New Changing Places Toilet opens at Blenheim Palace featuring artwork from local SEN schools

Blenheim Palace is proud to announce the opening of its new Changing Places Toilet, located in the Walled Garden, further enhancing accessibility across the UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the space brought to life through a special collage of artwork created by students from local SEN schools.

The new facility includes a height-adjustable changing bench, hoist system, full privacy screen, peninsular toilet, wash facilities, and enough space for the disabled person, their wheelchair and two carers, providing essential support for people with complex disabilities.

The Changing Places Toilet features a memorial plaque that commemorates the life of Tamsin England, a remarkable young lady whose voice inspired the creation of the Changing Places facility and helped to understand the importance of access for disabled people in our community.

Tamsin’s mother, Karen England, commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled to hear that Blenheim’s Changing Places is now open, it will make such a huge difference to so many visitors.”

The privacy screen of the new facility at Blenheim Palace features a special collage of artwork submitted by local SEN schools, including Iffley Academy, Springfield School, Mabel Prichard School and Oxfordshire Hospital School. The young people from Iffley Academy collaborated on a piece created in memory of Evie, a student who sadly passed away in 2025 after losing her battle with cancer. The school has also turned the artwork into key rings and badges raising hundreds of pounds for St Helen and Douglas House, who supported Evie at the end of her life.

Boun Norton, Education Officer at Blenheim Palace, said “We’re delighted to open this new Changing Places facility as part of our ongoing commitment to making Blenheim Palace as accessible and inclusive as possible. It’s especially meaningful to see the space brought to life through the artwork created by local students. We hope this will make a real difference to visitors with complex needs, ensuring that more people can enjoy everything that we have to offer.”

Husna George, Teacher at Oxfordshire Hospital School (OHS) added, “Arts education at OHS is an integral part of our curriculum and helps our pupils to develop a wide range of life skills and also teaches about colour, layout, perspective, and balance. For this to come alive at Blenheim Palace is such an achievement.”

The Changing Places initiative was established in 2005, campaigning for fully accessible toilets to be installed in all big public spaces to enable disabled people to access their communities.

Blenheim Palace is committed to providing an accessible experience for all visitors. The site already has a range of accessible facilities, including level access to key areas such as the Palace, Orangery, Stables, and Churchill Exhibition. Visitors can also access free companion tickets for blue badge holders, with mobility aids available for hire. Additional services include touch tours for the visually impaired, British Sign Language interpreted tours, and dedicated support for those with hearing or mobility needs. Accessible toilets are located on arrival at the back of the gift shop, in the Winston Churchill exhibition, and at the Walled Gardens.

For more information on accessibility at Blenheim Palace, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/visitus/accessibility/. If you have any other questions, or to arrange any additional support for your visit, please call us on 01993 810530 or email [email protected].