REVIEW: Blenheim Palace Halloween trail great for family fun

HALLOWEEN has never really been a celebration that I’ve looked forward to, but I thought I’d try to embrace the occasion by going to an event - and Blenheim Palace’s Halloween Trail seemed like the perfect spooky night out.

I turned up with my husband and our friends on Friday night, not really sure what to expect but excited to see what the trail had in store.

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We set off following the path that weaved through the haunted woods which were illuminated with colourful lights and eerie music.

It didn’t take us too long to realise this wouldn’t give us the fright we were expecting but instead was aimed more towards families with young children.

As we walked along the path, there were different illuminated displays in the trees and grounds and one which particularly caught our eye was a field of flickering flames - so simple but so effective.

Oxford Mail: Pic by Richard Haughton Pic by Richard Haughton

After about 10 minutes of walking through the trail we noticed people gathered together so we joined the crowd to see what the commotion was about and realised it was to watch the fire artists.

This was the highlight of the trail as the performer flung the fire wheel in the air and performed all kinds of tricks, keeping the audience hooked.

Oxford Mail: Pic by Richard Haughton Pic by Richard Haughton

I thought there were going to be more fire artists throughout, but that was the only opportunity to see them perform.

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Once that came to an end, we carried on walking and got to about half way where there were refreshment stalls selling hot drinks and marshmallows which you could roast on a small coal fire.

We bought hot chocolates topped with cream and marshmallows which came to a total of £16, before continuing on the trail where we came across huge neon spider webs and larger than life spiders.

Further on we walked past a graveyard with a giant birdcage lit up in lights before entering the secret garden where there were colourful bubbling ponds covered in mist.

Oxford Mail: Pic by Richard Haughton Pic by Richard Haughton

A witch stirred a bubbly cauldron, teasing children as they poked and giggled in curiosity.

As we reached the end of the trail we spotted a headless horseman riding around the grounds which was impressive and I wished there were more things like that on the actual trail.

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With the sweet tooth that I have, I had to treat myself to a Belgian waffle at the food stall at the end of the trail. Topped with chocolate sauce and cream, it cost £7.50.

Children were very much kept entertained and intrigued by the various displays, lights and props and for families the event would probably tick all of the right boxes.

For my husband and I and our friends, it lacked the fear factor, but overall was a nice night out at Blenheim.

See more pictures of the trail here

Oxford Mail: The headless horseman. Pic by Richard Haughton The headless horseman. Pic by Richard Haughton