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Blenheim Palace
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in West Oxfordshire District

Blenheim Palace

8.5
4.6/5
493 reviews
Blenheim Palace is located in Oxfordshire, England. It was commissioned by Queen Anne as a reward for the first Duke of Marlborough's military achievements in the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Construction began in 1705 and was completed in 1722, designed by Vanbrugh in the English Baroque style. It is one of the few non-royal, non-ecclesiastical country houses in England to be called a "palace." The palace is still inhabited by the Duke of Marlborough's family and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, along with its gardens. In 1874, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was born here, which is why it is often referred to as "Churchill's birthplace." This magnificent palace boasts over 300 years of history to share and houses one of Europe's most significant and extensive collections. Its cultural highlights are diverse, complemented by a rich program of special activities and exhibitions year-round. You can explore the state rooms with an audio guide, admiring portraits, tapestries, and exquisite furniture while learning about the palace's three-century history. Stroll through the gardens and admire the charming English landscape, keeping an eye out for historical landmarks such as the victory column, the bridge and the temple of Diana along the way. Explore various formal gardens, including the rose garden, the water terrace and the secret garden. You can also take the miniature train to the walled garden, where you'll find the adventure playground, the Marlborough maze and the butterfly garden. Your palace, gardens and admission ticket include year-round activities and exhibitions. From jousting tournaments, food festivals and flower shows to Halloween daytime entertainment and Easter egg hunts, there's something for everyone. Inside the palace, you can explore breathtaking state rooms and immersive exhibitions that bring 300 years of history to life. Outdoors, you can discover over 2000 acres of Brown-designed landscapes, 150 acres of award-winning formal gardens, and the iconic rooftop restoration project. Whether visiting with friends or planning a family outing, your admission ticket will take you through unforgettable seasonal moments at this magnificent British palace.Blenheim · 12.2km from Oxford
University Church of St Mary the Virgin

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

4.9
4.3/5
120 reviews
University Church of St Mary the Virgin, also known as St Mary's Church, is the main church of the University of Oxford. With a history of nearly 1,000 years, it is magnificent and ornate. Located right next to Gloucester Green bus station, it is also the first impression many travelers have of Oxford. This is a Post-Gothic building, and the church spire is considered one of the iconic attractions in the United Kingdom. You can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a 360-degree view of Oxford, especially the beautiful, elongated view of the Radcliffe Camera, All Souls College, and the city to the south. The Baroque church porch was built in 1637, and its spiral columns were a major innovation in the history of architecture in the United Kingdom. The war in 1645 left bullet marks on the porch. The University Church of St Mary the Virgin was originally the shared church for all colleges, where all ceremonies, formal meetings, and examinations were held. Later, as the activities of individual colleges became more independent, the role of the church gradually diminished. During the famous 13th-century conflict between university staff/students and townspeople, the King ruled that the townspeople must compensate the university for its losses and cover the university's expenses for the next 500 years. Therefore, every year on St Scholastica's Day, a delegation of Oxford citizens comes to the church to present the payment to a senior university official. This has now become a highly symbolic ceremony.Oxford · 288m from downtown

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Hop-on hop-off bus tour in Oxford, United Kingdom
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UK Windsor Castle + Stonehenge + University of Oxford In-Depth Guide 1-Day Tour with Multilingual Options
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4.5/5
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Harry potter studio and university of Oxford 1-day tour
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4.8/5
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City Sightseeing Oxford Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
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University of Oxford + Shakespeare's Birthplace + Cotswold Way + Warwick Castle day tour
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University of Oxford + Cotswolds AONB countryside 1-day tour [English-speaking group | London/Bristol]
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Oxford: Scenic Sightseeing Cruise with Gourmet Picnic
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The London Pass includes access to 100+ popular attractions, local experiences, and dining options, including the Tower of London, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and more.
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Bustronome London panoramic glass double-decker sightseeing bus restaurant with British cuisine lunch/dinner options
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Aqua Shard restaurant reservation service in London, UK
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London: Traditional English Scone Making and Tea Workshop
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What travellers say about Oxford

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_We***1216 August 2026
5.0
It was a lot of fun, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. It was much more comfortable than traveling in China where there are many people. You could deeply experience the English countryside and learn about Churchill's life story. Highly recommended!

Blenheim Palace

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庞贝蒋琬3 July 2025
5.0
The teacher started from the Oxford University Museum and finally went to Chris Church College, bringing us a very detailed history of Britain and the origin of Oxford. The most impressive thing is the story of Bloody Mary: the conflict between the new and old churches, the three archbishops who were burned to death, and the violence and killing caused by an unfortunate childhood. The teacher prepared very carefully! When narrating, he could also cite modern classics. The children could also fill in and remember these stories based on film and television works, such as the history of the entire Oxford University & the division of labor of the colleges, etc., which can be understood in combination with the plot of Harry Potter~ Three hours of explanation, let us all want more!

University of Oxford

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陌染MM29 January 2021
4.0
The Bridge of Sighs (Oxford University, UK) is officially called Hertford Bridge. It is a famous attraction at Oxford University. The construction of the Bridge of Sighs began in 1913 (completed in 1914). It crosses New College Road and connects the old and new parts of Hertford College. It is a famous attraction at Oxford University. It was designed by Sir Thomas Jackson. Because the bridge is similar to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, Italy, it is called the Bridge of Sighs. I came to Oxford University with a tour group and could only take a quick look.

Bridge of Sighs

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E22***5817 September 2020
4.0
The Bodleian Library is a large arched dome building and a landmark building in Oxford. When you see this circular library in the picture, you know you are in Oxford. The library is built in the style of the Pantheon in Rome, but it is not open to tourists. Only staff from Oxford University can enter with access control. There are many tourists taking pictures outside.

Bodleian Library

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苏河家园28 June 2025
5.0
英国牛津大学内的圣母玛利亚大学教堂为该校主教堂,内部彩色镶拼玻璃光彩迷离。穿梭于牛津古老街区,到处感受英伦学术气息与历史厚重。

University Church of St Mary the Virgin

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AAA827 August 2023
5.0
Earth and life exist in delicate balance. Explore the oceans, land, and air around us to witness this dynamic connection and see what happens when the balance tips.

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

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小思文27 December 2019
4.0
Oxford University College is also a very innovative place. This college is also one of the top universities in the world. The famous Oxford University is located in many areas of the city. Many disciplines of the university are in a leading position. There are also many Chinese international students.

University College, Oxford

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Bbybells10 January 2024
5.0
the Radcliffe camera is stunning and a place that I always take tourists when they visit

Radcliffe Camera

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Noemiey12 December 2023
5.0
it’s definitely one of my favorite art museums in the UK, not only for its great collections but also the exhibition designs.

Ashmolean Museum

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What are the must-do things in Oxford?

Don't miss these attractions in Oxford: Blenheim Palace, University of Oxford, and Bridge of Sighs. If you like Culture & history, try Hop-on hop-off bus tour in Oxford, United Kingdom. If you enjoy Food & drink, try Oxford: Scenic Sightseeing Cruise with Gourmet Picnic.

You can give Oxford: Scenic Sightseeing Cruise with Gourmet Picnic and The London Pass includes access to 100+ popular attractions, local experiences, and dining options, including the Tower of London, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and more. a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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