Blenheim Park — Ditchley Gate
This was a pretty magnificent find! We have accessed Blenheim Park via the Woodstock gate and Bladon gate previously: both are public rights of way and both offer stunning walks that you would expect of Blenheim. Ditchley Gate did not disappoint either; the grandiose views of the 150 foot high Column of Victory become more imposing the further you walk up the Grand Avenue. And it’s a long avenue at a mile and a half! Notice the trees flanking the path either side — said to represent the troop lines of the 1704 Battle of Blenheim.
This is one of the many rights of way that criss-cross Blenheim Park, which also includes the Oxfordshire Way. You will notice lots of Blenheim Estate Public Footpath signs at various junctures, head off-piste if you can to explore the estate further, although some of these routes are not wheelchair and pushchair accessible. We turned left at the first gate and wandered down to see the sheep and lambs, well received by my 2 year old. If you are looking for more than a chinwag with a sheep then head to the Great Lake: before you get to the Grand Bridge double back on yourself, taking the opposite fork and accessing the lake via a gate on your left. I did this with a pushchair 18 months ago and it is do-able but be prepared to push up some pretty steep gradients!
This is a lovely accessible wal for all, beautiful at any time of the year but one which will really come into its own in summer when the trees are in full leaf. Next on the list is Coombe Gate; we will report back soon…
💴 Free
✅ Wheelchair and pushchair friendly
🐕 Dogs welcome on a lead
☕️ No cafe (only accessible within the ticketed part of Blenheim)
🚾 No toilet (see above)
🥾 Wear boots or wellies as it is muddy if veering off the paths
🅿️ Park on the layby next to Ditchley Gate
🚘 23 minutes from Headington roundabout
ℹ️ For detailed directions see here and scroll down to Ditchley Gate. Press the pedestrian button on the intercom at Ditchley Gate and it will open automatically
