5 Spectacular Views of Blenheim Palace and Gardens

Built in the early 18th century, Blenheim Palace is the seat of the Dukes of Marlborough and the only non-royal, non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the palace was designed by architect Sir John Vanbrugh in the short-lived English Baroque style. 

This view of Blenheim Palace shows the rear of the building. While still grand, imposing and architecturally impressive, it’s slightly more welcoming than the dramatic front façade of the palace. Thanks to the curved designed of the building, it looks much smaller from this angle. Walk around to the front to see just how spectacular this property really is. 

The main approach to Blenheim Palace takes you through the beautiful Blenheim Park and across the River Glyme. The long drive through the stunning English countryside gives the impression that you’re travelling to a bygone age. It also offers the perfect chance to enjoy the incredible beauty of the Oxfordshire landscape.   

The front façade of the palace is where Blenheim really comes into its own. The manicured lawns, perfectly preserved buildings and straight, elongated drive show visitors that this is a residence of great importance. It also gives you a good idea of how the building and its grounds would have appeared to people visiting the Dukes of Marlborough in the 18^th century. 

Blenheim Palace sits in the middle of the expansive Blenheim Park. These beautiful grounds have been heavily landscaped and tended over the years, creating a beautiful mix of ornamental garden and English country oasis in the process. First designed by Henry Wise, the gardens were transformed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in the late 18^th century.

Altogether, the park encompasses around 2,000 acres of stunning Oxfordshire countryside. Almost all of the gardens are open to the public, allowing you to explore every nook and cranny of this incredible space. 

The architect of Blenheim Palace knew how to make an unforgettable first impression. The building's main entrance features staggered facades and a huge central courtyard. This gives the idea that the palace is opening up and swallowing visitors as they arrive. 

This viewpoint also allows you to appreciate the true scale of the structure. Built over 7 acres, it’s one of the most expansive country homes in the UK. Spend some time exploring this ornate façade and appreciating the craftsmanship and design work that’s gone into creating this iconic building. 

Inside Blenheim Palace you’ll find a series of extravagantly decorated rooms, each hung with artworks and adorned with the finest fixtures and fittings. Many of these pieces were purchased following the marriage of the 9th Duke of Marlborough to American railroad heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt. 

A marriage of convenience, the money it brought to Blenheim allowed the duke to replenish the home’s furnishings and décor, much of which had been sold by previous generations to pay the family’s mounting debts.