Christmas At Blenheim Palace Review
THIS EXPERIENCE WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST/S FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW.
Reviewed by Julie Hayward
I was excited to be invited to review the opening of this new Christmas event at the majestic Blenheim Palace. The dazzling huge Christmas wreath, that is at the entrance of the courtyard, sets the scene for the scale of this event. Seeing the decorated trees, really marked the beginning of Christmas for me.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace promises to have it all, lights, festive music, hot chocolate and even its very own fantasy world.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace includes, The Kingdom of The Snow Queen, the Illuminated Trail and a Christmas Market. You can choose to visit The Kingdom of the Snow Queen or the Illumination Trail separately or you can buy a combined ticket, tickets need to be purchased in advance, on-line. The Christmas Market and children’s fairground rides are open to all visitors.
The Kingdom of The Snow Queen is set inside the Palace, situated on the ground floor. An enormous Christmas tree, with hundreds of baubles, fills the entrance hall. The rooms and corridors are full of sparkle and glitter. The stately interior has been transformed into a magical world; a hallway of mirrors leads us into a story, where you might meet the illusive Snow Queen and encounter other mystical characters along the way. The attention to detail is amazing. I felt like I was on a film set, transported into a fantasy land.
The Illuminated Trail is set in the spectacular grounds of Blenheim Palace, the gardens and parkland are lit with over one million bulbs, best experienced after dark. The Palace itself has been bathed in multicoloured lighting and images that are projected onto the building, that move to the festive music. Even the water feature has a part to play with a smoke effect that gives the illusion of frost or ice, the lights on the trees are reflected in the water.
The paths are a good width, and the trail has slopes, suitable for both pushchairs and wheelchairs, so the event is accessible to all and with pre booked time slots it should not get over-crowded. Having said that you need to allow up to 90 minutes to walk this large site and to make the most of all that there is to see.
There is an illuminated tunnel, Santa’s grotto, clever lighting effects, dancing Christmas trees, the rose garden is filled with flickering flames and along the trail there are places to buy a drink, even an open fire to toast marshmallows.
The market is a warm and welcoming place with cabins selling a good selection of food and hot drinks, handmade products, artisan gifts and souvenirs.
I guess the nearer to Christmas you visit, the more festive the occasion. I should imagine that weekends and school holidays will be popular, so may get booked up sooner.
Christmas is a magical time, and our visit to Blenheim Palace has certainly delivered, on a dazzling experience giving us a warm and happy feeling.
Rating: 5/5
Christmas at Blenheim Palace is at Blenheim Palace from Friday 18th November 2022 to 2nd Jan 2023
Ticket cost do vary, a standard adult is from £25, plus £10 per car for parking.
For more information or to book tickets visit Christmas at Blenheim Palace | Blenheim Palace.
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL