The Park and Walks

When the 1st Duke of Marlborough and his architect, John Vanbrugh, surveyed Queen Anne's gift of Woodstock Park, an awkward valley carrying the Glyme stream and its tributaries left them wondering how to cross what was, essentially, a marsh!Vanbrugh saw this marsh as ornamental water crossed by the finest bridge in Europe, The Grand Bridge.

The Grand Bridge

The Grand Bridge with arcaded superstructure and drumhead finials as planned by Vanbrugh was never completed and today, only an elevation plan survives.Bartholomew Peisley, the mason who built the bridge, under Vanbrugh's direction, was 'very proud and overjoyed', when in 1710 the main arch, 101 feet (almost 31 metres) wide, was keyed.

The Column of Victory

Started five years after Marlborough's death, the Column of Victory was completed in 1730 at a cost of £3,000. The height of this Doric column, surmounted by eagles is 40 metres, including the lead statue of the Duke by the otherwise unknown craftsman, Robert Pit.

Many designs and proposals were put forward for the monument and at one time an obelisk, standing halfway along the Great Avenue was planned but a column was decided upon and its current position at the entrance of the Great Avenue was finally chosen by the Duchess.

Restoration in the Park

The dry-stone wall of Woodstock Park is said to have been the first park wall built in England. When the Marlboroughs took over in 1705, it was in a poor state of repair and was not rebuilt until after the first Duke's death; nor was it finished until 1729. All things considered it has lasted well, but still calls for constant maintenance, which is becoming more difficult as the number of skilled masons capable of doing the repairs is sadly decreasing. When the wall was originally rebuilt, the work was carried out by masons William Townsend of Oxford and Bartholomew Peisley junior, the son of the master mason who built the Grand Bridge – their estimate for the work was £1,196 per mile.

Walks around Blenheim Palace and Park

There are over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped park to be explored and there is beauty to be found in all seasons; lawns brimming with daffodils in spring, the greens of the trees transforming into a myriad of warm tones from summer to autumn, and the twinkling blanket of frost and mist rising from the lake in winter. Walks of between 45 minutes and 1 1/2 hours allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the Palace within its awe-inspiring setting.

Queen Pool

This is a beautiful circular walk which takes in the beautiful autumn tones, around Queen Pool, of 1.5 miles or up to 45 minutes. Starting at the main Palace gates, walk down over Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge, from where you can see Rosamund’s Well down to the left. Follow the road around to the right and walk over the bridge at Seven Arches and up a steep hill to the Triumphal Arch at Woodstock Gate. This walk is mainly on the road.

The Lake and Cascade

This is a circular walk of up to a mile or 45 minutes over some difficult terrain. From the Water Terraces, follow the signs for the Rose garden, the Cascade and the Pump House. Climb the steps to the Pump House and follow the path around to the Boathouse and back past the Temple of Diana towards the Water Terraces. Walking shoes are recommended as there is some difficult terrain.

The Duke’s Gardens

A circular walk of up to 1.5 miles or 1 hour. From the Water Terraces follow the signs to the Rose Garden along the South Lawn, to the west of the Palace and through the Arboretum. Cross the South Lawn towards the Secret Garden to the East of the Palace. Seats are available in the Secret Garden. Return via the Italian Garden to the Water Terraces.

Walking shoes are recommended, although the terrain is not difficult.