Blenheim Palace opens from 16th February 2008, with a year of events inspired by the Victorians.
16th February
SPRING
Jousting and the Victorians Featuring ‘The Knights of Royal England’ P&G Blenheim Palace brings the extravagance of Victorian leisure to the South Lawn with a re-enactment of a great Jousting contest that took place at Earl’s Court. Picnic on the South Lawn and enjoy the activities including archery, falconry displays and storytelling.
Ferrari Owners Club – Spring Picnic P&G
Spectacular gathering of more than 100 Ferraris parked in and adjoining The Great Court – featuring the early V12 cars up to the most modern models from the range.
Living Heritage Oxfordshire Craft Fair P&G A country craft show held at Blenheim Palace including some of the finest craftsmen, artists and designers in the country. Live demonstrations include glass blowing, wood carving and lace-making. Visit www.craft-show.co.uk
The Oxford Big Bike Ride The Oxford Big Bike Ride offers a great day out for the family. Help raise funds for The Anthony Nolan Trust, the charity that takes back lives from leukaemia. Separate admissions apply.
Henry Taunt Exhibition.PPG + P&G An exhibition of the celebrated Victorian, Oxford based photographer which brings together his photographs of the local area. (With kind permission of English Heritage NMR). Displayed in the Stables Courtyard and throughout the Palace.
The Oxford School of Drama present William Shakepeare's renowned romantic comedy. Performances take place at 7pm in the Pleasure Gardens. Separate admission prices apply.
Blenheim Palace TriathlonP&G
This is a great day out for spectators - make sure you bring your friends and family along. Blenheim Palace will provide a stunning backdrop to the event and will be open for Palace tours throughout the day.
Admission included for spectators. NB. Please note that activity takes place within the Great Court and therefore admission procedures could be affected. Visit www.theblenheimtriathlon.com
Victorian Servants and Domestic Service at Blenheim Palace. PPG + P&G
Summer holiday costumed entertainment in the Great Court and Pleasure Gardens. Trails of the grounds show the daily duties of servants and domestic service’s at the Palace during the Victorian era. Show and tell activities and entertainment in the Great Court including Victorian bicycles and Dandy Chargers. Visit the "Blenheim Bygones" Exhibition in the Pleasure Gardens with tools and artefacts from years gone by.
Battle Proms Concert - evening event The Battle Proms is an outdoor concert expertly bringing together sound, light and spectacle with a unique combination of superb classical music, 200 cannons, cavalry displays and impressive fireworks. Spectacular spitfire flying display in 2008.
Visit www.battleproms.comSeparate admission prices apply.
The 50th CLA Game Fair
The hugely popular CLA Game Fair returns to Blenheim Palace every four years. Highly rated by families as well as country sport enthusiasts with major food, equestrian and gardening exhibitions plus fun features demonstrating conservation and new activities in the countryside, alongside all the traditional country sports shows.
Palace, Park and Gardens open as usual.
Visit www.gamefair.co.ukSeparate admission prices apply.
Jousting and the Victorians Featuring ‘The Knights of Royal England’ P&G Blenheim Palace brings the extravangance of Victorian leisure to the South Lawn with a re-enactment of a great Jousting contest that took place at Earl’s Court . Picnic on the South Lawn and enjoy the activities including archery, falconry displays and storytelling.
The Imperial Ice Stars present The Sleeping Beauty on Ice
A tented ice palace brings this magical performance to the Park at Blenheim Palace. Both matinee and evening performances will be available. Visit www.imperialicestars.com
Living Heritage OxfordshireCraft FairP&G The country craft show returns to Blenheim Palace and includes some of the finest craftsmen, artists and designers in the country. Live demonstrations include glass blowing, wood carving and lace-making.
Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials
The Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials is one of the world's premier three-star three-day events. Set in the magnificent grounds of Blenheim Palace, the horse trials offer a fabulous opportunity to see some of the world's finest riders and their horses compete against one another in a truly spectacular environment.
Palace, Park and Gardens open as usual.
Visit www.blenheim-horse.co.uk Separate admission for the Horse Trials
Classic Car and Motorcycle ShowP&G A spectacular gathering of more than 200 classic cars and motorcycles – from vintage through to classic modern marques as well as Kit and Custom Cars and much more. A great day out for the classic car enthusiast.
Bike Blenheim Palace P&G An exciting new autumn event to be staged in conjunction with British Cycling. Watch Elite and Club Cyclists compete during the morning and then enjoy the challenge as the three route distances through the Park are opened for everyone to enjoy at their leisure – a great family opportunity to enjoy the supreme beauty of the world heritage Park. An event village with demonstrations and traders will help support the day and promote cycling awareness to everyone.
A Victorian Halloween at Blenheim Palace PPG + P&G
Half term costumed entertainment in the Great Court. Victorian stories and fun-filled spooky activities for all the family.
Christmas at Blenheim Palace PPG
Blenheim Palace is decorated for Christmas with a Victorian theme. Estate-grown Christmas trees sparkle in the Great Court and elegant decorations adorn the State Rooms
Living Crafts for ChristmasP&G
Celebrating the best of British crafts, there is no better place to stock up on presents and stocking fillers. Find unusual gifts from amongst a stunning range of the highest quality work created by around ninety of the country’s top craftspeople. Visit www.livingcrafts.co.uk
