Summer at Blenheim Palace

17th June 2008

The summer season at Blenheim Palace is set to be one of the best yet with so much to see and do whether it’s exploring over 2000 acres of parklands, getting lost in the Marlborough Maze, or enjoying the summer blooms in the Formal Gardens. From the timeless sophistication of the Palace and the fascinating experience ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’, to the thrills of special events and summer holiday entertainment, there is no better place to be this summer.

For the summer holiday period 19^th July to 31^st August special costumed entertainment ‘Victorian Servants and Domestic Service at Blenheim Palace’ will take place daily in the Great Court. Families can meet our Victorian Butler and Housemaid Ewun Mullard and Dusty Chambers who will give an entertaining tour of the courtyards explaining what life was like for the Household staff at the Palace, where they lived and what roles they had on this large estate. The tours will include ‘Show-and-tells’ of original Victorian artefacts used for cooking and household duties Find out about the strict hierarchy, what they had to do, how much they were paid and the enormous daily task of food preparation from the bountiful estate.

Inside the Palace Victorian themed family tours will be available, and more can be heard from the servants perspective in ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’ where 300 years of enticing tales are told. 

For those who need to let off steam, a ride on the miniature train to the Pleasure Gardens is the perfect place with activities including mini golf, an Adventure Playground, giant chess and draughts, and the butterfly house.

From 25^th – 27th^th July CLA Game Fair celebrates its 50^th Anniversary at Blenheim Palace with plenty for both families and country sport enthusiasts to enjoy including  major food, equestrian and gardening exhibits, plus features demonstrating conservation and new activities in the countryside alongside traditional country sports shows.

From 8^th – 10^th August enter the spirit of Victorian extravagance as a momentous Jousting tournament takes place on the South Lawn. A brass band will play at intervals throughout the day and children will love the falconry displays and have-a-go at archery. On 13^th – 17^th August the Imperial Ice Stars Treasure Houses Tour brings The Sleeping Beauty on Ice to Blenheim Palace. This magical event will take place in a Tented Ice Palace with world-class skaters performing to the music of Tchaikovsky. On 23^rd – 25^th August, don’t miss three days of superb craftsmanship at the Living Heritage Oxfordshire Craft Show.

 The Park and Gardens

The Park and Gardens are a sight to behold in the summer months with the banks of rhododendrons offering a riot of colour. In the Formal Gardens the fragrant Rose Garden will be in full bloom and the Italian Garden takes on additional colour with beds of fuchsias and geraniums. With the longer, sunnier days, there is nothing more enjoyable or relaxing than a picnic by the side of the beautiful ‘Capability’ Brown lake or find your favourite spot within the Park, taking in the views of the Palace in its awe-inspiring setting.

Blenheim Palace is set in 2,100 acres of spectacular parkland in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds and is only eight miles from Oxford. For more information about Blenheim Palace visit www.blenheimpalace.com or call 08700 60 20 80 (24 hour recorded information)