Spectacular Christmas at Blenheim Palace | England

In this episode , we're taking you on an unforgettable Christmas experience . Get ready for festive lights , enchanting trails and Christmas markets .

We will start our adventure by visiting the palace's staterooms , transformed into Peter Pan's Neverland , then we will walk through the after dark , spectacular and UK's leading illuminated trail . This dazzling trail is filled with one million festive lights and enchanting displays of colour and water , promising an unforgettable experience for everyone .

All of these experiences are located on the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning country houses I've ever visited . We'll be taking off in the next couple of minutes and I'll talk to you again before we reach our destination , but for now , sit back , relax .

Check out our newsletter , which is packed with photos and videos from this trip . The website for the newsletter is travelplanspodcastcom and the link is in the episode notes . November 262.B Alphen ready for departure . 262.b Cessna in 2 centuries at 9 knots runway . 24l takeoff discretion . Taking off 24L . Take off at your discretion . Taking off 24L .

N262db Power set everything on the green . I will set everything on green 70 road width . Welcome back , we are cruising at 5,000 feet . Today we are flying to Oxford Airport , which is just 5 minutes away from Glenham Palace . It couldn't be closer . Every year , cities and towns around the UK put together Christmas markets and events for the whole family .

Over the years I've visited a few , but most likely the most spectacular one is Christmas at Glendon Palace , and today we are going to find out why it's considered the most popular Christmas trail in the country . Glenham Palace is more than just a grand estate . It holds centuries of history and stories within its walls .

Here's Nathan with our in-flight entertainment to fill you in on some fascinating facts about this iconic landmark . To fill you in on some fascinating facts about this iconic landmark .

The Duke , a masterful strategist , led his troops to a resounding victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704 , safeguarding England's prominence on the European stage . And what a reward he received . But Blenheim's significance extends far beyond its stately facade . It stands as a living testament to the passage of history Within its very walls .

In the year 1874 , a son was born to Lord Randolph Churchill and his American wife Jenny Jerome . That son , christened Winston , would one day rise to become the indomitable Prime Minister who steered Britain through the tumultuous years of World War II . And let us not forget the palace's breathtaking grounds .

Blenheim boasts a landscaped garden considered by many to be the pinnacle of English garden design . Masterfully crafted by the celebrated Lancelot Capability Brown , these gardens are a symphony of nature's artistry , where rolling hills , serene lakes and verdant groves converge in perfect harmony .

So as we descend upon our destination , prepare to be enthralled by the splendor and heritage of Blenheim Palace , a true national treasure . And now back to your pilot , fernando .

Yes , all right , thank you very much , thank you , thank you , thank you , thank you , thank you , thank you , thank you , thank you , thank you , thank you , to get out of this airport . Is this the right exit for me ? All right , thank you very much , thank you , thank you .

This friendly airport is the perfect getaway to Oxford , the Cotswolds and , of course , blenheim Palace . They offer such an excellent service , from air traffic to the handling teams . Now we've flown to Oxford , but if you are taking a train from the station in town , you can catch bus S3 .

Here's a little known fact if you arrive at Blenheim Palace by bus , bike or electric car , you are in for a treat a 20% discount on tickets for the palace and gardens . Now , sadly , the discount doesn't apply to the Christmas events , but nevertheless , I brought my folding bike on the plane and I'll be arriving at the palace by bicycle .

I'm quite looking forward for the scenic ride , which should only take around 10 to 15 minutes , and off we go , wheeeee . The road between the airport and Blenheim Palace is quite busy . However , there is a dedicated cycle lane parallel to the road , and we are about to arrive to Blenheim Palace . And let me tell you , this place is enormous .

The estate covers a whopping 12,000 acres , with everything from the palace itself to farmland , rivers , lakes and over 2,000 acres of parkland . It's a far cry from my little neighbourhood . You might have seen Blenheim Palace on TV or in the movies . It has been featured in over 70 productions , including Harry Potter , james Bond and Mission Impossible .

