In the news: New Visitor Facilities at Blenheim Palace in 2012
news release
31 January 2012
Major developments bring new improved visitor facilities at Blenheim Palace in 2012
In the largest development for over 200 years at Blenheim Palace, 2012 will see extensive new improvements to the visitor facilities at the World Heritage Site situated in Oxfordshire. Plans have been drawn up for major new developments to the retail and catering facilities in response to the huge increase of visitor numbers following the introduction of the ‘free Annual Pass’ ticket offer in 2009. Blenheim Palace now receives an additional 200,000 visitors per year, reaching an annual figure of around 550,000.
Commencing in January and due for completion in the summer of 2012, the developments will bring a new visitor welcome centre in the East Courtyard including a new café, ‘The Oxfordshire Pantry’, and a stunning new glass-ceilinged retail facility mirroring ‘The Orangery’, the elegant space created in late 1700s at the time of the 4th Duke, which is now used for weddings and corporate functions. A grand marquee in the East Courtyard will provide a temporary space for retail and catering facilities whilst developments are underway.
The new developments will take place in line with the appointment Searcys, who will provide the catering services for Blenheim Palace Hospitality bringing new expertise and refreshed offerings, in particular a new Champagne bar in the Water Terraces Café.
Blenheim Palace’s Chief Executive John Hoy comments: “2012 will see hugely exciting changes for our visitors; this is the largest development project of its kind to take place at the Palace since the late 18th century. We are delighted to be able to put into place superb new visitor facilities to provide an outstanding experience of ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’”.
Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The Palace was created a World Heritage Site in 1987, in recognition of its architectural importance.
Set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown parkland in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace is a world-renowned visitor attraction and a superb venue for weddings, banqueting and conferences. Blenheim Palace is ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’.
For more information call 0800 8496500 (free 24 hour recorded information or visit www.bleheimpalace.com
ENDS
Notes to Editors
♣ The new developments will commence in January 2012 and are due for completion in the summer of 2012.
♣ Blenheim Palace and Formal Gardens open for the new season from 11th February to 14th December 2012. The Palace will open for the new season from 11th February 2012. For all up-to-date information, opening times and prices call 0800 849 6500 (free 24 hour recorded information) or visit www.blenheimpalace.com
♣ Free Annual Pass offer: ‘Buy One Day, Get 12 Months Free’ – Every visitor who purchases a ticket to Blenheim Palace can receive an Annual Pass, free. For details, terms and conditions visit www.blenheimpalace.com
♣ The dedicated team at Blenheim Palace Hospitality are happy to help with any enquiry. For further information please call +44(0) 1993 813 874 or email sales@blenheimhospitality.com
♣ For more information about Searcy’s visit www.searcys.com
♣ Blenheim Palace is a member of the Treasure Houses of England, 10 of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England www.treasurehouses.co.uk
♣ Blenheim Palace holds a Silver Award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
For further information about Blenheim Palace please call the 24 hour information line on 0800 849 6500 or visit the website at www.blenheimpalace.com
For media information contact: Hannah Payne at Blenheim Palace
Telephone: +44 (0) 1993 810524 Email: hpayne@blenheimpalace.com
