Oxfordshire walks - Blenheim Park and Woodstock
The weather this weekend is going to be gorgeous and the stunning views of a Palace awaits you for a delightful walk through the grounds of Blenheim Park. You will be surrounded by lonely fields, wonderful parkland, towering old oak trees and a beautiful lake - all against the backdrop of the magnificent Blenheim Palace. Good exercise in the fresh air, sunshine on your face and a stop for a well deserved rest at the end of an enjoyable walk - perfection in the making.
To get the app and this walk visit https://www.localwalks.co.uk/oxfordshire-walks or search for 'Oxfordshire Walks' on your app store.
This 6 1/2 mile walk starts in the pretty old Oxfordshire market town of Woodstock where you will find many shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants to enjoy. You can park in the car park in Hensington Road. This means you are able to enjoy the wonderful parkland around the palace for free. Alternatively, if you want to visit the formal gardens as well you could park at the Palace and pay an entrance fee - you will need to book though https://www.blenheimpalace.com
Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Hertige Site, the birthplace of Winston Churchill and is visited by many thousands of people each year.
The first part of the walk takes you over the River Glyme and through Old Woodstock the original old settlement. You will pass through pleasant fields and along a track that follows the line of the old Roman road - Akeman Street. This will take you into the wonderful park itself.
The final stage of the walk is the highlight. As you walk through the magnificent grounds which were designed by renowned ‘Capability’ Brown, you will marvel at the ever changing views. There are wonderful old beech and oak trees, the gorgeous lake with wildlife to watch and towards the end - the breathtaking view across the lake of the impressive Grand Bridge and the magnificent Blenheim Palace in the background.
You can also stand next to the beautiful, majestic, ‘Harry Potter Tree’, a 300 year old Cedar of Labanon tree which sits alone by the lake where part of the ‘Order of the Phoenix’ was filmed.
Take a blanket to sit on, a book to read, a picnic to eat and enjoy a well deserved rest at the end of this walk. You will have a memorable day for sure as this is a perfect summer day in the making.
This is a walk for all of the family and your dog(s), however there are a few stiles, steps and cattle grids. Dogs are allowed on the Estate but must be kept on the lead at all times due to their animals and wildlife.
You can see a full list of Oxfordshire walks here.
Taking regular exercise outdoors amongst nature is good for both our mental and physical health at this time, but whilst out walking please remember to keep your distance from other walkers.
STAY ALERT - STAY SAFE
© OpenStreetMap contributors
Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2021
More from the Oxfordshire Walks blog…
