Description
Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birth place of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, landscaped Parkland and stunning Formal Gardens, Blenheim Palace provides an awe-inspiring experience for visitors. Explore over 2000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown Parkland and 150 acres of award-winning Formal Gardens. Ride the miniature train to The Walled Garden, a dedicated family area that offers a giant hedge maze, butterfly house and adventure playground. A year-round calendar of tours, exhibitions, experiences and events reveal the sheer splendour of Britain’s Greatest Palace.
The Palace
Enter the Palace and explore the gilded State Rooms and priceless collections set against striking stonework, and experience the beauty and magnificence of this Grade I listed building. Palace, Park and Gardens admission enables entry to all areas that are open to the public and includes the following:
• A multimedia tour of the Palace State Rooms
• Sir Winston Churchill Exhibition and Stables Exhibition
• Entry to any events taking place on the day of your visit that can be accessed with standard admission (check the Blenheim Palace website to find out more).
For those wishing to see even more of the Palace, visitors can experience the following tours of the Private Apartments for a small additional fee:
• ‘Upstairs’ tours of the guest bedrooms
• ‘Downstairs’ tours of the staff areas
The Park
The picture-perfect British stately home of Blenheim Palace sits among more than 2000 acres of extraordinary landscaped Parkland and Formal Gardens.
The inspired work of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown has created a lasting legacy in the Park. The visionary master-landscaper constructed the Great Lake and planted thousands of trees in his ten-year tenure here, engineering a landscape that appears natural but is actually ‘contrived to pleasing effect’.
The Park is now home to several Sites of Special Scientific Interest including the Great Lake and the ancient oaks in High Park. Visitors can explore the beautiful landscape by buggy tour or take one of the many recommended Park walks or free trails and see a wide variety of wildlife.
The Formal Gardens
Created over the centuries by esteemed garden designers such as Henry Wise and Achille Duchêne, the Blenheim Palace Formal Gardens reflect a journey through the styles of the ages.
The Formal Gardens surround the Palace, and they include the majestic Water Terraces, the Duke’s Private Italian Garden, the tranquil Secret Garden with all of its hidden treasures, the new Churchill Memorial Garden and the beautifully delicate Rose Garden.
The Walled Garden
Take a ride on the Miniature Train to the family-friendly Walled Garden. Get lost in the Marlborough Maze, the largest symbolic hedge maze in Europe, discover the butterflies in the Butterfly House, burn some energy in the Adventure Playground and wind down in the peaceful Potager Garden.
Cafes and Restaurants
The refurbished Orangery Restaurant is now open. Enjoy refreshments at the new and fresh bar space or make a reservation for a scrumptious Sunday lunch. Experience elegant dining with the Afternoon Tea, featuring authentically British, house-made scones, delightful, sweet treats, and an array of dainty sandwiches. Find out more about The Orangery Restaurant here.
Alternatively, try the Oxfordshire Pantry or Stables Café for coffee, cake, sandwiches, pastries, and hot meals. The Walled Garden Pizzeria serves freshly made woodfired pizza, salads, and sandwiches for all the family.
Opening Times
Open all year daily (except Christmas Day)
The Palace: 10.30 – 16.45
The Formal Gardens: 10.00 – 16.00
The Park: 9.00 – 17.00
Please note that some events are entirely separate to the Palace, Park and Gardens and additional admission fees might therefore apply. Please check Opening Times – Blenheim Palace for details or call 0800 849 6500.
Prices
Privilege Pass
Adult – £48
Child (age 3-16 / free for under 3s) – £32
Family (2 adults and 2 children) – £109
Blenheim Palace Adventure Play – +£7
Palace, Park & Gardens (Includes a Free Annual Pass)
Adult – £38
Child (age 3-16 / free for under 3s) – £22
Family (2 adults and 2 children) – £99
Blenheim Palace Adventure Play – +£7
Park & Gardens
Adult – £28
Child (age 3-16 / free for under 3s) £13.50
Family (2 adults and 2 children) – £80
Blenheim Palace Adventure Play – +£7
*please note these do not apply to externally organised events including Christmas at Blenheim Palace which is separately ticketed.
See their website for information on group visits.
