This May Bank Holiday at Blenheim Palace a momentous battle will take place on the South Lawn in a recreation of a Victorian tournament that took place at Earls Court in the early 20th century.  At that time, jousting was the height of Victorian extravagance and from 3rd – 5th May knights will challenge the mighty 9th Duke of Marlborough in feats of immense skill whilst reliving the mediaeval codes of chivalry and honour. Marvel at the spectacular horsemanship as you cheer for your favourite knight! Will the great Duke of Marlborough be the victor or the vanquished?

Buy tickets

Buy a Blenheim Palace picnic hamper

The rousing sounds of a brass band will welcome you to the South Lawn where a parade of the Knight Marshall of the lists, the Judges and the Ladies of the Court will open the contest. The knights will perform medieval disciplines of supreme skills such as Jousting at the tilt, lancing of the rings, spearing the peasants head, the Quintain and of course the foot combat using swords and maces. Watch in amazement as the Knights collide with a clash of lance on shield and armour!

Brass and Silver Bands playing on the South Lawn this Bank Holiday weekend:

Saturday 3rd May: Kidlington Concert Brass

Sunday 4th May: Broseley Brass (Milton Keynes)

Monday 5th May: Wantage Silver Band

The Palace will provide a magnificent backdrop whilst you enjoy a host of costumed entertainment all day from 11am onward including Virtuous Victorian Tales by our storyteller, falconry displays, and have a go at archery. The jousting will take place twice a day at 12.30pm and 3pm. The brass band will play at 11.30am, 1.15pm and 3.45pm, and storytelling will take place at 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm.

Refreshments and a delicious BBQ will be available serving Oxford sausages and homemade burgers. Blenheim Palace picnics are available to order in advance by calling 01993 815 614.  Toys, swords, shields and souvenirs for little lords and ladies will be available from a special retail marquee throughout the weekend.

And if that leaves you wanting more, round off your day with a visit to the magnificent baroque Palace and the beautiful State Rooms within. Hear more about the Dukes of Marlborough in our new permanent visitor experience, ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’ with enticing tales of the last 300 years, seen through the eyes of the servants.

When

3rd – 5th May 2008

The Palace and formal gardens are open daily until 2nd November 2008, 10.30am - 5.30pm (last admission 4.45pm) . The Palace and formal gardens are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays from 5th November to 14th December. The Park opens daily except Christmas Day. The Park opens at 9am, the Palace and Pleasure Gardens at 10.30am.

Where

The South Lawn

Click here for directions to Blenheim Palace

For Blenheim Palace admission prices click here.

Refreshments

Refreshments will be available from a BBQ on the South Lawn. Food and refreshments are also available at The Water Terrace Café, The Pleasure Gardens Café and The Ice Cream Parlour. A selection of afternoon tea menus will be available from the Water Terrace Cafe.

Please note

Dogs are not allowed in the formal gardens

Free parking is available