London Stansted Airport to Oxford and Blenheim: Day trip

Settled around 900, Oxford was an important cultural center for medieval England. Not only is it home to the oldest University in the English-speaking world, it was also where the first English constitution was written, and was the birthplace of two English kings. Today, the city is still best known for its University, which is undeniably a cultural highlight - the Bodleian Libraries, Divinity School, and Christ Church College are so magical, they were featured in the Harry Potter movies! For true Potterheads, you can even book a Harry Potter walking tour of the University. With such a rich academic heritage, Oxford also has a multitude of museums, from the eclectic collections of the Ashmolean Museum, to the rotating exhibitions at Modern Art Oxford. If you’d prefer to stay outside, the many towers, domes, and carvings make the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’ a delight to explore.

Built in the early 18th century as a reward for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough for his military triumphs during the War of the Spanish Succession, Blenheim Palace was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in the rare and short-lived English Baroque style. Today, the palace reflects the lives of the generations of Churchills who have inhabited it. Visitors can marvel at the rich decorations within the stately rooms, including ornate stucco work, period furniture, eclectic artwork, and even a functioning pipe organ in the library. The noble setting is supplemented by a variety of exhibits ranging from period costumes to interactive multimedia installations, with a special exhibition dedicated to Sir Winston Churchill. The palace is surrounded by over 2000 acres of extraordinary parkland, with magnificently manicured formal gardens, the Great Lake, and ancient trees. Visitors can even take a buggy tour of the grounds!