Blenheim Palace
A rare example of English Baroque-style architecture, Blenheim Palace is a stunning building situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire. The Palace serves as the home of the Duke of Marlborough, and is connected to a beautiful, expansive park and verdant gardens, the perfect place to relax and soak in the prestigious atmosphere. There are opportunities to explore the grand palace with a number of tours, inside and outside, where you can see the luxurious state rooms, formal gardens, and much more. Visit the indoor cinema to gain an insight into its rich history, or see the Blenheim Art Foundation’s collection of masterpieces.
The park offers a selection of scenic walking routes and a buggy tout, passing the Grand Bridge, the Column of Victory and the Grand Cascades, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the UK. The gardens have a fantastic hedge maze, and an adventure playground that is ideal for youngsters. There is many places to eat, with pizza, pasta, cakes, and ice cream among the selection, as well as an award winning gift shop in the East Courtyard.
The palace and formal gardens are open 10am-5.30pm daily, with the park opening 9am-6pm. To explore the palace, park, and gardens, tickets cost £23 for adults and £12.50 for children. Blenheim Palace is just a ten minute drive from Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford.
Didcot Railway Centre
The Didcot Railway Centre is a staple in Oxford’s rich history, housing a unique collection of steam engines, coaches and wagons of the Great Western Railway in a fascinating and educational exhibit based on the original style of 1930s locomotive engine sheds. The Science, Learning and Railway exhibition offers a captivating insight into the railway centre’s past, and the Great Western Trust museum and archive outlines the immense social and economic impact of the Railway. Of particular interest are the air raid shelter and the Broad Gauge Turntable, reminders of the many purposes the centre had before retiring into a museum.
You can find the Didcot Railway Centre a twenty - five minute drive from our hotel in Oxford.
Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology
The Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology houses a number of engaging exhibitions, from a study of fantastic historical British artwork in Great British Drawings, to collections by Adam Buck, Yoshida Hiroshi, and many more. The museum itself is a piece of art, built in the Neoclassical architectural style of the mid-19th century, and it houses, amongst other fine selections, the world’s largest collection of Raphael drawings and the most important pre-dynastic Egyptian materials exhibit
Peruse the many inspiring pieces at your leisure, before visiting the Ashmolean Café for a range of sandwiches, cake and pastries, and a warm cup of tea. Take advantage of the unique museum shop, where you can buy an assortment of beautiful jewellery, clothing, and stationary, as well as other souvenirs of your visit.
The Ashmolean Museum offers free admission and is a ten minute drive from the Leonardo Royal Hotel Oxford.
Museum of the History of Science
Let your curiosity roam free at The University of Oxford’s Museum of the History of Science, where you’ll find an unmatched collection of historic scientific instruments. From astrolabes and sundials to optical apparatus and equipment for early chemical, philosophical and medicinal science, the numerous displays at the museum lay out the important and interesting history of humanity’s ancient scientific discoveries.
You’ll also get the chance to explore the grand and distinctive reference library, containing an astronomical calendar dating back to 1476, and many classic volumes that can only be found in these archives. The museum shop offers a myriad of replica instruments, ornaments, stationary, and fantastic ‘Make Your Own’ kits that will inspire your interest in the history of science.
The Museum of the History of Science offers free admission and is open Tuesday to Sunday, 12-5pm. The museum is situated on Broad Street, a eleven minute drive from our Oxford hotel.
The captivating culture of Oxford stands as an enduring testament to its rich heritage and scholarly tradition. Oxford's cultural tapestry seamlessly weaves together the past and present, inviting all who visit to immerse themselves in its remarkable atmosphere and embrace the spirit of intellectual curiosity that has defined this city for centuries. For those seeking a deeper exploration of this historic city, our Oxford City Guide is a must-read. It serves as a compass to navigate the diverse and captivating offerings of Oxford, ensuring that your visit is a memorable one.
Experience Oxford Tours
Explore Oxfords most famous buildings steeped in history and recognised around the world by joining Oxford Official walking tours, conductied by experienced and knowledgeable guides from Experience Oxfordshire. The guides will walk with you through some of the most famous spots in Oxford, including filming locations for Harry Potter and Inspector Morse.
You will discover the beautiful Oxford setting of some of the most renowned tales in literature and screen, with historical and cultural knowledge throughout. Group sizes are limited to 20 for safety and comfort. Book here.
