Accessibility
Click here to download a detailed access guide to help visitors who have specific needs.
Disabled visitors
Blenheim Palace welcomes visitors with disabilities and we do all we can to ensure that visitors are able to enjoy as much as possible of this magnificent building and its grounds. Click here to download additional information
We do however strongly recommend that you are accompanied by an able bodied carer*. The following advice is based on this assumption.
It is recommended that wheelchair and other disabled visitors who wish to be totally independent contact us before their visit on (01993) 811091. We can then give further specific advice to assist in making your experience as complete as possible within the environment of an historic building. The wheelchair lift into the Palace is for wheelchair use only, and transfer to one of our internal wheelchairs will be necessary.
Car Parking
On arrival, please indicate clearly to the ticket office and car parking staff that you/your passenger is disabled. You will then be directed to the disabled car park close to the Palace or the nearest available space (if full). (If you feel you may need access assistance in transferring to a wheelchair to the Palace, please ask ticket office staff to radio ahead to our Palace Front Door Team to alert them of your arrival.)
The Palace
The route through the Palace Courtyards to the front door is approximately 100 metres long, level but gravelled. If you do have a wheelchair you should make your way to the Palace Chapel Bookshop or stables exhibition to ask for assistance with the wheelchair lift into the Palace. PLEASE NOTE this lift is not suitable for electric scooters. A member of Palace staff will be on hand to come to your assistance. Once up onto the colonnade you will be able to make your way in via the library to join the normal route around the Palace.
The main tour of the Palace is on one level with clear gangways and wide doors. At the end of your tour, you will again make you way to the wheelchair lift where a member of staff will assist you once again down to the courtyard level. Ramps provide access to the Chapel, toilets, restaurant, cafeteria and shop areas. Please note that within the bookshop (next to the chapel exit), access with certain wheelchairs is difficult. If assistance is required, please ask either our Shop or Visitor Services Team who will pleased to assist.
'Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story' - We regret that the permanent visitor experience located upstairs inside the Palace is not accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. A short film of 'Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story' is available at ground level near to the Indoor Cinema.
We regret that the optional tour of the private apartments is not wheelchair accessible due to the number of stairs and restricted gangways.
Toilets
Suitably adapted disabled toilet facilities are available in 3 locations:
a) East Courtyard – 1 unisex.
b) The Palace ground floor, near the restaurant and cafeteria – 1 ladies and 1 gents.
c) The Pleasure Gardens near the Gift Shop – 1 unisex.
Refreshments
Good access to all facilities via a shallow concrete ramp. At the Palace, the Terrace Restaurant, the Terrace Café and the Courtyard Restaurant (for booked parties) are all at ground level with good access via a shallow concrete ramp. At the Pleasure Gardens a shallow ramp leads into the café. Picnicking is permitted in most areas of the Park.
Palace Gardens
The upper level of the Water Terrace Garden is accessible through The Terrace Café. Disabled walkers who find steps difficult and wheelchair users who wish to see the rest of the Gardens should ask a member of staff for directions to the side entrance, via Fisherman's Gate. Pleasant walks along gravelled paths lead to the Secret Garden (approx. 400 metres from Fisherman's Gate) and the Rose Garden (approx 300 metres from Fisherman's Gate).
The Cascade (approx 600 metres from Fisherman's Gate) is only accessible over a gravelled walkway with difficult terrain.
Pleasure Gardens
The Pleasure Gardens are a short car drive away and there is ample car parking available. (We regret the Train to the Pleasure Gardens is not accessible to wheelchairs.) The Butterfly House, Herb Garden and shop are all accessible, however, it should be noted that the entrance door to the Butterfly House is narrow and may not accommodate all wheelchairs. Narrow wheelchairs are available for temporary loan on request. The Marlborough Maze is not recommended for wheelchair users.
Park
There is a continuous tarmac route around the Lake (approx 1mile) and also around the Park (approx 4 miles). These routes have steep inclines and visitors should take note of this.
Wheelchair Availability
We have three manual attendant wheelchairs available for use in the Palace only. There is no charge but availability is on a first come first served basis.
Able-bodied carers accompanying a person with any disability are admitted free of charge.
Advance Booking
We recommend Groups pre-book visits to Blenheim Palace within the normal opening times. We strongly advise advance booking for Groups with three or more wheelchair users. This will enable our staff to ensure that your visit is organised as smoothly as possible.
Golf Buggies
Offering a tour round the Capability Brown designed Park, with a Blenheim Palace designated driver, these are an excellent way for less mobile visitors to enjoy this superb landscape. The route takes in Grand Bridge and Queen Pool. There are frequent stops with commentary, to bring Blenheim's history to life.
Buggies are normally available in Peak Season, weather permitting. A separate charge applies. Disabled visitors need to transfer from wheelchair to buggy. Please call to confirm the buggies are operating on the day of your visit.
Operations: 01993 811091
Dogs
Guide assistance and support dogs are welcome.
School Groups
Which include Children with Special Needs. The Education Department at Blenheim Palace makes excellent provision for children with special needs. Teachers are requested to contact the Education Officer in advance on 01993 810535.
*Able-bodied carers accompanying a person with disability are admitted free of charge.
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