Book a Great British Christmas getaway at Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat

The new Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat is preparing to welcome guests for the perfect winter weekend away, with stays in luxury lodges available to book now from just £335.

With the holiday season now upon us, there’s never been a better time to escape to the Oxfordshire retreat – which opened for the first time this summer – and experience more than 300 years of history and heritage at the most wonderful time of year.

The first of its kind to be built in the UK, the collection of cosy lodges sits a stone’s throw from the iconic Blenheim Palace – home to the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of legendary Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill.

As ever, Blenheim Palace boasts a packed calendar of events and experiences for the 2023 season. This year, the palace has been transformed to tell the iconic tale of Sleeping Beauty, reinventing the classic tale for a new generation with an interactive twist. Guests will discover a new chapter of the story every time they step into one of Blenheim Palace’s historic rooms.

Meanwhile, until Sunday, December 17, guests can browse the beloved Christmas Market in The Great Court, at the heart of the palace’s 2,000-acre grounds. Rows of picturesque wooden chalets selling everything from souvenirs to festive food and drink will fill the courtyard, offering ample opportunity to pick up some unique Christmas presents for loved ones. Other seasonal delights include the return of the palace’s magical Christmas lights trail, as well as Sleeping Beauty-themed afternoon teas at the recently reopened Orangery restaurant.

Alongside the Christmas overlay, families can still explore Blenheim Palace’s full range of history, heritage and attractions – including the new-for-2023 Blenheim Palace Adventure Play, which has been captivating children aged from two to 12 since opening in April. Highlights of any tour of the palace itself include the room in which Churchill was born, countless invaluable paintings and the vast library in which the Dukes of Marlborough have walked for three centuries.

Back at Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat, guests can indulge in more Christmas treats thanks to the extensive self-catering and dining facilities packed into each lodge. Granting total freedom to cook festive food exactly the way you like it – whether that’s nestled up with hot chocolate and mince pies or laying on a full roast dinner for the whole family.

There’s also plenty to see and do in the charming town of Woodstock, just a short walk from Blenheim Palace Lodge Retreat, giving guests a plethora of pubs, cafés and shops to explore – and the festive fun doesn’t need to stop on Boxing Day, with lodges available to book in those oft-hazy days between December 25 and New Year’s Eve.

Opening dates and hours for Blenheim Palace can be found at www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/opening-times.