woodstock? Travelodge Oxford Peartree Hotel is your best bet for locality, being under 5 miles away, with Travelodge Oxford Abingdon Road Hotel and Travelodge Bicester Hotel both 9 miles from the palace.