Blenheim Palace and the Harry Potter Tree, 7 miles, leisurely

Join us for a short walk through the grounds of Blenheim Palace, take a selfie with the Harry Potter Tree and enjoy post-walk refreshments in a pretty village packed with pubs and cafés.

Pace: gentle. Ascent: 135m.

Distance: 11.3km / 7.0mi
Ascent: 135m / 443ft
Type: linear

Walk details
This is an easy 7 mile walk through the Blenheim Estate, admiring the only non-royal country house in the country with the title of “palace”. The magnificent 300 year-old building has featured in several feature films, including: Harry Potter, James Bond, Transformers, Mission Impossible, Cinderella, Gulliver’s Travels and Indiana Jones.

We’ll start by following the road from Hanborough Station north towards the estate, and crossing some very muddy fields. We’ll then pass through the woods, past the old Oak bench, and stop for lunch by the lake, marveling at the awesome palace views. There will be a chance for anyone who wants to have a selfie with the Harry Potter tree – used in the later Harry Potter films after the original Whomping Willow tree fell down!

After passing the grand bridge to the palace, we’ll wander around the northwestern part of the estate – mind this was very muddy on the recce – until we reach the northern gate, and then follow the road into the centre of Woodstock.

Travel details
By public transport
If travelling from Reading Station, take the 10:18 Great Western Railway Service to Hereford, which arrives in Hanborough at 10:53. This train stops at Oxford at 10:43.

The walk ends in the beautiful village of Woodstock, where there are many options for refreshments while waiting for a bus back to Hanborough Station. The bus journey takes 8 minutes, and the bus stop in Woodstock (Marlborough Arms, stop ID oxfgdwpm) is directly in front of the Marlborough Arms pub and Woodstock Coffee Shop.

Trains leave Hanborough station hourly, and there are trains at 15:19, 16:19 or 17:19. To catch these trains, you will need to catch the S7 bus from Woodstock to Hanborough Railway Station. These leave Woodstock at the Marlborough Arms stop at 14:59, 15:29, 15:59, 16:29 and 16:59 (and other times) and take around 10 mins.The bus stop in Woodstock is directly in front of the Marlborough Arms pub and Woodstock Coffee Shop.

By car
There is a large car park at Hanborough Station, which appears to be free on Saturdays (see https://www.apcoa.co.uk/parking-in/long-hanborough/hanborough-station/).

The walk ends in the beautiful village of Woodstock, where there are many options for refreshments while waiting for a bus back to Hanborough station. The S7 buses run at 29 and 59 minutes past the hour on a Saturday, the bus journey taking around 10 minutes.

Notes

• Please bring a packed lunch and a drink.
• It might be muddy – please wear suitable footwear.