Enjoy a Great British

Day Out

GROUP VISITS 2020

WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill

Explore over 300 years of the history, stories and treasures as we celebrate 70 years of welcoming visitors to this magnificent Palace. Share the splendours of Baroque architecture and wonder at the Collection, which includes art, tapestries and fine furniture.

Your Visit

Additional Experiences

Audio Guide Tours

Our audio guides are included within the group entrance rate and available in nine languages. At the touch of a button visitors can delve deeper into the history, stories and treasures of the Palace’s past.

Park & Gardens

Enjoy 2000 acres of beautiful ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped Parkland, with inspiring views, monuments and a rich variety of wildlife. Relax in the beautiful Formal Gardens, including the Water Terraces, Rose Garden and Churchill Memorial Garden.

Visit the Temple of Diana – the romantic spot where Churchill proposed to his beloved Clementine Hozier.

Dining and Shopping

Our cafés and restaurants cater for all tastes serving locally sourced, fresh food every day. For groups who wish to dine together, we offer a specialised groups menu served in a private room. Options include two or three course lunches, buffets, morning coffees or afternoon teas.

Choose from a variety of exclusive gifts, souvenirs and locally made products, with many ranges exclusive to Blenheim Palace.

Themed Talks A perfect way to offer your group a more specialised experience, our speaker will give an insight into areas of particular interest and significant developments at Blenheim Palace, in an enjoyable and informative way:

• Winston at Blenheim• Military Marlborough’s• The Palace at War• Ladies of Blenheim• Life Below Stairs• Christmas at Blenheim• Shaping the Landscape• The Blenheim Collection• Conservation and Sustainability

Themed Talks cost £75 (in addition to the per person entry fees) and refreshments may be added at an additional charge. All talks must be pre booked and are subject to availability.

State Room ToursBetween 9.30 - 10.15 daily plus 16.00 - 16.45 in Main Season (45 minutes)For those groups who prefer to experience a more personal touch, we can offer a private guided tour of the State Rooms with our expert Palace Guides (language tours are available on request). The tour is only available at limited times of the day and pre booking with the Group Sales Team is essential. All private tours are subject to availability.

We warmly welcome group visits, and have a dedicated team working closely with tour leaders in providing truly memorable visits.

Full day ‘discovery’ suggested itinerary:

Planning your full day

10.00 Arrive at Blenheim Palace. Your coach can drop your group at ‘Flagstaff’ immediately outside the entrance to the Visitor Centre, which houses a café, toilet facilities and gift shop. Collect your tickets at the Flagstaff Kiosk (if pre-booked) for the entire group before entering.

11.30 Make your way to the Palace to pick up your audio guides at the front door. This tour will take up to an hour and provide you with a wealth of background information and interesting facts about our 300 years of history.

13.00 Feeling hungry? Head to the Water Terrace Café, overlooking the beautiful fountains of the water terrace itself where you will find a choice of hot or cold lunches or light bites on a self service basis. If you prefer you could pre-book group catering in a dedicated room – choose from two or three course lunches, cold buffets or Afternoon Teas.

10.30 Enjoy a fascinating themed talk by one of our Palace Guides. Choose from one of our list of nine different themes which must be pre-booked in a private room.

14.00 Spend time in the spectacular Formal Gardens – landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Take a stroll past the Temple of Diana, through the Rose Garden, returning along the pretty lakeside path. Cross the South Lawn to the Secret Garden and return to the Palace via the Italian Gardens.

15.30 No visit is complete without taking time to browse in the fabulous gift shop. Choose from a variety of exclusive gifts, souvenirs and locally made products, with many ranges exclusive to Blenheim Palace.

Relax with a refreshing cup of tea and slice of cake in the Oxfordshire Pantry.

16.30 Re-join your coach at Flagstaff pick up point for your homeward journey.*

*Coach parking and pick up arrangements are subject to change according to events at the Palace.

12.30 After your tour ends in the Long Library, follow the red carpet to the dedicated Winston Churchill exhibition rooms which include the room where the great man was born prematurely when his parents were visiting his Uncle, the 8th Duke of Marlborough for a House Party in 1874.

