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Walk 3357 - printer friendly version

Blenheim Palace Great Park Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.6 miles / 10.7 km

Ascent - 400 feet / 121 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SP446167
Lat 51.8471240 + Long -1.3539567
Postcode OX20 1TS (approx. location only)

Blenheim Palace is visited by many thousands of people each year. Located close to the village of Woodstock, the Palace is surrounded by wonderful parkland which is accessible free of charge by using the rights of way that cross the landscape. You can also visit the Palace during this walk but remember that normal admission charges apply.

The start is the small free car park adjacent to the Public Library at grid ref. SP446167, which is signed off the main A44 that runs through the village. After parking walk back to the A44 and turn right (north) and follow the pavement alongside the main road to Old Woodstock. As you climb the hill through the village you reach a bust stop with a post box nearby (grid ref. SP441172). Go through the railings on your right into Westland Way. Within a few metres bear left into Rosamund Drive and continue along this residential road to a metal gate and a footpath sign. The path turns left and then crosses fields passing Field Barn on your left to reach Stratford Lane (grid ref. SP441186).

Turn left up the lane to reach the A44. Cross with care and follow the signed Oxfordshire Way through a gate in a wall and into Blenheim Park. The path crosses a pasture with Furze Platt to your left. The route is easy to follow and is well signed and soon reaches a wonderful avenue flanked by regiments of trees. Go straight across remaining on the Oxfordshire Way following the old Roman Road of Ackerman Street. You cross a driveway and descend into a small area of woodland and a path junction (grid ref. SP416178). Turn left here and follow the clear path through woodland and along the edge of a field and more woodland to regain the driveway crossed a few minutes earlier (grid ref. SP423175).

Turn right along the driveway. After a few metres take the signed path on your left. This leads you across fields to another path junction. Turn right and continue to Park Farm and a tarmac drive. Pass to the left of the Farm and follow the tarmac drive as it turns left and continues through the park. At the first junction, turn right and follow the twisting drive through trees and open grassland for 400 metres to where the driveway enters trees after passing through an open area. Take the signed path on your left (easily missed) and continue down to the shores of the Great Lake. Stay on the shore path and soon you will see Blenheim Palace across the lake with the Grand Bridge also coming into view.

Free access only takes you to the Grand Bridge. Should you wish to visit the Palace then admission charges will apply. Having enjoyed the view, turn sharp left and follow the path across grass and up to the Column of Victory with its splendid view. From the Column follow the path across grass in an easterly direction. This leads you down to the northern end of Queen's Pool and a small cottage. Follow the driveway behind the cottage. This leads you back to the A44 through a large wooden gate. Bear right along the A44 to return to Woodstock.

Walk 3357 Route Map

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