Dog walks in and around Blenheim Palace

Whether you like a rural and rugged landscape, or prefer a more refined and cultivated countryside, Blenheim Palace and its surrounding areas have everything you could dream of, for you and your dog. In fact, Blenheim Palace is a great place to start your walk from, as it is renowned for being dog friendly, (although dogs must be kept on a lead in the grounds).

Blenheim Palace itself is set within the centre of 2000 acres of beautiful undulating parkland. The vast landscaped park was designed by the famous gardener – Capability Brown in the 1760’s, and is full of delights for visitors, with or without dogs. This vast parkland has stunning and tranquil views, which are naturally picturesque. The lush landscape includes the most beautiful 150-acre lake, and is an ideal place to bring your dog. There are set walks such as the Queen Pool, the Lake and Cascade and the Duke’s Gardens. There are also plenty of areas where you can simply walk with your dog, and enjoy the stunning views.

For example, for those who wish to wander around a set of beautiful majestic gardens, the Formal Gardens are a collection of constructed gardens, which were commissioned by the 9th Duke. They include the Water Terraces, built to represent a smaller scaled version of the Parterre d’Eau at Versailles. There is also the Secret Garden, a wonderfully secluded area, where visitors can meander along the winding paths, leading over bridges of still and calming waters. Finally there is the Duke’s Italian Garden; this is a private garden but you can glimpse the beautiful flowers from the raised walkway.

As for the set walks, Queen Pool is a wonderful way to take in the beautiful colours of autumn, as you stroll past the trees on your journey. This is a circular walk that starts from the main Palace gates and measures around 1.5 miles. Simply walk down to Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge and you will soon see Rosamund’s Well down to the left. From there you walk along the road to the right and over the bridge at Seven Arches. You now have a steep hill to negotiate, up to the Triumphal Arch at Woodstock Gate. This walk takes about 45 minutes and is mainly on the road so dogs must be kept on leads at all times.

The Lake and Cascade is another circular walk of around 45 minutes but this one is over some rough terrain so walking boots are recommended. At the Water Terraces, look for the signs for the Rose garden, the Cascade and the Pump House and then walk along the slope above the cascade, following along the edge of the lake to the Boathouse. Finally complete your walk by arriving back to the Water Terraces.

Finally, the Duke’s Gardens is a slightly longer walk, taking around an hour and is about 1.5 miles. Again, starting off at the Water Terraces, walk past the Temple of Diana and head towards the Rose Garden. Now cross towards the South Lawn and head over to the Secret Garden. You can rest here as there are seats available, and when you are ready, head back to the Water Terraces.

Self-Catering Cotswold Cottages

We have a number of beautiful self-catering holiday cottages near Blenheim Palace and across the Cotswolds area; the perfect getaway for you and your four legged friend. For more information on our dog friendly cottages, please get in touch today:

01993 824 252

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