Woodstock Historic Village – Grand Bridge at Blenheim Palace loop from Woodstock

Hiking trails & Routes

Woodstock Historic Village – Grand Bridge at Blenheim Palace loop from Woodstock

Easy

4.8

(13)

hikers

Woodstock Historic Village – Grand Bridge at Blenheim Palace loop from Woodstock

01:33

5.81km

60m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 6, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 470 m for 348 m

Permit required

After 4.80 km for 596 m

Customers only

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

210 m

Woodstock Historic Village

Highlight • Settlement

Woodstock is derived from old English, meaning a clearing in the trees. This is because Woodstock used to be part of the Royal Forest of Wychwood, most of which has since disappeared, cut down for industry and replaced by farmland.

The market town today is a good base for exploring the gently rolling limestone uplands of northern Oxfordshire. Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its wonderful grounds are set to the south and west of the town.

Tip by

784 m

Manor Road Green Gate — Entrance to Blenheim Palace

Highlight • Rest Area

Free access to the Blenheim Palace is available via this green gate on Manor Road (A44) N51 50.969 W001 21.563. There is free parking available nearby either at the Black Prince pub (across the street) or on Union Street (OX20 1JF) - less than half a mile away from the entrance

Tip by

1.67 km

Beautiful Trees in the Park

Highlight • Viewpoint

3.73 km

Blenheim Palace: Lake and Grand Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Winston Churchill's father called the view of Blenheim Palace, its lake and the Grand Bridge the finest in England. It certainly all looks grand from the edge of this beautiful, man-made lake.

When Blenheim Palace was first built, the lake was not much more than a marshy stream. It was 'Capability' Brown who imagined a grand lake as part of his great vision for Blenheim Park. In 1764, he dammed the River Glyme, creating the lake and its series of beautiful cascades.

Today, Blenheim Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest due, in part, to the lake's importance for breeding and wintering birds.

Tip by

4.01 km

View of the Bridge and Palace

Highlight • Viewpoint

4.01 km

Harry Potter Tree at Blenheim Palace

Highlight • Historical Site

The tree is featured in the order of the Phoenix where Harries father bullies Snape.

Tip by

4.32 km

Grand Bridge at Blenheim Palace

Highlight • Bridge

In 1704, Blenheim architect John Vanbrugh set out to create something spectacular across what was then just a marshy brook. The Grand Bridge was the outcome, containing no less than 30 rooms.

In 1764, 'Capability' Brown set about improving and landscaping the grounds. His most notable work was the creation of Blenheim's Lake, which submerged the lower stories of the bridge.

Tip by

4.57 km

Blenheim Palace — UNESCO World Heritage Site

Highlight • Historical Site

Blenheim Palace is a monumental country house situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. It is the principal residence of the Dukes of Marlborough, and the only non-royal non-episcopal country house in England to hold the title of palace.

The palace, one of England's largest houses, was built between 1705 and circa 1722. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

blenheimpalace.com

Tip by

5.81 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types