Holiday in the Cotswolds - Part 2 (Blenheim Palace)

 Having spent the morning and early afternoon looking round the Palace itself, we ventured into the grounds after lunch.

Photo 1: Servants' Dining Room, Blenheim Palace (June 2025)

Blenheim Palace is, among other things, the birthplace of Winston Churchill. He has his own exhibition in the Palace and a statue in the grounds showing him enjoying one of his favourite pastimes ...

Photo 2: Winston Churchill Statue, Blenheim Palace (June 2025)

We headed over to the walled garden and butterfly house, passing this fountain on the way. Time to sit and let your mind wander as you listen to the water music ...

Video 1: Blenheim Palace Fountain with Slo-Mo (June 2025)

Video 2: Blenheim Palace Fountain without Slo-Mo (June 2025)

While we were resting our weary legs, we had a quick chat with two hard-working gardeners who were fertilizing the plants around the fountain. Blenheim Palace has 12 full-time and 4 part-time gardeners - a good deal fewer than in the past.

The walled kitchen garden was huge and, ultimately, a little disappointing with large parts hived off to children's activities. I guess that is what happens when you employ too few gardeners!

The Butterfly House is just outside the kitchen garden and well worth a visit as it's free. Mind you, it is very hot and humid so short visits recommended!

Photo 3: Mormon Swallowtail Butterfly (Butterfly House, Blenheim Palace, June 2025)

Photo 4: Zebra Mosaic Butterfly (Butterfly House, Blenheim Palace, June 2025)

Photo 5: Blue Wing Butterfly (Butterfly House, Blenheim Palace, June 2025)

Photo 6: Rusty-tipped Page Butterfly (Butterfly House, Blenheim Palace, June 2025)

Photo 7: The Clipper Butterfly (Blenheim Palace Butterfly House, June 2025)

Photo 8: Blue Morpho Butterfly (Blenheim Palace Butterfly House, June 2025)

After another cup of tea in the cafe near the butterfly house, we headed home after a brief diversion to St Martin's Church in nearby Bladon to see Winston Churchill's grave.