Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1PP
England
Website
Telephone
24 hour recorded information service
0800 849 6500
Fax
01993 810570
Set in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace is considered to be one of the finest Baroque houses in the country. A gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his famous victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Inside the Palace can be found a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture in the magnificent State Rooms.
Sir Winston Churchill was born in the Palace in 1874 and a permanent exhibition about him is located next to his birth room – both are included in the Palace tour. He is buried in a simple grave in the nearby church at Bladon. A separate exhibition, ‘Churchills’ Destiny – the story of two great war leaders’, celebrates the achievements of Winston and his great hero and ancestor, John Churchill.
A State-of-the-art visitor experience is open in the heart of the Palace called ‘Blenheim Palace: the Untold Story’. Dramatic moments from the last 300 years of history at Blenheim Palace are brought to life through animatronic figures and innovative film and projection technology, seen through the eyes of the servants.
Surrounding the Palace are over 2,000 acres of beautiful ‘Capability Brown’ parkland, lakes, fountains and formal gardens. A miniature train connects the Palace to the Pleasure Gardens, where, amongst a range of fun activities for children, can be found the Marlborough Maze, the Butterfly House, the Lavender Garden and the ‘Blenheim Bygones’ exhibition.
A very busy events programme is on offer throughout the year, including jousting tournaments, half-term costumed entertainment, the Blenheim Triathlon, Bike BP, Horse Trials and the Great Blenheim Palace Easter Egg Challenge.
Opening Hours: Park 9am to 4.45pm Palace 10.30am to 5.30pm Gardens 10am to 6pm
LAST Admission 4.45pm.
Venue Type:
Museum, Gallery, Historic house or home, Garden, parklands or rural site, Heritage site
Additional info
Blenheim Palace is situated in the picturesque and historic town of Woodstock, 8 miles North West of Oxford on the A44 Evesham Road, and approximately an hour's drive from both London and Birmingham. Stratford-upon-Avon is only 45 minutes drive away. Approaching Oxford on the M40, exit at junction 9 and follow signs to Blenheim. From other directions take the A44 exit from the Oxford by-pass. There is unlimited free car parking for cars and coaches. The nearest British Rail main line station is Oxford. The number S3 bus runs from there to Woodstock at approximately 30 minute intervals.
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1PP
England
Website
Telephone
24 hour recorded information service
0800 849 6500
Fax
01993 810570
Sir Winston Churchill, arguably the greatest parliamentarian this country has ever seen, was born at Blenheim Palace on the 30th November 1874 at 1.30am. His birth room is on view to visitors and is set west of the Great Hall in the suite of apartments once allotted to the 1st Duke of Marlborough’s domestic Chaplain. In the Churchill Exhibition, near the birth room, can be seen Oscar Nemon’s bronze of Sir Winston and Lady Churchill as well as Sir Winston’s painting of the Great Hall at Blenheim.
Collection details
Architecture, Personalities
Key artists and exhibits
- Sir Winston Churchill
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1PP
England
Website
Telephone
24 hour recorded information service
0800 849 6500
Fax
01993 810570
Blenheim Palace Opens for 2012
Blenheim Palace, home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birth-place of Sir Winston Churchill opens once again for a new year. This World Heritage Site offers tours of the Palace; formal gardens; the ‘Pleasure Gardens’ for kids of all ages (which includes a Butterfly house and a maze); a 150 acre lake and 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland.
Take advantage of our Annual Pass offer. Buy a Palace ticket for the day and upgrade FREE of charge for a 12 months pass.
For more information visit www.blenheimpalace.com
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
- Family friendly
Languages
- Various language tours available upon request
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Buy your ticket on line at www.blenheimpalace.com/tickets or on the gate:
Palace, Park & Gardens. Ad-£20; Con-£15:50; Ch-£11:00; Fam-£52:00.....
Park & Gardens. Ad-£11:50; Con-£8:50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30
.......Why not upgrade you Palace ticket to an Annual Pass for FREE, giving you 12 months access........
Website
John Piper at Blenheim Palace
A special exhibition of work by the 20th century British artist, John Piper (1903 – 1992) featuring his paintings of Blenheim Palace. Eleven original watercolours from the Palace's collection will be seen together for the first time, including seven which are not usually on display to the general public, commissioned by the 11th Duke of Marlborough for the Private Apartments.
John Piper was fascinated by many great buildings and the architecture of England. Famed for his breadth and versatility, the artist produced oils, watercolours, book- illustrations, ceramics, textiles, prints, and perhaps most famously, stained glass, including the great Baptistery window at Coventry Cathedral. While works in diverse media will be represented in the exhibition, the main focus will be on Blenheim Palace and the splendid watercolours painted in the last decade of John Piper's life.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Where
Blenheim Palace's Long Library
Admission
Palace Park £ Garden tickets - Ad-£20; Con-£15.50; Ch-£11; Fam-£52.........
........Why not upgrade your ticket to an Annual Pass for FREE giving you 12 months access......