Half day ‘taster’ suggested itinerary

Planning your half day

9.30 Your coach can drop your group at ‘Flagstaff’ immediately outside the entrance to the Visitor Centre, which houses a café, toilet facilities and gift shop. Purchase your tickets at the Flagstaff Kiosk in one transaction for the entire group before entering.

13.00 Re-join your coach at Flagstaff pick up point for your homeward journey.*

9.45 Meet your guide at the Palace front door for a private tour of the State Rooms ahead of the general public.

Discover our gilded State Rooms with their priceless collections of portraits, tapestries and furniture.

10.45 Explore the formal gardens, taking in the Temple of Diana, the Churchill Memorial Garden and the Rose Garden before crossing the South Lawn to the Secret Garden and return to the Palace via the Italian Garden.

See the Park by Buggy We have a range of buggy tours available, including a tour of the Formal Gardens. Your driver will talk to you about how the Park has evolved and share other interesting facts and stories along the way.

These tours are subject to availability and weather conditions, must be booked on the day by individuals and incur additional charges.

Enhance your visit

*Coach parking and pick up arrangements are subject to change according to events at the Palace.

12.45 Enjoy a leisurely browse in our gift shop and treat yourself to some of the fabulous items available for purchase, including locally produced crafts, luxurious gifts, and many ranges that are exclusive to Blenheim Palace.

12.00 Return to the Indian Room for a quintessentially English Afternoon Tea, including finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, and fancy cakes and pastries.

Private Apartment Tours From February to September, we offer two different tours of the private side of the Palace, an area historically closed to the public. Discover the rooms in which the Marlborough family have lived for generations.

Please note additional charges apply. These tours are not bookable for groups as the numbers per tour are limited, however they may be booked on the day or via our website by individuals and are subject to seasonality and availability.

Offer your group a truly unforgettable day by arranging your visit alongside one of our fantastic events. Many events are included within the group entry rates offering a great value day out.

Blenheim Palace Flower Show

This wonderful three-day show showcases the very best of gardening, home and lifestyle. It is packed with inspiration, flowers and plants and everything you need for your home and garden.

Let’s Misbehave: The 1920s at Blenheim Palace

Travel back in time to the Roaring Twenties as Blenheim Palace invites you to a magnificent exhibition celebrating this famously decadent decade.

Blenheim Palace Food Festival

The festival promises regional food and drink from 120 stallholders, craft brewers, gourmet burgers, international cuisine, traditional ice creams and handmade sweets. From chef demonstrations, talks and cookery lessons, there is something for all to enjoy.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace*

Christmas is a magical time to visit Blenheim Palace. Join us for seasonal entertainment, the Palace dressed for Christmas and our trail of lights in the evenings. We will also be serving delicious festive food in our restaurants and cafés.

23rd - 25th May15th February - 13th April

1920S EXHIBITION

Please note all events and dates listed are provisional and subject to change. *Separate admission charges apply to those events marked by an asterisk.

*Christmas at Blenheim Palace is operated by a separate event company therefore different prices and procedures will apply.

January/ February Restoration and Conservation Tours* . . . 10th January - 9th February Let’s Misbehave: 1920s Exhibition . . . . . . . . . 15th February - 13th April

April Easter Carnival & Family Entertainment . . . . . . . . . 10th - 13th April Contemporary Art Exhibition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23rd April - 5th July

MayJousting Tournament . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd - 3rd MayVE Day Celebrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8th - 10th MayBlenheim Palace Food Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23rd - 25th MayBloodwise Blenheim Palace Triathlon* . . . . . . . . . . 30th - 31st May

JuneGiffords Circus* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4th - 8th JuneInternational Garden Photographer . . . . . . .6th June - 19th Augustof the Year Exhibition‘Nocturne Live’ Concerts in the Great Court* . . . . 18th - 21st JuneBlenheim Palace Flower Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26th - 28th June

