Post:Hugo Driver. Image:Neville Cowan
Blenheim is both a British aristocratic family home and a cultural and historical gem that increasingly attracts international visitors, especially from Asia. This iconic British structure epitomizes an era when European powers conquered different lands and tried to assert their sovereignty across the world.
It represents the wealth of a once wealthy country that has long since lost its global stature and influence. Visitors to Blenheim are treated to a stunning array of art, culture and artifacts that have been preserved by a family for generations and now share their palace with the world.
The palace was a gift from Queen Anne of England to the first Duke of Marlborough after he defeated the French at the Battle of Blenheim in August 1704. The reward from Queen Anne's kingdom was Blenheim Palace and its extensive gardens. The ceremonial rooms of Blenheim Palace display a range of exquisite furniture and decorations accumulated over 300 years of British history.
These artefacts illustrate the story of Blenheim Palace, of the Marlborough family, the generations who lived here, of England and its links with the world it dominated through trade and government in the 17th and 18th centuries. The palace is staffed by professionally trained historians with extensive local knowledge. They are always eager to introduce and guide visitors around the palace, taking them in small groups through the palace’s magnificent library, dining rooms and private bedrooms.
The palace’s stone walls are covered with European tapestries. The beautiful ceremonial rooms display collections of centuries-old Asian ceramics and French-style furniture, which was popular in Europe during the Baroque period. The palace is bathed in the splendor of a bygone era, when England was on its way to becoming the economic and political powerhouse of Europe and the world. Magnificent chandeliers and chandeliers adorn the vaulted ceilings, while elaborate architectural details decorate the walls of the bedrooms and living rooms. The impressive features of the corridors and other rooms of the palace continue to inspire artists and photographers who visit Blenheim each year. The palace’s frescoes and paintings are also rich and bold.
The palace library is a monument to classical literature and houses the works of Winston Churchill, the famous British Prime Minister. He was born in this palace and his life was closely linked to the story of Blenheim Palace throughout the 20th century. Visitors can visit Churchill's grave in the neighboring village, very close to Blenheim Palace.
There are many reasons to visit Blenheim at any time of year. The palace offers a wide range of dining options. You can enjoy a simple lunch or visit the bar if you want to experience what the ancients used to enjoy here. In winter, Blenheim retains its beauty and splendor. If you are lucky enough to visit Blenheim when the palace’s artificial lake freezes over, you will be able to admire the beauty and tranquility of the palace in a very special way. The palace also has wildlife and other architectural wonders, including an intricately carved waterfall and a beautiful bridge over the lake.
In autumn, visitors can visit the palace to take beautiful pictures of the autumn colors, the carpet of yellow leaves falling all over the paths in the gardens. The whole palace is dyed with unique red, yellow and orange colors that only appear at this time of year.
The most impressive feature of Blenheim Palace is the treasures housed within its walls. Generations of palaces continue to open their doors to visitors who love to admire the luxurious Baroque art in architecture and decoration. Blenheim is full of mysteries waiting for the adventurous visitors to England. This wonderful historical palace will give you a cultural travel experience and at the same time open the door to the rich and aristocratic past of England.
More information:
Travel:
- Vietnam Airlines has weekly flights to London Gatwick Airport. For more specific information on flights, please visitwww.vietnamairlines.comfor more details.
- From Gatwick or Heathrow airport, you can take the train to Oxford. Access details:http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/.
- You can also rent a private car to get here. Access:http://www.findlaycs.com/for more details.
Accommodation:You can choose to stay in a variety of hotels in Oxford and Woodstock such as:
- Randolf Hotel:http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-randolph-hotel/
- The Bear Hotel:http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/macdonald-bear-hotel/
- For more detailed information on travel and accommodation for tourists in the UK, please visit the website:http://www.visitengland.com/en/EN/
Visa:
- To apply for a UK visa, please visit:http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/vietnam.
General information:
- You can access the websitehttp://www.blenheimpalace.com/to find out information about Blenheim Palace.
- The British currency is Pound. You can exchange money at major banks in Vietnam or at international airports.
- When travelling in the UK, remember to save your PIN on your credit or debit card as most shops here will ask for your PIN rather than a signature.
- Tour companies in Vietnam such as Saigontourist and Hanoitourist both provide travel advice and tours to the UK.
