Summer at Britain’s Greatest Palace 

This summer, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace, will once again be home to a myriad of exciting activities, events and exhibitions, promising family fun, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences for all, with over 300 years of history to be explored. 

So much more than just a day out, the Oxfordshire-based attraction has announced its summer itinerary with something for every age and interest – from history buffs and nature lovers, to young explorers and fitness junkies. Here are just a few key dates for the dairy and exciting experiences to look forward to: 

Walled Garden – Fun for all the family is guaranteed here. From finding your way out of the challenge that is the Marlborough Maze and learning all about the importance of bees and other pollinators in the all-new Rowse Hive, to discovering unique new species in the innovative Butterfly House. 

Adventure Play – Where mini explorers can let their imagination run wild in an outdoor immersive space featuring a winding river, stepping stones, ziplines, slides, swings, tunnels and even giant carrots! Designed for children of all abilities and inspired by real-life features of Britain’s Greatest Palace, Adventure Play is perfect for sunny summer days.

Parks & Gardens – If nature and wellness is at the top of your list this summer, spend time wandering through the beautiful Formal Gardens, or venture into the wider Estate among almost 300 living ancient oak trees, the largest collection in Europe. Interesting audio tours are available to guide you around, highlighting the area’s rich history from its creation right up to the modern day. Top tip: bring along your furry four-legged companions and why not enjoy a good old-fashioned picnic at the Palace.

Lights, Camera, Action! – Step into key scenes from your favourite films and TV moments on the Lights, Camera, Action! film trail. Discover filming locations for blockbusters such as Harry Potter, James Bond, Gulliver’s Travels, and the widely popular Netflix series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. 

Churchill 150 – Delve into the extraordinary life of Sir Winston Churchill, as 2024 marks 150 years since his birth. This summer an exciting line-up of events await including: Weekly Churchill at Blenheim tours, VIP tours the Palace State Rooms, Churchill exhibition and Private Apartments, as well as a guided buggy tour to Churchill’s grave, themed afternoon teas and even an opportunity to meet impressionist ‘Winstan’.

Get out on the Great Lake – Make a splash this Summer and enjoy boating, rowing, kayaking and paddleboarding activities from Monday 22nd of July to Sunday 8th September.

Horses in the Stables – From 27th July until 1st September trot on over to the Stables in the East Courtyard during weekends to meet horses, ponies or Shire horses and find out all about their important roles during Blenheim Palace’s history.

Mohammed Sami Exhibition – Between 9th July and 20th October, be sure to visit ‘After the Storm’, a major solo exhibition by world-renowned contemporary artist, Mohammed Sami. Through exploring retroactive memories, his paintings capture a world shaped not just by the weight of the past but also the present, creating scenarios that are often left to the viewer to interpret through the lens of their own experiences. 

Fill your boots – There are a variety of options to eat, drink and refresh before, during and after your day out at Britain’s Greatest Palace. For a family feast whilst in the Walled Garden or Adventure Play opt for The Snack Shack or The Pizzeria. For more of a momentous lunch or afternoon tea sit back and relax in the newly refurbished Orangery and if it’s a quick bite on the move head to The Stables Cafe or The Oxfordshire Pantry. 

Earlier this year, Blenheim Palace announced the launch of its brand-new Palace and Play Pass, which gives visitors unlimited access to Adventure Play as well as to Blenheim Palace, Park and Gardens. The Palace and Play Pass is ideal for new visitors who want to enjoy a complete family experience at Britain’s Greatest Palace, and current Annual Pass holders can also upgrade to give them unlimited access to Adventure Play.*

*Terms and conditions apply. Please visit BlenheimPalace.com for full details. Annual Pass holders can upgrade their pass in person when visiting Blenheim Palace, by chatting to one of the team at the ticket booths. For more information about Summer at Britain’s Greatest Palace and to book tickets visit,  www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/summer/