Just a twenty minute cycle ride away from central Oxford lies
a haven which lacks the bustle of Oxford life. It has been the
home of the dukes of Marlborough since 1704, when John Churchill,
the first Duke, won a great victory over the forces of Louis XIV,
and was given as a reward the Royal Manor of Woodstock and the
promise of a house. You will be astounded by the beauty of all that is around you,
whether you take in the house itself or just the grounds. The
more energetic amongst you can walk around the garden and visit
many hidden treasures: the outstanding feature of the huge park
is the man–made lake. The Grand Bridge is an awe-inspiring
focal point which leads up to the house, and the other side of
this is the Column of Victory, 40 metres high and in the Doric
style. Within the Palace’s precincts are formal gardens complete
with magnificent water terraces, an Italian Garden and the
Mermaid Fountain, all of which give the impression that you are
in one of the grands chateaux of France or Italy. Visitors can
buy (fairly expensive but tasty) ice creams and food here, and
sit on the terraces overlooking the lake. There is also the
fragrant Rose Garden, where Winston Churchill proposed to his
wife. If you have never been there, take the bus (Number 20) or
cycle out there to discover for yourselves this beautiful palace.
As you arrive you can feel yourself relaxing and the pain of that
last essay crisis subsiding, while you are absorbed into the
calming surroundings – it is almost as if you are
transported to a parallel world.ARCHIVE: 5th week TT 2004
Bored this Summer? Try… Blenheim Palace