Website
Wedding Fair at Blenheim Palace
The Blenheim Palace Wedding Fair will provide a cornucopia of the regions finest wedding suppliers, showcased together within the stunning setting of the Palace. Free entry by prior registration call 01993 813874 or email sales@blenheimhospitality.com
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
10am-4:30pm
Where
Blenheim Palace's Orangery
Admission
Free entry by prior registration - 01993 810874 or sales@blenheimhospitality.com
Park & Gardens tickets - Ad-£11; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30.........
........Why not upgrade your ticket to an Annual Pass for FREE giving you 12 months access...........
Website
Paul Cummins Ceramic Flowers – a Gardens Installation
A remarkable installation of 200 ceramic delphiniums specially created for Blenheim Palace by fine ceramic artist, Paul Cummins. The flowers will be on display at three outdoor locations at Blenheim Palace, by the entrance to the Secret Garden, and by the Temple of Diana. Cummins is a fine ceramic artist, known for his distinctive landscape installations and traditional pancheons which feature exuberant flower glazes.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Where
Blenheim Palace's gardens
Admission
Park & Gardens - Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30..........
........Why not upgrade your Palace ticket to an Annual Pass for FREE giving you 12 months access.........
Website
Mini and VW Show
The show is a gathering of clubs and private enthusiasts as well as trade stands and jumble stands, where the public can purchase VW/Mini parts and accessories as well as having the chance to see many customized and cherished motors on display.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Any age
- Family friendly
When
10am-5pm
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30. Palace tickets also available. Get your FREE Annual Pass when you purchase a Palace ticket.
Website
The 7th Oxfordshire Classic Vehicle Show (Sun & Mon) August Bank Holiday (Mon) Supercar Picnic & Bike Display
This is a spectacular gathering of classic cars from vintage through to kit and custom cars on Sunday and Monday. On the Monday a Supercar Picnic and Bike Display. This is a great way to spend a bank holiday for all classic car and bike enthusiasts.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
When
10am-5pm
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Park & Garden tickets - Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30.........
..........Why not upgrade your Palace ticket to an Annual Pass for FREE giving you 12 months access.............
Website
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1PP
England
Website
Telephone
24 hour recorded information service
0800 849 6500
Fax
01993 810570
The Great Blenheim Palace Easter Egg Challenge
Join in the family fun with the annual Easter Egg Challenge at Blenheim Palace, including face painting. Follow the trails of clues around the beautiful Pleasure Gardens; will they be in the Marlborough Maze, Butterfly House or the Blenheim Bygones exhibition? Complete the hunt and you will receive a prize
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- Especially for children
- Family friendly
When
-
Where
Blenheim Palace's Pleasure Gardens
Admission
Park & Garden. Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30...........
…….. Why not buy a Palace, Park & Garden ticket for the day and upgrade it FREE of charge to an Annual Pass giving you 12 months access to Blenheim
Website
Peppa Pig and George characters as well as The Piplings from TV show, Waybuloo
Lovable characters Peppa Pig and George, from the BAFTA award-winning TV series, will be coming to Blenheim Palace to meet families at the Pleasure Gardens this Easter Sunday and Monday. Also join in the fun with interactive Yogo sessions by Piplings Yojojo and Lau Lau on Sunday and Nok Tok and De Li on Monday.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- Especially for children
When
10:30am-4:30pm
Where
Blenheim Palace's Pleasure Gardens
Admission
Park & Gardens - Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30...............
......Why not upgrade your Palace ticket to an Annual Pass for FREE giving you 12 months access.
Website
Jousting at Blenheim Palace
featuring “The Knights of Royal England”
Gallant Knights and their mighty steeds will meet at Blenheim Palace to battle for glory in a spectacular jousting tournament. The weekend will be packed with action and entertainment including falconry displays and knights charging in the traditional tilt and battling on foot with the mighty mace.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Park & Garden. Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30…......…..
Group discounts of 15 or more available. Contact operations@blenheimpalace.com
…….. Why not buy a Palace, Park & Garden ticket for the day and upgrade it FREE of charge to an Annual Pass giving you 12 months access to Blenheim
Website
Jubilee Bank Holiday Weekend at Blenheim Palace
Enjoy Diamond Jubilee celebrations including Children’s Characters on 3rd, Bunbury’s Celebrity Cricket Match and ‘Afternoon Tea’ on 4th, and Massed Brass Bands on 5th.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Palace, Park & Gardens - Ad-£20; Con-£15.50; Ch-£11; Fam-£52.......
Park & Gardens - Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30........
.......Why not upgrade your Palace ticket to an Annual Pass for FREE giving you 12 months access........
Website
Th GE Blenheim Triathlon
The setting of Blenheim Palace is the most scenic triathlon with a safe environment as all roads are closed. So come along and watch sports men and women taking part in the second largest triathlon in the UK.
The Palace will be open for tours throughout the day.
Visit www.theblenheimtriathlon.com
NB Please note that activity takes place within the Great Court and therefore admission procedures could be affected.
