Visit Blenheim Palace

There are several castles and palaces throughout Great Britain, but the greatest palace of all is Blenheim Palace.

Photo courtesy of Blenheim Palace

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Only an hour drive from London, it’s worth taking a day trip, or a weekend getaway.
After seeing the sights in London, we escaped the city and spent a few days in the English Countryside, and Blenheim Palace was a highlight!

BLENHEIM PALACE

Blenheim Palace was built to celebrate the victory over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession, and is known as Britain’s greatest Palace. Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and today, home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. Blenheim Palace has been the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough.

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Our fabulous guide Charlie, noted, “The private apartments are a wonderful opportunity to see how the Marlborough family live in this magnificent Palace today. Visitors are taken through a stunning collection of beautifully decorated rooms, overlooking breathtaking views of one of Capability Brown’s finest landscapes. Prepare to be entertained with charming stories about glamorous house parties and famous guests set in the very heart of English high society.”

“Blenheim was built as a gift to the 1st Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, the military commander who led the Allied forces in the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Marlborough himself received the surrender from Marshall Tallard, leader of the French forces, following the battle. To honor the Duke’s heroic victories, Queen Anne granted his family the ruined Royal Manor and park at Woodstock, along with £240,000 with which to build a house to mark the occasion,” shared Stephanie Hendley, Head of PR at Blenheim.
This splendid country house is located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, and remains the only non-royal country home in England with the title “Palace”. Visitors can take tours to see the State Rooms, Exhibitions and even see the Marlborough family’s apartments.

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Following a tour, be sure to stroll the grounds and admire the 18th century Baroque architecture, and 2,000 acres of Lancelot “Capability” Brown parklands and gardens.

STAY & DINE

Cliveden House sits 130 ft above the River Thames, and is one of the most beautiful Italianate Mansions with 300 years of history.

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Located in Buckinghamshire, this mansion has been home to an earl, three countesses, two dukes, a Prince of Wales and the Viscounts Astor.
Since the 1930’s, the estate has changed hands, and even Stanford University used Cliveden as an overseas campus in the 1970’s. Today, it is owned by the National Trust of England, and has become a luxury 5-star country house hotel.

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Only 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport, guests come from all over the world to experience country living at its finest. A wedding destination and ideal place for special occasions.

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Astor Grill: be sure and dine at the Astor Grill located at the Cliveden House!
Many locals and guests dine here and it’s often fully booked, so make a reservation.

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Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons
Not far from Cliveden, you can experience extraordinary dining in Oxfordshire.
If you really want to indulge yourself, splurge and book a reservation for lunch at celebrated Michelin star Chef Raymond Blanc’s Restaurant at Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons.

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HOW TO GET AROUND

Silver Lady Chauffeur
Looking for a chauffeur-driven car for a tour? A Wedding? Or a special occasion?
We met John, our Rolls Royce Chauffeur at The Barnsley House in the Cotswolds, and he drove us to Blenheim Palace, and at the end of the day to Cliveden House.

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John offers ½ day and full day tours throughout the Cotswolds, Warwick, Stratford on Avon, and even Wales!

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Some visitors book John for up to a week to visit any part of the UK, and fascinating areas in the heart of England.

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There’s something special about touring in a Rolls Royce, and getting your photograph with the ‘roller’!  We agree with John, “There’s no car more recognized than a Rolls – Royce; a ‘Roller’ makes any occasion special, whether it’s a wedding, an anniversary, a surprise for a friend, or just a night out.”

Formerly, John was a history teacher and also offers tours of historical interest. He shares, “As far as history goes, you trip all over it wherever you go in England.” Visit his website to learn more, click here

Contact Details:
Call or email John for a quote to enhance your special occasion with a chauffeur-driven Rolls – Royce.
Tel: 024 7641 3300
Email: john@silverladychauffeur.co.uk

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Global Adventuress would like to thank John from Silver Lady Chauffeur for our private transfer in his beautiful Rolls Royce from the Cotswolds to Blenheim Palace to Cliveden House.

We also want to thank Cliveden House for hosting our delicious meals. Finally, we want to thank Blenheim Palace for offering us media passes and private tours of the Castle.

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