If February has you longing for a breath of fresh air and a touch of beauty, a scenic walk in the Cotswolds just over an hour from Gloucester offers a perfect escape. Although winter’s chill and dormant landscapes can make outdoor excursions less appealing, early spring flowers like snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils begin to emerge this time of year, bringing an unexpected burst of colour and life.
One standout destination is the famous snowdrop garden at Blenheim Palace, showcased recently on TikTok by ambassador Anya Rowe. Known for its stunning displays, Blenheim Palace has planted an impressive 15,000 snowdrop bulbs this February. These delicate blooms, including species like Galanthus nivalis and the double-flowered Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Plena,’ create a breathtaking sea of white across the Cascade Garden, the 4th Duke’s Rockery, the Arboretum grassland, and the Secret Garden.
Situated in the Oxfordshire part of the Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace offers expansive grounds ideal for walks of varying lengths and difficulty, many accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Whether you prefer a gentle 1.5-mile stroll through the formal gardens or a more vigorous 4.6-mile walk around the park perimeter that welcomes dogs, there’s something for every nature lover.
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Visiting Blenheim Palace requires tickets for certain garden areas and palace access — garden entry costs £31 for adults and £15 for children, with combined palace and garden tickets priced at £41 and £24 respectively. Annual passes are available, offering excellent value for locals or frequent visitors.
February half-term brings a host of activities to Blenheim Palace. Children can meet the palace’s sheep, ride a miniature train through the Walled Garden, make bug homes to support winter wildlife, and enjoy themed storytelling sessions. The estate also features playful attractions like the Marlborough Maze, Adventure Play, and a vibrant treasure hunt inspired by the beloved Pip and Posy characters.
Rich in history, Blenheim Palace is not only a visual delight but also a cultural gem. The estate is said to be mentioned in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as a setting visited by Elizabeth Bennet, linking the palace to Austen’s literary heritage and her connections to the Cotswolds region. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Blenheim Palace was built between 1705 and 1722 as a reward from Queen Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, celebrating his victory at the 1704 Battle of Blenheim.
This enchanting combination of nature, history, and literary charm makes a visit to Blenheim Palace and its surrounding grounds a truly special experience — a step back in time reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel, perfect for an early spring outing.