Podcaster and pilot Fernando Pinho flies to Blenheim Palace for a Christmas adventure, via London Oxford Airport
2 December 2024
Can you believe it’s almost Christmas time again? Having said that, it feels like it’s been Christmas time since the moment supermarkets replaced Halloween decorations with festive ones!
The festive season presents a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the UK’s most popular Christmas markets and to see cities and towns in a different and warmer light.
And arguably, the most spectacular one is Christmas at Blenheim Palace. And that’s where we are heading for this Christmas Special.
Blenheim Palace, a magnificent 18th-century house and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of parkland and lakes. It’s one of the most stunning country houses I’ve ever visited!
Every year, they transform the grounds into what could only be described as an extravaganza – one million lights transform the Palace into a beacon for those looking for a seasonal family getaway.
So, grab your Christmas jumper, hat and gloves, and let’s explore this magical destination together!
Blenheim Palace is easily accessible by air, road, train and bus. The closest train station is in Oxford (8 miles to the south). From there, Stagecoach Bus S3 and Bus 7 run from Oxford City Centre to Woodstock, four times an hour, 7 days a week. Here are the timetables for trains and buses.
Buses stop outside the main entrance, from where it’s a 10-minute stroll through the park to Blenheim Palace.
Usually, parking at Blenheim Palace is free. But as you might expect, not at Christmas because there’s a lot of money to be made out of families looking for the best Christmas experience. Sigh!
Free or not, there’s plenty of it available with disabled parking for blue badge and accessible parking at the front of the main car park with a shuttle buggy to the Palace.
If you consider the surrounding farmland, the estate is huge and has many service entrances. To be sure you don’t head to the tractor’s gate or the furthest away possible gate, please use this postcode in your SatNav: OX20 1UL.
Okay, I’m sorry for the slightly misleading title, but it wasn’t my idea. In fact, Oxford Airport has named itself London Oxford Airport.
And to be honest, I get it. Oxford isn’t far from London and offers one of the most friendly general and business aviation airports in the country. It’s open from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm, 7 days a week. Landing fees start at £25 (December 2024). Facilities include a business lounge, cafe, restaurant, hotel, and public transport, which are available on-site or within a couple of minutes’ walk.
But most importantly, the airport is neighbours with Blenheim Palace. If you have a bicycle, the dedicated cycling lanes will take you directly in 10 to 15 minutes. Or if you get a taxi, you’ll arrive at the palace within 5 minutes.
It’s the early 1700s, and England is celebrating a significant victory at the Battle of Blenheim. Leading the charge? None other than John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough. As a reward for his military genius, he was gifted land by Queen Anne. And on this land, he built the Blenheim Palace you see today.
Blenheim is more than just a beautiful building. It’s a place where history has unfolded. In 1874, a little someone named Winston Churchill was born within its walls. Yes, the Winston Churchill, the one who would later lead Britain through World War II.
Prepare to be amazed by the grounds. Blenheim boasts a spectacular landscape designed by the legendary Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. This guy was like the rock star of landscape design back in the day. He created a masterpiece of rolling hills, tranquil lakes, and lush groves. If only he could give me a hand with my back garden!
Most likely, you’ve seen it already!
The estate covers a whopping 12,000 acres, with everything from the palace itself to farmland, rivers, lakes, and even 2,000 acres of parkland.
You might have even seen Blenheim Palace on TV or in the movies. It’s been featured in over 70 productions, including Harry Potter, James Bond and Mission Impossible!
I arrived at the Palace on my trustworthy Brompton folding bike. And what a view. The whole estate is enormous, but in a very cinematic way. You almost feel you are on the set of Pride and Prejudice. But then you see an observation wheel at the entrance, a slight anachronism, considering it wasn’t invented until 1893.
Stepping back into the Christmas spirit, as you arrive, you’ll find a traditional funfair in the East courtyard, complete with classic rides like the carousel and the helter-skelter.
A few meters ahead, you’ll walk straight into the Grand Court, and those first seconds are undeniably impressive. This vast courtyard is surrounded by the main palace building and two wings, creating a sense of grandeur and scale.