Suitable for
- All ages
- Family friendly
When
8am-5pm
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
To Spectate - Park & Gdns. Ad-£11.35; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6 Fam-£30.......
Group discounts of 15 or more available. Contact operations@blenheimpalace.com
…….. Why not buy a Palace, Park & Garden ticket for the day and upgrade it FREE of charge to an Annual Pass giving you 12 months access to Blenheim.
Website
Oxford School of Drama presents Summer Shakespeare
Outdoor Summer Theatre by The Oxford School of Drama
Classic Shakespearean drama set in the glorious surroundings of the Pleasure Gardens at Blenheim Palace. Separate admission applies. Visit www.blenheimpalace.com to purchase tickets.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
For prices, tickets and information visit www.blenheimpalace.com
Website
London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay Route’ at Blenheim Palace
Come and watch as THE Olympic torch come through Blenheim Park.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
When
-
Where
Blenheim Palace's Park
Admission
Park & Garden tickets - Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30...........
..........Why not upgrade your Palace ticket to an Annual Pass for FREE giving you 12 month access............
Website
Battle Proms Concert
The ever-popular Battle Proms at Blenheim Palace is the ultimate summer event, with something for everyone: a stunning setting, rousing classical favourites, breathtaking spitfire fly-over, bold cavalry and infantrymen, and of course the thunderous cannons and fireworks!
Visit www.battleproms.com Separate admission prices apply.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Family friendly
When
7-10pm
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Visit www.battleproms.com for tickets
Summer Holiday Entertainment
Living History Interpretation - costumed entertainment.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Park & Garden tickets - Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30.............
...........Why not upgrade your Palace ticket to an Annual Pass for FREE giving you 12 months access..............
Website
Jousting at Blenheim Palace
featuring “The Knights of Royal England”
Gallant Knights and their mighty steeds will meet at Blenheim Palace to battle for glory in a spectacular jousting tournament. The weekend will be packed with action and entertainment including falconry displays and knights charging in the traditional tilt and battling on foot with the mighty mace.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Park & Garden. Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30…......…..
Group discounts of 15 or more available. Contact operations@blenheimpalace.com
…….. Why not buy a Palace, Park & Garden ticket for the day and upgrade it FREE of charge to an Annual Pass giving you 12 months access to Blenheim
Website
Bike Blenheim Palace - A Festival of Cycling
On the 18th & 19th August the grounds of Britain’s Greatest Palace open for the annual cycling festival which sees thousands take to the oak-line roads of Blenheim Palace’s World Heritage Site Park. Attracting over 5,000 people in 2010 this unique event has established itself as one of the most exciting cycling events in the country; from the speed of the 20k time trials, Cycling Weekly’s tough 60 and 100 mile road sportive, the spectacular Brompton World Championship 2012, to the gentle family rides and activities in the Event Village.
This unique event has something for everyone from the competitive cycling fanatic to families looking for somewhere safe to ride their bikes in beautiful surroundings. Take part in one of the races, browse the Event Village including specialist retailers and additional arenas for Bike Polo, and M.A.D mountain bike stunt team, or simply come to watch the cyclists young and old take to the beautiful winding roads of Blenheim Park.
BIKE BLENHEIM PALACE includes:
•A beautiful 60 and 100 mile Sportive through the Cotswold's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
•A tough 20km Time Trial all on the closed roads of Blenheim Park
•A 26.2 mile Pink Ribbonride
•The staging of the amazing 2012 Brompton World Championship
•Family rides in a beautiful and safe car free environment
•Event Village with demontrations and exhibitors
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- All ages
- Family friendly
- Any age
When
8:45am-4:30pm
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Park & Garden. Ad-£11.50; Con-£8.50; Ch-£6; Fam-£30……...........
Group discounts of 15 or more available. Contact operations@blenheimpalace.com
…….. Why not buy a Palace, Park & Garden ticket for the day and upgrade it FREE of charge to an Annual Pass giving you 12 months access to Blenheim
Website
Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is one of the world’s premier three-star three-day events. Cross Country is on two days and set in the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace. The horse trials offer a fabulous opportunity to see some of the world’s finest riders and their horses compete against one another in a truly spectacular venue. The Palace, Park and Gardens are open as usual
Suitable for
- All ages
- Family friendly
- Any age
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Separate admission applies
Visit www.blenheim-horse.co.uk or purchase tickets on the gate.
Website
The Independent Woodstock Literary Festival
A diverse mix of literary talks and events set in Woodstock and Blenheim Palace. www.woodstockliteraryfestival.com
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
Where
Blenheim Palace & Woodstock
Admission
For Tickets phone 07733 683928 / 07733 716330 or purchase them on the gate.
Website
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1PP
England
Website
Telephone
24 hour recorded information service
0800 849 6500
Fax
01993 810570
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1PP
England
Website
Telephone
24 hour recorded information service
0800 849 6500
Fax
01993 810570
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