And as I cycle closer , the first thing I spot is the observation wheel standing tall like a beacon , guiding us towards our Christmas adventure . Wow , this is impressive . The Great Court is the first thing you see when you arrive , and it's designed to take your breath away .

This huge courtyard is surrounded by the main palace building and two wings , and right in the center there's a Christmas market with over 60 wooden chalets selling all sorts of goodies . I see plenty of food , lots of gifts and festive treats and oh look , there's a stall selling chocolate foam kisses . Oh , my god , I have to try one .

Please bear with me or skip forward 30 seconds . Hello , can I have a milk chocolate one please ? Thank you very much . I'm sorry . I couldn't resist . These are delicious and they take me back to my childhood in Portugal . But there is so much to explore .

For example , in the middle of the Grand Court there is also a covered ice rink where families can go skating . This has to be one of the most iconic settings in the UK . I am surrounded by this majestic palace . Hold it up with festive projections and there's a fantastic atmosphere , with music filling the air and the aroma of delicious treats .

You absolutely have to see this for yourself . I'll be uploading photos and videos to our website , so check this episode's description for the link . Christmas at Blenheim Palace offers two main attractions .

The first event is a Peter Pan inspired experience called Neverland in the Palace , and our adventure begins here with a journey through Neverland following Tinker Bell's trail of fairy dust as he enchants the palace staterooms .

I've been handed a map of the 12 rooms we'll visit and which one of them tells a part of the story of Neverland , and the first room is the Great Hall .

It's 67 feet high , or just over 20 meters , and the ceiling is the highest point of the entire palace and right in the middle of it there's a giant Christmas tree , and I guess it will be the first of many .

It's there , where all the arrows are pointing Come on , follow me .

But one room held a particularly special meaning A room dedicated to Great Ormond Street Hospital , or GOSH as it is most commonly known . And here's a story you might never have heard . And here's a story you might never have heard the author of Peter Pan , james Matthew Barry , supported Gorsch for many years .

In 1929 , he was asked to sit on a committee to help the hospital buy land to build a new wing . Barry declined but said he hoped to find another way to help . A few months later , the hospital was surprised to learn that Barry had donated all his rights for Peter Pan to Gosch .

Many decades later , in 1988 , the House of Lords voted in favour of a special clause in the UK's Copyright Act . This amendment gives the hospital the right to a royalty from Peter Pan forever , not the usual 70 years . And that's why even our visit to Blenheim Palace helps Great Ormond Street Hospital offer life-saving treatment to thousands of children .

One of the most incredible rooms of the whole Neverland experience was the great library transformed into a pirate ship . The attention to detail was superb , with cannons , treasure chests and even Captain Hook lurking in the shadows . Actually , he asked me to send you a message . Is it safe for children to come here ?

This is probably the best Christmas display I've ever seen , and what makes it truly special is that it takes you through what are already quite incredible staterooms , but layering on top , peter Pan's story takes it to a whole different level , and I bet there is the child or adult who won't like it . Please check our website for all the photos and videos .

Words can hardly describe it , and after this experience I need a pause and a steaming mug of hot chocolate . Let's go back to the Christmas market . It's that time of year . The day is almost here . Raise your glass and say cheers , say cheers , it's holiday party . Feel the love , it's holiday party . There are many options for food and drinks here .

You can experience a themed Neverland afternoon tea in the restaurant or enjoy street food in one of the many chalets in the Grand Court . Today I'm going for that traditional Christmas dish a pizza and a hot chocolate . I know , I know . Please let me do it . Now for the main event , the renowned Christmas Illuminations Trail .

This experience is considered one of the best in the country . So what is all about ? The trail takes us through the gardens , lakes and parkland around the palace . There are over 20 attractions to discover , including light installations , water fountain shows and even a fire pit where you can roast marshmallows .

And , of course , we might catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself . Oh dear , each lighting installation was created by a different British or international artist . It will take us around 90 minutes to walk the trail , so to keep this segment short , I'll give you some of the highlights . All the photos and videos are on the episode's website . Let's go .

