On our recent road trip to England we travelled as far down as Blenheim Palace which is in Oxfordshire, in fact I didn’t realise how close we were to London until I saw a huge monument which was acting as a mile marker, we were only 85 miles from London, if we hadn’t been booked in various hotels further north I would have suggested going on to London. Anyway, unfortunately the only day we could go to Blenheim again was a bit damp which was very annoying as we didn’t want to go around the palace again, it was the grounds we were interested in seeing. Below is a part of the Capability Brown designed landscape. I know that some people who are lucky enough to have stately homes see Capability Brown’s designs as being a bit of a curse because it means that they can’t change their own surroundings. I can understand that really.
We were keen to give the maze a go as we failed completely in the maze at Chatsworth, we couldn’t even get into it never mind out! Blenheim’s maze was much more enjoyable – up to a point, and that point for me was about 10 minutes, because after 11 minutes I just wanted out of there. Could we do it? could we whack!
After going up the two viewing platforms – twice, we did eventually find our way out – phew. I can see why some people would begin to panic. From the viewing platform some desperate people were taking photos on their phones to aid their escape – that’s what I call cheating. Have you noticed in the photo above that the yew hedges have been trimmed so that they form the word Blenheim when seen from above – very smart.
Blenheim is expensive to get into but if you live fairly locally you can get an annual ticket for just £1 more which is a great deal I think as it’s a great day out especially for families. There’s a butterfly house and all sorts. I suspect that Jack’s favourite part was the wee train, in fact I’m pretty sure that that was why he wanted to go back there.
This is NOT him driving it, but he probably wishes he was!
I was about to link to my previous post about our 2014 visit to Blenheim Palace, but I’ve just discovered that it doesn’t exist. I’ve got so behind with posts, but I’ll do it soon, you might find it interesting – you never know. Meanwhile you can read about it here.
I hate mazes! We went into the one at Hampton Court and I did almost have a panic attack. When I want out, I want out! I don’t remember that they had any viewing platforms there.
Joan,
That was the first one which I’ve actually been in and I don’t think I’ll bother trying any more. We would still be in it if they hadn’t had those platforms!
Gorgeous even on a cloudy day! I love mazes. Out here this time of year they are a big draw as they are cut into corn fields.
Stefanie,
I’ve seen a sign on a road nearby which points to a ‘maize maze’ which I’m presuming is a corn field but I haven’t seen it. That wouldn’t be as claustrophobic as a yew maze with hedges that tower above you though.
I loved Blenhim Palace, so fascinating and I remember the train!
Jo,
It’s a fairly long trek for us but I had always wanted to go – so that’s another place crossed off my list!
Just watched a movie today that was filmed there -A Little Chaos. Alan Rickman directed it, and Kate Winslet starred. I was a lovely piece about the court of Louis XIV and the beginnings of the gardens at Versailles. (I’m not a fan of mazes either. To claustrophobic for that!)
Funny – it was filmed in bits and bobs all round the UK (including Hampton court) and not a single scene was actually filmed at Versailles! Good grief!
Pearl,
I can’t imagine the French would be pleased about it all being filmed in England. I haven’t seen that film, must look out for it. I’m hoping to get around to showing some photos of the inside of Blenheim.