Summer of Fun at Blenheim Palace

There’s a whole host of fun activities taking place at Blenheim Palace over the summer holidays which are guaranteed to inspire and entertain visitors young and old.

Throughout July and August youngsters can enjoy hours of fun in the Pleasure Gardens, with a range of special workshops and activities to get involved in.

Explore the giant hedge maze, Butterfly House and Adventure Playground. There is also a bouncy castle, giant board games and the Lavender Garden to enjoy.

Bring history to life and explore the Palace Courtyards on one of the Servants’ Tours in the company of Victorian housemaids and butlers.

Gain a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Palace and the people who have lived here from the servants’ point of view.

Tours will run daily from the East Courtyard from 11am-4pm every hour on the hour.

Plus, families can enjoy delicious wood fired pizzas on offer in the Pleasure Gardens Café throughout the summer.

As well as the daily activities there are also a host of amazing one-off events taking place.

Blenheim Palace Flower Show – June 23rd-25th.

This three-day show celebrates the very best of gardening in the UK and is packed with inspiration and colour. Visitors can expect a treat on the first day as the event is officially opened by gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh.

The Grand Floral Pavilion will be full of the UK’s finest nurseries and growers giving expert advice and gardening ideas.

The shopping village will feature trade stands selling everything from unique garden gazebos, greenhouses and arbours to beautiful flowers, gardening sundries and hundreds of other products.

Dogs on leads welcome.

Pre ’50 American Auto Club ‘Rally of the Giants’ – July 9th

The must-visit event for anyone with an interest in American motorcars, trucks, military vehicles and bikes.
This year more than 400 classic American vehicles will be on show, including some of the finest and most valuable examples to be found anywhere in Europe, dating from the early 1920’s through to the seventies.

For more information visit www.pre50aac.com

Mad Science – July 22nd-23rd
These hugely entertaining scientific workshops and presentations provide a fun introduction into how dry ice is made. Four 30-minute workshops daily from midday. Science lessons have never been so much fun!

Victorian Zoolab – July 29th-30th
Travel back in time to discover what life was like for a Victorian street urchin in these interactive ‘zoolab’ workshops. Find out about everything from rat-catchers and cholera to alternative medicine and prison hulk ships with the help of live rats, cockroaches, spiders and scorpions.
Workshops 12-4pm on the hour lasting 30 minutes each session.

Inspire Drums drumming workshops – August 12th-13th
Groups of people will be able to try their hand at steel drumming in a relaxed fun, environment. Players will be taken through progressive routines whilst enjoying a collective sound. 12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, 30 minute workshops.

Family Cycling Day – August 13th
Enjoy this unique annual opportunity to cycle around the picturesque Parkland of Blenheim Palace.
Bring a bicycle (and helmet please!) and take in the scenery and fresh air. Pack a picnic and make it a day to remember.

First aid staff will be on site. There is no age restriction for children participating in Family Cycling Day, but they must wear appropriate safety equipment and must be accompanied by adults. There is no need to pre-book.

Two routes will be available; one around Queen Pool and one around the Park perimeter. Extra bike racks will be available for cyclists wishing to make the most of their day to include a visit to the Palace.

Summer Jousting Tournament – August 18th-20th
Experience an epic Jousting Tournament on the South Lawn with the ‘Knights of Arkley’ and their mighty steeds.
Gallant knights and their noble steeds will battle for glory charging in the traditional tilt, and battling on foot with the mighty mace and quarter staff.

Alice and the White Rabbit – August 19th-20th
Join Historical Promotions in a game of hide and seek with Alice and the White Rabbit. Help Alice find the White Rabbit hiding somewhere in the Pleasure Gardens.

Pony Pursuits – August 26th-27th
Pony rides for children in the Palace grounds 11am-3pm. £2 per ride.

‘Wind in the Willows’ with The Immersion Theatre – August 27th
Pack your picnics and join the boat-loving Ratty, the sensible yet curious Mole, wise old Badger and the fantastically irrepressible Toad as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime to save Toad Hall!

Eye-catching costumes, toe-tapping music and larger than life characters promise to capture the imagination of the youngest of audience members whilst the sheer nostalgic charm of this beloved story is guaranteed to take older generations on a glorious trip down the riverbank onto memory lane.

Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport – August 27th-28th
On Sunday the festival will feature the Classic Car Show and on Monday they will be joined by motorcycles, Minis and VW’s, Customs, Hot Rods and Americans, Kit and Sports Cars.

The two-day event has the added bonus of vehicle judging and an experienced motor commentator to talk us through the day’s events.