As you join the trail , the only lights to guide your way are those from the art installations . At points it gets pretty dark , which is probably why there are plenty of signs asking you to keep your children close by , but walking in low light makes those installations even more mesmerizing when you reach them .

Each display was unique and creative , blending art and technology in a way that was like stepping into a different world . The water fountain show was the highlight . Imagine water jets shooting up and down in time to the music , with colorful lights making it even more dramatic . It was like a water ballet .

Halfway through the trail there is a place to rest and roast marshmallows . We crossed illuminated waterfalls and a full-scale gingerbread house . We also walked through powerful light beams projecting into the sky , to the soundtrack of love . Actually , some installations were truly inspiring , like Flock , by the artist Geraldine Pilgrim .

She placed hundreds of illuminated doves across several trees , celebrating how simplicity can bring so much joy . And then , at the very end , the dreaded sorry , I mean the expected encounter with Father Christmas .

I wrote that one . I know's bad , but but I mean it and we arrived right back at the Christmas market . I don't know about you , but all this walking has made me hungry again , I know .

As I stand here , surrounded by twinkling lights and festive music and the aroma of mulled wine , I can't help but feel the joy we associate with Christmas . From the grandeur of the palace to the enchantment of Neverland and the dazzling lights of the trail , this Christmas experience has been nothing short of spectacular .

Now you might be thinking all this magic must come at a hefty cost , and you are right . It could be more budget-friendly , to be honest . But let's break it down . Here's something to keep in mind . The ticket prices vary depending on what time of the day you visit . You can also buy tickets for the whole experience or opt for individual events .

For a family of four , a standard ticket for the whole experience will cost £197 . If you can come later in the day , the cost is slightly cheaper at £171 . It's still a significant expense , and that's before you factor in all the extras like the funfair rides , the food , drinks , transport and parking .

The good news is that your ticket includes an annual pass that gives you free entry to Glenham Palace all year round , so from that perspective it can be good value , assuming you can return here frequently . You can also get tickets for just one attraction . For example , family tickets for the eliminated trail start at £72 .

Also , bear in mind that if the weather isn't great , the operator the show must go on approach . I made up this term , but it means that rain won't stop the show . So please come prepared with a jacket , a raincoat , gloves and a good pair of walking shoes or even boots . Raincoat , gloves and a good pair of walking shoes or even boots .

Also , there's a lot of walk to be done , so if you come with your children , be prepared to carry them for a while . It has been a very long day and I think it's time to call it a night , but before we cycle back to the airport , let's take one last look at this magical place , but from a different perspective . Let's step into the observation wheel .

From up here you can truly appreciate the scale of Christmas at Blenheim Palace . It's splendid and a great way to end our visit here today . We came to Blenheim Palace for this episode , but you can find Christmas joy all over the UK . There are lots of ways to celebrate from big cities to small towns .

I've put a list of some amazing Christmas experiences on this episode's website . You can even fly to some of them . There are ideas for everyone , no matter what you like or how much you can spend , and I guess for most of us , christmas isn't just about fancy decorations or big events . It's about something more important .

It's about spending time with the people we love . It's about those happy moments we share with family and friends , making memories we'll always cherish . And now it's time to cycle back . Are the days Gather ?

There you'll find photos , videos , ticket links and a list of places to eat and stay . And remember to join our live monthly Q&A . It's an opportunity to ask me questions about any of the trips we take for these podcasts and even get personalized travel suggestions . All the details are on the website .

Now for a special treat I am giving away a box of those delicious chocolate marshmallow foam kisses to the first listener who emailed me at hello at fernandotoday . That's hello at fernandotoday . That's hello at fernandotoday . Before December the 10th , please write the word giveaway in the subject line and you could be the lucky winner . Trust me , they are divine .

I'll be back next month with another exciting episode , ready to take you on a journey to a new destination . From all of us here at Travel Plans , we wish you a joyous Christmas season and a new year filled with love , laughter and unforgettable travel adventures .