July/AugustBattle Proms Picnic Concert* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4th JulyAll About Dogs* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4th - 5th July Family Summer Entertainment . . . . . . 22nd July - 2nd SeptemberFamily Cycling Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16th August

September Salon Privé Classic & Supercar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6th SeptemberSsangYong Blenheim Palace Horse Trials* . . . .17th - 20th SeptemberBritish Heart Foundation Half Marathon* . . . . . . . . 27th September

November/DecemberChristmas at Blenheim Palace* . . .20th November - 1st January 2021Christmas Market, Illuminated Light Trail & Festive Palace Experience

20th November - 1st January 202126th - 28th June

For a full list of events and up to date information on our events calendar,

visit www.blenheimpalace.com

2020 Event Highlights

*All prices and opening times are subject to change. Blenheim Palace reserves the right to close at short notice or change any of its opening times and events or to restrict or refuse access at any time without notice.

Palace, Park & Gardens Ticket Inc Audio Guide

Pre- Booked Groups Price

Adult £20.00

Concession £18.50

Child £11.00

Park & Gardens Ticket

Adult £11.00

Concession £9.50

Child £4.80

• Discount on admission tickets

• One group leader admitted free of charge

• Free admission voucher for commercial coach drivers plus a five pound voucher for them to use in any of our on-site cafés

• Free all day coach parking

• Exclusive catering options and themed talks

• Dedicated Groups Team available 9.00 – 17.00, Monday – Friday for group specific enquiries and bookings

Prices & How to BookTo ensure that your visit to Blenheim Palace is as enjoyable and efficient as possible, and to secure the lowest entry prices, we would like to request that you book your visit at least 24 hours in advance.

Blenheim Palace is open throughout the year. ‘Christmas at Blenheim’ is operated by a separate event company therefore different prices and procedures will apply.*

Benefits of visiting as a group (15+ paying guests)

2020 Admission Prices

Year of Restoration Helpful Information

Saving ‘The Finest View’.

See history be made with our largest restoration project to date: Repairs on the Grand Bridge and dredging of Queen Pool.

Immerse yourself in the extensive restoration programme and contribute to preserving our lasting legacy. 2020 sees the start of our seven year master plan to conserve and protect our World Heritage Site for future generations.

Work with us to allow us to claim Gift Aid for groups that are eligible. Funds raised through admission donations help us complete vital restoration projects. Contact our Groups Team for eligibility requirements and further information.

Find out more about our restoration projects at blenheim.org/restoration

How to get to Blenheim Palace

blenheimpalace.com/groups 01993 815600 groups@blenheimpalace.com

Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation. Registered charity 1166164

By Road Eight miles north-west of Oxford, on the A44 Evesham Road, Blenheim Palace is easily accessible from London and Birmingham. For sat nav directions, please use OX20 1UL.

Journey Durations Blenheim Palace is 20 minutes from Oxford, one hour 30 minutes from central London, 45 minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon and one hour 30 minutes from Bath. We are conveniently located 15 miles from Bicester Village.

By Train Regular train services from London Paddington, Marylebone and Birmingham to Hanborough, Oxford Parkway and the city of Oxford.

Parking Free car and coach parking is available in the grounds with the exception of certain event days, when parking may be charged (please check with the Groups Sales Team).

By Bus 500 Bus Service from Oxford Parkway. The S3 bus service to Woodstock runs every 30 minutes from Oxford Train Station and Gloucester Green bus station and stops at the Palace gates.

By Air Heathrow Airport, 50 miles (60 minutes) Luton Airport, 70 miles (80 minutes) Gatwick Aiport, 88 miles (90 minutes) Stansted Airport, 98 miles (95 minutes)

Accessibility The State Rooms are accessible by wheelchair via an electric lift and those with walking difficulties may borrow one of the Palace’s wheelchairs for the State Rooms tour. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available on loan free of charge. Assistant dogs are admitted into all facilities including the Palace. Visit our website to read our full access statement.

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BLENHEIMPALACE

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Blenheim Palace Woodstock Oxfordshire

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