And right in the centre? A bustling Christmas market with over 60 wooden chalets selling all sorts of goodies: food, gifts, festive treats, and (surprisingly) even some garden furniture. There’s also a covered ice rink where families can go skating.
This has to be one of the most iconic settings in the UK. Imagine being surrounded by this majestic Palace, all lit up with festive projections, a fantastic atmosphere with music filling the air, and the aroma of delicious treats wafting from the market stalls.
These days, you’ll find many illuminated trails around the country (interestingly, the main ones are all produced by the same company, RG Live). However, the Blenheim trail is considered the leading UK illuminated trail.
So, what’s it all about? The trail takes you through the gardens, lakes, and parkland around the Palace. There are over twenty attractions to discover, including captivating light installations, a mesmerizing water fountain show, and even a fire pit where you can roast marshmallows. And, of course, you might even catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself!
As you join the trail, the only lights to guide your way are those from the art installations. At points, it gets pretty dark, which is probably why plenty of signs ask you to keep your children close by.
But walking in low light makes those installations even more mesmerizing when you reach them. Each display was designed by a British or international artist, blending art and technology in a way that’s like stepping into a different world.
This is a 90-minute long walk through the parkland. If you have children with you, be prepared for a few breaks or to carry them in your arms. The good news is that there are quite a few resting areas equipped with toilets, warm drinks and plenty of seating.
Also, if it’s raining, the show will go on (storms aside). So please come prepared with a jacket, a raincoat, gloves, and a good pair of walking shoes or even boots.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace is a long day for children and parents! With so much walking to be done, some parents opt to pull their children in trolleys.
From the grandeur of the Palace to the enchantment of Neverland and the dazzling lights of the trail, this Christmas experience is nothing short of spectacular.
But all this magic comes at a price. Let’s be honest, it could be more budget-friendly.
Keep in mind that ticket prices vary depending on the time of day you visit. You can buy tickets for the whole experience (Neverland and the Illuminated Trail) or opt for individual events.
A standard ticket for a family of four for the entire experience will set you back £197. Ouch! If you can swing a later visit, the cost is slightly cheaper at £171.
It’s still a significant expense, and that’s before you factor in extras like the funfair rides, food, drinks, transport, and parking (which, let’s face it, can add up quickly).
You can get your tickets here.
The good news is that your ticket includes an annual pass that gives you free entry to Blenheim Palace all year round. So, if you plan to return to Blenheim throughout the year, it might be a very good deal.
You can also purchase tickets to just one attraction. For example, family tickets for the Illuminated Trail alone start at £72 and go up to £104.
Plenty to eat and drink at Blenheim’s Christmas Court. All images and video: Fernando Pinho
If you’re travelling from afar, staying overnight is a tempting proposition. Not only because you and your family will likely be exhausted but also because the charming medieval town of Woodstock is right next door to Blenheim Palace. With its picturesque streets and honey-coloured stone buildings, Woodstock is well worth exploring.
Woodstock deserves an article of its own, but for now, I’ll just say that it’s one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, with streets filled with boutique hotels, independent shops, gourmet restaurants, and charming bakeries.
If you wish to stay in Woodstock, I recommend The Feathers Hotel. This recently renovated 4-star hotel occupies a Grade II listed 17th-century building and is the new cool kid in town. It’s family and dog-friendly, and when I checked, rooms started at £250 per night.
If, like me, you just need a budget-friendly place to sleep, there’s a Premier Inn by the airport.
Wise words to live by, especially at Christmas!
And at Blenheim Palace, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to food and drinks. You can indulge in a themed Neverland Afternoon Tea in the restaurant or grab some street food from one of the chalets in the Grand Court. Some options, like paella or pizza, aren’t strictly traditional Christmas fare, but who cares when they’re that delicious?
My personal favourite is the chalet that sells chocolate marshmallow foam kisses. This original Danish treat has a biscuit base topped with a marshmallow-like filling and then coated in a hard shell of chocolate. It’s like a teacake but on a whole other level of deliciousness.
Click here to listen to the full episode of Travel Plans with Fernando Pinho for a more immersive experience of my Christmas at Blenheim Palace.
