Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace
Woodstock
Oxfordshire
OX20 1PP
England
Website
www.blenheimpalace.com/tickets.html
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.
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
WWI exhibition ‘A Great Estate at War – Land, Sea and Air’
- 15 February — 21 April 2014 *on now
To celebrate the centenary year Blenheim Palace will open with a fascinating and interactive WWI exhibition ‘A Great Estate at War – Land, Sea and Air’ exploring the stories behind the family members and workers on the Blenheim Estate. The exhibition will be held in the recently renovated Gallery Room in the Stables Courtyard from 15th February – 21st April 2014.
Step back to a time fraught with conflict and hear stories of bravery and comradery from the front line, and how morale was kept high in times of darkness. Read interesting accounts of the ‘flying cousins’, relations of the Marlborough family who bravely served in the Royal Flying Corps at all corners of the globe and deep behind enemy lines. See photos of the cousins, including scale models of the aircraft they would have flown, and the clothing they would have worn to keep them warm whilst flying, including an original flying jacket which once belonged to one of the cousins, Oscar Guest, who bravely flew on many reconnaissance missions over no-man’s land and behind the German lines. A brilliant addition to this part of the exhibition will be an original prop propeller from a Sopwith Camel.
Having served its purpose throughout the war years as a field hospital, the Long Library will be set up to recreate how it would have looked, with props and equipment that would have been used to aid the recovery of soldiers who were sent to Blenheim Palace throughout the war years.
With so many members of the Marlborough family involved in the war effort, including the current Duke’s father and grandfather who both fought on the front line, there will be a detailed family tree showing what area of the forces they consigned to and how they were all related. Learn of Winston Churchill’s early endeavours in the field of battle and read stories about how the ladies of Blenheim contributed to the war effort with sheer determination, and the impact the war had on not only the estate but also the surrounding communities.
The stories of the war across land, sea and air will be brought to life with a fascinating display of original props, scale models, life size replica trench, costumed characters, merchandise, video, and an incredible display of original paintings. It will bring to light a time in which many amazing people did outstanding and courageous things, and will provide an incredible insight which everyone will enjoy and learn from.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Where
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Admission
Palace, Park & Gardens - Ad£21.50; Con-£17.00; Ch-£11.80; Fam-£57.
Upgrade your Palace ticket for FREE to an Annual Pass, giving you 12 months access.
Website
Blenheim Palace opens for a NEW season
- 15 February — 14 December 2014 *on now
Blenheim Palace was a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough following his famous victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Visit the gilded State Rooms, which house one of the finest collections in Europe, and the fascinating visitor experience, ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’. The Churchill Exhibition includes the room where Sir Winston Churchill was born 1874.
Situated in Woodstock, just 8 miles from Oxford, Blenheim Palace is surrounded by over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland, the great lake, and beautiful formal gardens, offering an unforgettable day out for all.
Suitable for
- Any age
- Family friendly
Where
Blenheim Palace, Woodstock
Admission
Palace, Park & Gardens - Ad-£21.50; Con-£17.00; Ch-£11.80; Fam-£57
Park & Gardens - Ad-£12.50; Con-£9.30; Ch-£6.50; Fam-£33
Upgrade your Palace ticket for an Annual Pass for FREE
Website
The Queen's Beasts by Tom Hiscocks
- 1 May — 30 June 2014
The Queens Beasts’ are heraldic animals that depict the genealogy of Queen Elizabeth II. Each ‘Beast’ signifies specific values. The ten Queens Beasts were first characterised in 1953, when they were commissioned by the Ministry of Works to stand outside Westminster Abbey for the Queen’s coronation. These original versions, made from plaster, were later given to Canada and stone replicas were commissioned in 1958 which reside in Kew Gardens to this day.
In 2012 the Queens Beasts were re-created by contemporary sculptor, Tom Hiscocks. The Beasts were introduced to Her Majesty the Queen during her 2012 Diamond Jubilee tour, and in 2014 they will take up residence at Blenheim Palace in The Pleasure Gardens from 1st May - 30th June.
Tom was inspired to recreate the Beasts to reflect their traditional values encompassing strength, harmony, purity, power, wisdom, swiftness of purpose and military might, in a contemporary context. Specifically, Tom used over 1000 drinks cans as well as an array of discarded car parts, water boilers, and even a fire extinguisher in making the works. The choice of these materials is a comment both on the use and sustainability of resources today where so much is considered disposable.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Admission
Park & Gardens tickets - Ad-£12.50; Con-£9.30; Ch-£6.50; Fam-£33
Why not upgrade your Palace tickets to an Annual Pass giving you 12 months access for FREE.
Oxford Active Summer Kids Camp
- 27 — 30 May 2014
A variety of activities for children during the school holidays, set in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace. Specialist outdoor pursuits instructors will engage the children in a selection of the following activities: Canoeing/ Kayaking, Raft building, Archery, Base Building, Orienteering, Survival skills, Map reading, First Aid, Bug Hunting, Fish Gutting Skills, Treasure Hunts, Woodman’s Skills, Pioneering Games, Team Games, Assault course, Swing building, Backwoods cooking and much more.
Ages range from 7 to 16 years.
