75 ways to make summer count at Blenheim Palace
Britain’s Greatest Palace is marking 75 years since first opening its doors to the public with a summer of celebration, featuring ‘75 Things To Do’ and more across the Palace, Park and Gardens. From history lovers to young families and adventure seekers, the summer-long anniversary celebration promises something exciting for everyone.
Here are some of the top experiences to pack into a summer day itinerary at Blenheim Palace this year:
History
Experience the immersive and unique ‘Life Below Stairs’ experience, offering visitors a glimpse into the hidden world of Victorian service. This year also saw the launch of ‘Archie – your interactive guide’, allowing visitors to choose exactly what they would like to see and hear, and offers them the opportunity to delve into over 2000 stories – many of which have never been told before.
Today it houses one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries that can be explored throughout the Palace State Rooms.
Step into the Birth Room of Sir Winston Churchill, and then continue the journey throughout the Palace, Park and Formal Gardens on the Walk in Churchill’s Footsteps to find his favourite and most cherished places. Explore both sides of Palace life with the Duke’s Private Apartment Tours – see family rooms still in use today and step behind the scenes to discover how the household was run.
Architecture
Blenheim Palace first opened its doors to the public 75 years ago to raise funds for essential roof conservation work. This pivotal £12 million restoration project, now underway, focuses on repairing a significant section of the Palace roof, helping to futureproof Britain’s Greatest Palace against the elements and preserve its architectural splendour.
This summer, visitors can expect to see a view like no other, at the once in a lifetime new Rooftop View experience, launched as part of the ongoing restoration project. Explore the Heritage Learning Lab to discover the different techniques that underpin the restoration work and how the site was built over 200 years.
Gardens
Become immersed in nature with some of the top walks including The Formal Gardens, The Lake, The Queen Pool, and The Park Perimeter.
Every Wednesday from 4th June at 11am, join Andy Mills, Blenheim Palace’s Head Gardener, or one of his Gardens team, for a 30-minute Introduction to the Gardens talk on the Lower Water Terraces. Visitors can now marvel at the now completed new rockery at the accessible entrance above the Water Terraces.
The Walled Garden Walking Tour begins at Flagstaff gate at 2pm daily and is led by one of the Palace’s knowledgeable guides. The Potager Garden will once again be a riot of colour this summer, with its annual display of dahlias, and a new ‘hot border’ containing cannas, hedychiums, bananas, yuccas, salvias, and other tropical-looking gems.
Wander around the brand new sculpture exhibition by artist Bridget McCrum in the Walled Garden featuring McCrum’s iconic bird sculptures, partially inspired by the 12th century Persian poem, ‘The Conference of the Birds’. For those with an artistic flair, Woodstock watercolour artist Rod Craig will be giving monthly painting demonstrations in the gardens throughout the summer months – on 10th June, 8th July and 5th August.
In honour of the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE80) Day, experience the commemorative Standing with Giants installation, featuring a series of striking life-size silhouettes in the Churchill Memorial Garden until the end of June. Top tip: Don’t forget that entry to the renowned Blenheim Palace Flower Show is included with a valid Palace & Gardens Ticket or Palace and Play Pass.
Strike a wizarding pose for the ultimate Harry Potter inspired selfie and share your adventures on social media with #blenheimpalace. Throughout summer, visitors can see the stables in action, as a different horse will be there every weekend from 10am-3pm.
Family
Families can step into the world of Pip and Posy as they embark on a Rainbow Treasure Hunt, inspired by an episode from Pip and Posy Magic Light Pictures’ hugely popular pre-school series. The all-new interactive experience will captivate visitors with 3D character installations, themed activities, audio snippets, and a magical treasure trail to delight little explorers. There will also be appearances from Pip and Posy costumed characters on specific dates only.* On various dates throughout summer, younger visitors can enjoy storytelling sessions, kite making, and bubble blowing.
Nature lovers can get involved in the new ‘Bee on the Lookout’ Eco Count – a family-friendly stocktake encouraging visitors to note down the various insects and pollinators that call Blenheim home. Follow the Rowse Honey Nature Trail and help to highlight the crucial role minibeasts play in keeping ecosystems in balance.
Why not hop aboard Winston, the adorable mini train, for a trip to the Walled Garden. Stop for food at The Walled Garden Pizzeria, which is offering ‘kids eat free’ during June.
Within the Walled Garden, families can race against time to conquer the mighty Marlborough Maze in just 10 minutes, or step inside the buzzing Rowse Honey Hive, where bees share their secret lives. The popular Butterfly House features an updated entrance lobby, and more feeding stations throughout to increase the chances to see up close its colourful inhabitants.
Events
Enjoy a packed calendar of events all year round including the annual Flower Show, Nocturne Live, DogFest, Salon Privé, Horse Trials, Halloween and the Christmas Illuminated Trail at Blenheim Palace.
With all-new once-in-a-lifetime exhibitions, immersive experiences, sunny garden tours with artistic installations being among the 75 experiences, Britain’s Greatest Palace is set to offer its most vibrant summer yet.
Admission to the 75 events and experiences are included with a valid Palace & Gardens Ticket or Palace and Play Pass which grants access to both Blenheim Palace and Adventure Play for a full year, making it fantastic value to enjoy all that Britain’s Greatest Palace has to offer. A Palace and Play Pass is available at £165 for a family of four (two adults and two children) and at £51 per adult and £41 per child for individual day passes.
For opening times, ticketing and more information please visit, www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/#Summer
* See www.blenheimpalace.com for more information
ENDS
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About Blenheim Palace
Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland and designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, it was financed by Queen Anne, on behalf of a grateful nation, following the first Duke of Marlborough’s triumph over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.
Today it houses one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries.
Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill, and it was his father who described the vista on entering the Estate from the village of Woodstock as the ‘finest view in England’.
