Windsor, Hampton Court, or Blenheim with a 5 Year old?

Have you considered Warwick? I think that is about an hour further north then Blenheim, so maybe too far. We were at both Blenheim and Hampton Court last summer, but we have not been to Windsor, so I can not comment on that.

Last summer we went to Blenheim while they had a jousting tournament. It was a big draw for families. If there is no special event, then I'm not sure about Blenheim.

My child is grown, so I may not be a good judge, but I can't imagine a 5 year old getting too excited about Hampton Court or Blenheim. I think if you could manage it, Warwick would be better for a 5 year old.

Thanks for the response. We are planning on visiting Warwick already. Just looking for one more palace/castle to visit.

5-year old - male or female? Windsor has a wonderful doll's house that I used to love visiting when I was a kid. If a visit to Windsor is a palace/castle too far, you can change plans and head to Legoland which is close by.

I love Hampton Court and its history is fascinating. Last time (ca 5 years ago) I went it was the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's birth so lots of people in costume telling Henry VIII's story. The maze was always enjoyable but not sure what else might be interesting to a 5-year old. Oh yes, feeding the deer in Bushy Park on the otherside of the road from the Palace.

I have never been to Hampton Court, so cannot comment, but did take my sons who were then ages 3 and 6 to Blenheim. I was worried they were too young, but they had a blast believe it or not. There is a lot for them there. They did the guided house tour (we went early in the day), then we had a lunch on the patio. Then there is a hedge maze, butterfly house and also they had a raptor demonstration. Very cool. Lots of space to run about too. If you go to the estate website they release butterflies, have baby lambs and even hedgehogs and all kinds of things that make it a fun spot for young ones. We stayed in nearby Broad Campden in a cute spot called The Malt House and my children loved it as well. Wonderful manor house with a big yard and croquet and cats! There is also the Cotswold Farm Park there which is a lot of fun with tractor licenses. petting animals and a zip line! My boys are now 17 and 14 and we still talk about that trip.

We also did Windsor a few years ago. I would say that it is neat, but does not cater to small ones like Blenheim does. The Queen Mary doll house might be a draw if your 5 year old is a girl, but it's behind glass. Hope that helps! Enjoy your trip and I think the earlier you take young ones to these spots the better they are able to appreciate them!

I wrote a little piece on taking young ones to travel the world here:
http://www.northerncalstyle.com/2013/03/traveling-abroad-with-kids.html

First off, congratulations traveling with a five-year-old. I'm sure it puts a whole new twist on HOW you look at your itinerary and logistics but what an experience you are giving the child!

That being said, I'd suggest Blenheim over Windsor or Hampton Court for many of the reasons discussed above. The biggest reason against Hampton Court IMO is that it takes a lot more attention for the adults to appreciate the site and understand the very convoluted history of Henry VII. I'm not sure that any of you would have as good an experience as you would at Blenheim.

I just read an article about the newly opened Magic Garden children's play area at Hampton Court. Check it out here: http://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/visit-us/top-things-to-see-and-do/magic-garden/#gs.IE=WfTs

Thanks everyone for your recommendations. We have decided to visit Blenheim based on posts here, as well as the easiest place to visit based on our travel schedule. My husband and I are looking forward to taking our son on his first (of hopefully many) international trips. My son is very excited as well! Thanks again!