Open Times: 9am to 5pm
Venue: near the Pleasure Gardens
For more information visit: www.active-adventure.co.uk
Separate admission applies to book call: 01865 594 325
Suitable for
- Especially for children
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
Admission
See website for bookings
Website
Easter Weekend Entertainment with appearances from Peppa Pig & Family and Fireman Sam
- 18 — 21 April 2014 *on now
There is plenty of family fun to be had over the Easter weekend with an exciting Easter eggstravaganza of activities taking place. On 18th – 19th April children can enjoy the Blenheim Palace Easter Egg Hunt around the Pleasure Gardens, with clues to be solved and prizes to be won! On 20th – 21st April popular children’s characters Peppa Pig, George, Mummy Pig & Daddy Pig, plus Fireman Sam will be making appearances at intervals on each day. This year will be a milestone year and one not to miss as Peppa Pig celebrates its 10 year anniversary with ’10 Years of Muddy Puddles’.
Other family activities will include a bouncy castle, crafts at our ‘Pottering About' studio, traditional fairground rides (small additional charges apply), as well as the opportunity to visit the fantastic Children's Shop. Food, refreshments and Easter treats will be available in the Pleasure Gardens Deli, including cupcake decorating and ‘Yoo Moo' yoghurt shakes, or try one of our 'Shaker' salads and fresh oven baked pizzas!
Existing family fun activities at The Pleasure Gardens include the giant Marlborough Hedge Maze, The Butterfly House and the Adventure Playground.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- Especially for children
- Family friendly
Where
Blenheim Palace's Pleasure Gardens
Admission
Park & Garden. Ad-£12.50; Con-£9.30; Ch-£6.50; Fam-£33...........
…….. 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
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/tickets.html
Jousting at Blenheim Palace
- 3 — 5 May 2014
- 1 — 3 August 2014
If you are looking for an unforgettable day out, there is no better place than Blenheim Palace. Join ‘The Knights of Royal England’ or the 'Knights of Arkley' on the South Lawn for a momentous jousting battle sure to thrill the whole family.
Gallant knights and their mighty steeds will battle for glory in a spectacular jousting tournament. The weekend will be packed with action and entertainment, including falconry displays, archery, and knights on horseback charging in the traditional tilt, and battling on foot with the mighty mace and quarter staff.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
Where
Blenheim Palace
Admission
Park & Garden. Ad-£12.50; Con-£9.30; Ch-£6.50; Fam-£33…......….. Palace tickets also available.
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
http://blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/475.html
Educational Services at Blenheim Palace
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/education/
Blenheim Palace is a huge resource for a wide variety of education uses, available to any education group, national and international. This includes Pre-school, School and Youth Groups, Colleges and Universities, Language Schools and School Language Exchanges.
The wide range of resources, not only in the Palace but also in the Gardens, Park and Estate provides equally for the National Curriculum and for general interest and leisure visits or for any combination of these.
How to obtain
Please call 01993 810535 or email education@blenheimpalace.com
Blenheim Palace at War – Espionage and Evacuees – KS 2&3
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/education/309.html
This programme concentrates on how Blenheim Palace prepared for War, survived the invasion of 400 Malvern Schoolboys and kept the secrets of MI5.
Combe Mill & the Forest Trail KS 2, 3, 4 & 6th Form
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/education/352.html
A hands-on experience of small scale industrial technology. See and hear the Victorian beam engine, powered by the steam which is created from water scooped up by the gigantic water wheel.
School groups can combine a visit to the Mill with a walk along the Forest Trail. They can learn all about how the various trees are planted for different purposes, how they are managed and how vital they are in maintaining the environment.
How to obtain
Call 01993 810535 or email education@blenheimpalace.com
Going Green at Blenheim Palace
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/education/356.html
This programme aims to teach children how they can help the environment in their everyday lives, at home, at school and when out and about for the day.
How to obtain
Please contact the Education Department on 01993 810535 or email education@blenheimpalace.com
Maths Trail KS 2
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/education/Maths-key-stage2.html
This trail combines a walk around Queen Pool with the opportunity to use your brain. Estimate, calculate and convert as you take in the beauty of Capabilty Brown's beautiful landscape.
How to obtain
Call 01993 810535 or email education@blenheimpalace.com
Maths Trail KS 3
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/education/maths-key-stage-3.html
Follow a trail from Flagstaff around Queen Pool and work out percentages, equations and work out the speed at which water flows beneath a bridge in the beautiful park surrounding Blenheim Palace.
How to obtain
Call 01993 810535 or email education@blenheimpalace.com
Portraits – Key Stage 2
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/education/portraits.html
The family portraits that hang in the Palace State Rooms are used in this programme to encourage children to look at the paintings critically.
The Lifecycle of the Butterfly - Foundation & KS 1 & 2
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/education/minibeasts.html
The Butterfly House is ideal for mini-beast observation and study and is also very stimulating for work in art, craft and design and creative writing. Visits can be led by the class teacher or by the Education Team who explain the life cycle of a butterfly using the hatching area and butterfly house itself.
How to obtain
email education@blenheimpalace.com or call 01993 810535
The Secret Garden
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/education/secret-garden.html
The Secret Garden offers a unique opportunity for the study of science in tree and plant life as well as providing inspiration for all types of creative work. It is a fascinating mixture of light, dark and space, with a wealth of shapes and textures - leaves, bushes and trees, rocky shapes and formations, pool and water features.
How to obtain
Tel: 01993 810535 or email education@blenheimpalace.com
The Victorians – Key Stage 2
http://www.blenheimpalace.com/education/victorians.html
This visit gives an insight into life at Blenheim Palace during the Victorian era. The tour covers the life and work of servants in the Victorian period as well as the family of the 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Dukes of Marlborough, all of whom were Victorian Dukes.
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