Blenheim Palace announces summer of senses programme of activities and events 

So much more than just a day out, the UNESCO World Heritage Site has announced its summer programme of events and activities with something for every age and interest – from history buffs and nature lovers, to young adventurers and fitness junkies.

With 100’s of sensory experiences, one for every single day of the summer, Blenheim Palace is a must-visit destination this year.

Here’s a few of the top experiences to pack into your Blenheim Palace summer itinerary:

Royal Connections Crowns and Coronets –  You won’t want to miss out on seeing a selection of never displayed before regency-inspired costumes from seasons one and two of Bridgerton at the current exhibition at Blenheim Palace which ends on 30th July.

The Palace State Rooms, Upstairs and Downstairs Tours – Marvel at the Palace State Rooms featuring priceless collections; the ‘Upstairs’ tour of Marlborough family’s private apartments; a ‘Downstairs’ tour into the lives of Palace staff over the centuries and so much more – 300 years more, to be precise.

The Palace is home to one of the most extensive collections in Europe, including portraits, furniture, and sculptures. Amongst the treasures are the famous Marlborough Tapestries, the ‘Victories Series’. There’s also the magnificent Long Library, lined with more than 10,000 books, many of them hundreds of years old.

Boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking on the Great Lake – The Boat House and the lake at Blenheim Palace is hosting a variety of watersports this summer including boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking from 21st July to 3rd September 2023. This summer will also be the last time to see the lake dredge in progress as silt is removed.

Clementine’s on The Lawn – if it’s an afternoon tea with a difference you’re after this summer, then head to this pop up dining venue with views of the Baroque Palace for the very first time, available for a limited time only until Autumn. 

Parkland Walks – If nature and wellness is at the top of your list this summer, wander and lose yourself in the parkland, or select a route to make the most of the famous grounds. Ranging from under 1 mile to over 4 miles, there’s a walk for everyone, including your four legged friends. Whilst exploring, you’ll be among 291 living ancient oak trees, making it the largest collection in Europe.

Discover the Gardens –  Some of the top walks include The Formal Gardens, The Lake, The Queen Pool, The Park Perimeter, and the Formal Gardens Audio Tour. There is also a new Walled Garden walking tour highlighting the history of the garden up to modern day.

The History of Churchill – Step into the Birth Room of Sir Winston Churchill, and then continue your journey with a Walk in Churchill’s Footsteps throughout the Palace, Park and Formal Gardens to find his favourite and most cherished places. There’s also the permanent Churchill Exhibition, with photographs, letters, artefacts and excerpts from his most famous speeches, to gain a real sense of our ‘Greatest Briton’.

Horse Trials – Taking place from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th September, the first two days of the event feature dressage, with the weekend dates hosting cross-country and show jumping, with Blenheim Palace as its backdrop.

Stables Exhibition – Feel part of history in the immersive and interactive experience in the historic stable block. It showcases the importance of horses at Blenheim Palace through the centuries featuring a life size model of Churchill’s childhood pony Rob Roy in one of the stables and the chance for you to dress up and attempt to ride side-saddle. There will also be horses in the stables every weekend to see, who could say ‘nay’ to that?

Walled Garden – For adventurers big and small, the Walled Garden is perfect for all the family. Here, find the Marlborough Maze and Butterfly House. When you’re finished in the Walled Garden, all aboard the Miniature Train back to the Palace.

Adventure Play –  The all-new immersive Adventure Play outdoor attraction is a series of interconnecting zones with secret chambers, clamber nets, tunnels, slides, rope bridges – and giant carrots! Covering a site larger than a football pitch, it celebrates the rich heritage of the 18th century Baroque Palace, inspired by real-life features including the lakeside Boat House and Hensington Gateway.

Buggy Tours – Jump on board a buggy for one of the four tours around the Formal Gardens to see the stunning gardens from another perspective.

Costume Characters – Feel immersed in history from 22nd July, when there will be at least one costumed character inside the Palace daily throughout the summer holidays. The costumed characters will guide you through the story of Blenheim Palace and the history of the Dukes and Duchesses of Marlborough.

Lights, Camera, Action! Tour – Walk behind the scenes of blockbusters on the Lights, Camera, Action! Tour to discover the filming locations for Harry Potter, James Bond, Gulliver’s Travels, and the new Netflix series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. The guides will tell you more about what happened behind the scenes.

To complete your ‘bucket list’ this summer, buy one day, and get 12 months free when you choose to donate your admission ticket cost to Blenheim Palace. As a charity, ticket donations are vital for the restoration and conservation, but offers the chance to discover Britain’s Greatest Palace and all it has to offer throughout the year.*

Booking your £7 adult and child tickets in advance for Adventure Play is recommended and in addition, families will also need a valid Annual Pass, Palace, Park and Gardens ticket, Privilege Pass or Park and Gardens ticket. 

When you travel to Blenheim Palace via public transport, bicycle or fully electric car, you are eligible for a 30% discount off your Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens day ticket (this discount is not valid for Privilege Pass or Park and Gardens tickets). Use the code GREEN30 for discount during online checkout and show your proof of travel by bus, train or bike on arrival. 

During the summer months, naturally we’re expecting higher temperatures, but rest assured there are plenty of things to see and do out of the sun. Find a sheltered spot in the Parkland, take a stroll through the shaded pathway between the Rose Garden and Temple of Flora, explore the Palace, let the kids splash in Adventure Play, or enjoy a cooling ice cream.

*Please note some external events held at Blenheim Palace are not included within the Annual Pass but tickets can be purchased separately from the website. 

Plan your summer of senses and book tickets here, blenheimpalace.com/tickets-booking/