Step outside this spring...
Explore the great outdoors and enjoy the natural mood-lifting antidote of a walk in the Parkland. With 2000 acres to explore, there’s a walk to suit everyone and every occasion from a stroll around the Formal Gardens to venturing into the wider Estate.
With the days getting longer, there are more opportunities to enjoy beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and these warmer spring days are a perfect excuse to get out for a walk to blow away the cobwebs. Why not head to the Oxfordshire Pantry or Stables Café afterwards to relax with a luxurious hot chocolate and a slice of cake?
View our PDF map for more detailed information on the walk routes and locations around the Palace, Park and Gardens.
Discover our Walks around the Park
The Formal Gardens
Formal Gardens surround the Palace and include the majestic Water Terraces, the Duke's Private Italian Garden, the tranquil and secluded Secret Garden, the Churchill Memorial Garden and the beautifully delicate Rose Garden. Created over the centuries by esteemed garden designers such as Henry Wise and Achille Duchêne, they reflect a journey through the styles of the ages.
Head through the Palace’s Great Court and past the Stables Café in the East Courtyard to find the entrance to the Water Terraces complete with a fully accessible pathway, grand statues and beautiful water fountains, as well as a stunning view across the gardens and lake. Continue up the gentle slope on the far side to reach the Churchill Memorial Garden and then further along the path you’ll find the Secret Garden and Rose Garden.
1.5 miles, approx 1 hour walk
Accessible for wheelchair and buggy users
Dogs are not permitted on this route
The Secret Garden
If you continue through the Water Terraces and along the pathway around the South Lawn, going past the stunning south view of the Palace, you will see signposts directing you to the Secret Garden. This is a charming, secluded spot where winding paths lead to bridges over tranquil water. When Blenheim Palace first opened to visitors, the 10th Duke of Marlborough tasked his team with building a private garden where he could enjoy some peace and quiet within the ‘jungle’ of plants, trees, pools, and streams.
Today it’s called The Secret Garden and was opened to the public in 2004. It’s the ideal spot to sit on a bench amidst the botanical surroundings and listen to nature.
1.5 miles, approx 1 hour walk
Accessible for wheelchair and buggy users
Dogs are not permitted on this route
The Lakeside and Cascades
Follow the Formal Gardens pathway, going past the Rose Garden, to eventually reach the dramatic view of the Cascades. Designed in the 1760s by architect and designer Lancelot ’Capability’ Brown, The Cascades is one of the best places to unwind and escape. You certainly won’t need your headphones when visiting our Cascades - take a hot drinks flask along, stop to listen to the sounds of rushing water and watch it flow over the rocks. If you're lucky you may even spot a heron seeking out his dinner. The path then loops back around and runs alongside the lake and past the Boathouse, allowing for some lovely scenic views across the water, before finishing back at North Gate.
0.75 miles, approx. 35 minute walk
Wheelchair and buggy users are recommended to return via the Rose Garden after reaching the Cascade, avoiding taking the circular route
Dogs are not permitted on this route
The Queen Pool
Begin this loop of the lake either from our Woodstock Archway entrance at the end of the Woodstock high street or from the main Palace entrance, Flagstaff Gate. Highlights include what Lord Randolph Churchill, father of Winston Churchill, named ‘the finest view in England’ which encompasses the Queen Pool, Vanbrugh’s iconic Grand Bridge and the Palace. Perfect for a crisp morning jog or for wildlife spotting such as our resident ducks, distinct black masks and vibrant siskins as well as lots more.
1.5 miles, approx 45 minute walk
Accessible for wheelchair and buggy users
Dog-friendly route, please keep your dogs on a lead
The Park Perimeter
Perfect for those who want more of a challenge and to really boost their step count, this circular walk crosses some steep slopes. The path is fringed by the High Park woodland complete with our ancient oaks and a whole new world of wildlife. Whether you're taking a solitary stroll, walking the dog, getting little ones out of the house or going for a morning jog, there's something about being in woodlands under a canopy of trees that is a real treat for the senses.
4.6 miles, approx 2 hour walk
Accessible for wheelchair and buggy users
Dog-friendly route, please keep your dogs on a lead
Column of Victory View
The Column of Victory is the perfect place to watch the sun peek through the clouds in the bright daytime, or a stunning spot to watch the sun fall behind the building at twilight. The view from the Column of Victory is a short uphill walk that will boost your heart rate, get your blood pumping and certainly blow away the cobwebs on a windy day. You'll likely be kept company by the sheep that often graze at the base of the Column.
0.75 miles, approx 45 minute walk
The path is across grass and may not be suitable for all mobility aids
Dog-friendly route, please keep your dogs on a lead
Listen to our wellbeing podcast series
To further enhance your walk, why not plug in your earphones and listen to our Spotify wellbeing podcast series ‘Being at Blenheim’. These were recorded in peaceful spots from several of the above Estate walks including Bladon Bridge, The Secret Garden, The Cascades, High Park and at the edge of the lake by our famous Harry Potter tree. Join Wellbeing and Nature Connection Coach and Mindfulness Teacher Claire Branigan and listen to the calming sounds of nature alongside a gentle running commentary of various ways to enjoy nature, de-stress and take time for yourself.
Episode One
