Frequently Asked Questions
View information about visiting Blenheim Palace.
The Palace, Park and Gardens are open. Please review our opening times and our visit us page.
To ensure the health and wellbeing of our visitors and staff, all visitors must adhere to current government guidelines relating to COVID-19, and follow our guidance provided on site.
In the interest of safety and to protect this special UNESCO World Heritage Site, we ask all our visitors to follow the guidelines below:
| Children under 12 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times. |
| The Palace, Parks and Gardens are part of a working Estate, be aware of vehicles and works being undertaken to enable the continued enjoyment of the Palace. |
| BBQs or fires are not permitted anywhere in the Palace, Parks and Gardens. |
| Due to the historic nature of the Palace, Parks and Gardens, there are uneven surfaces and walkways. |
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The Palace, Parks and Gardens are managed naturally to ensure that the different ecosystems work in harmony, please be aware that at different times of the year there can be insects which may sting or bite eg Blandford flies (between May and June and close to water), ticks or wasps/bees. It is recommended to follow the NHS advice on prevention of bites and stings and the guidance on symptoms and treatment if you experience a bite or sting. Read more here. |
- Visiting during COVID
- Can I book online?
- Do I need to book a time slot?
- Opening times for events and exhibitions
- Can I buy an Annual Pass or Gift Voucher?
- Families FAQ
- Dogs
- Car parking
- Bicycles
- Scooters, skateboards and rollerskates
- Photography and video
- Food and drink
- Wifi access
- Christmas
Visiting during COVID
We continue to welcome guests to the Palace, Parks and Gardens, and have kept measures in place to ensure that our visitors and staff are safe while onsite. We are also continually reviewing our measures and adapting our safety measures based on any government updates.
We will continue to:
- Provide sanitiser and hand washing facilities across the site.
- Use one way systems where possible.
- Operate a cashless system.
- Undertake increased cleaning of our facilities, surfaces and touch points.
- Monitor and increase ventilation.
We ask you to:
- Purchase your tickets or Annual Pass online in advance of your visit.
- Remain one metre from other guests within indoor areas.
- Be kind to our team onsite who are working to keep everyone onsite safe
- Rearrange your visit if you are demonstrating any symptoms of Covid-19.
Face coverings are not mandatory in indoor spaces but we recommend following the government guidance in relation to wearing them in crowded, indoor spaces.
We feel that these measures are a reasonable and fair approach, as the safety of staff and visitors is our top priority.
Can I book online?
We can’t wait to see you. To help you with your visit all tickets must be purchased in advance; this allows faster entry at the gates, one quick scan and you’ll be through. You will also receive our latest information on what’s happening and how to make the most of your day at the Palace. The great thing is you can even book online the day of your visit. Annual Pass holders do not need to book.
Any offers and promotions must be booked online before arrival, these cannot be redeemed on site.
Sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest information.
Do I need to book a time slot?
You no longer need to book a time slot for entry into the Park or into the Palace. Our team will be managing the capacity of the Palace carefully to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. We recommend exploring the Palace later in your visit as the mornings are busy and you may be asked to queue for entry.
Opening times for events and exhibitions
Opening times for events and exhibitions can differ from the general opening times of the Palace, Park and Gardens. Please check individual event or exhibition pages for details.
Can I buy an Annual Pass or Gift Voucher?
Yes you can, and we would welcome your support by making these purchases. With your help we can continue to complete vital restoration and conservation works to keep Blenheim maintained and secure for future generations.
It's easy to convert your Palace, Park and Gardens day ticket to an Annual Pass by donating your admission. If you are eligible, subsequently agreeing to Gift Aid will also help us.
Buy an Annual Pass Buy a Voucher
Families FAQ
Blenheim Palace is an iconic heritage site where you can experience wonderful gardens and the history of the Palace.
We are committed to inclusivity and accessibility and want to ensure all guests who cross our threshold have the best experience possible.
Visitors that come with children are always welcome to Blenheim Palace and under 5s can visit us for free.
Please review our full Families page for all information relating to visits with babies and children.
Dogs
Blenheim Palace is a great place to bring your dog, we have so much space out in the Parkland and they are welcomed to join you in many areas*.
Please visit our Dogs at Blenheim Palace page for everything you need to know.
*Please note that areas of the park are sectioned off by electric fencing to ensure our livestock stay grazing these parts of the park.
Car parking
Car parking on site is included within your entrance ticket price, there is no additional cost for existing ticket or pass holders.
We have a hard-standing gravel car park; a five-minute walk from the Palace.
Blue Badge Holders are reserved the front of our car park for closer access to the Palace and Gardens.
Overflow parking during busy events is located a ten-minute walk from the Palace. Please note that parking may be subject to additional charges for certain events.
Bicycles
Cycling is not permitted in the Blenheim Palace courtyard, Formal Gardens, or Park. However, visitors are welcome to use the main roads to cycle to and from the Palace and gates. We have cycle racks next to the Retail Shop.
Scooters, skateboards and rollerskates
The use of adult scooters, skateboards, rollerskates, 'hoverboards' or any similar equipment is not permitted in the Blenheim Palace courtyards, Walled Garden, Formal Gardens or Park. Children are permitted to ride on scooters, push-bikes/balance bikes and tricycles in the Park only, and must be supervised at all times. Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring children are wearing the appropriate safety gear.
Photography and video
We encourage visitors' photography on site and love seeing visitors' photos on social media. You can share your moments using #blenheimpalace. Photography inside the Palace is permitted but we ask that flash is kept off to prevent damage to our artefacts. Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted inside the Palace.
Wedding photography is not permitted onsite unless prior consent is obtained or a wedding is officially held at Blenheim Palace. Consent can be obtained from contacting sales@blenheimpalace.com.
Due to Blenheim Palace being in close proximity to Oxford Airport and for the protection of the public and buildings, filming with a drone is not permitted onsite and any unauthorised drone use can result in a significant fine and prosecution of the drone pilot.
Commercial photography or filming is not permitted onsite without prior permission, however, we welcome commercial filming enquiries, for more information. Find out more about Blenheim Palace as a Filming Location.
Food and drink
Please see our Cafés & Restaurants page for the options currently available.
Picnics are welcome in the Park, but we kindly ask that visitors respect the Park and use the bins provided. The use of barbecues, disposable or otherwise are not permitted on site.
Wifi access
Free wifi is available throughout all areas of the Palace open to the Public. We encourage all of our visitors to make use of it and to share your photos and memories on our social media pages, use #blenheimpalace on Instagram for a chance to be featured as our 'pic of the week'!
Christmas
Our Christmas displays and Illuminated Trail are externally organised events managed by See Tickets. For all queries relating to the Christmas period, please contact the See Tickets Customer Service Team.
No Blenheim Palace discounts are available for tickets for Christmas at Blenheim Palace. This includes tickets purchased with Tesco vouchers or through any of our ticket partners.
For more detailed information around Christmas, please see our Christmas FAQs.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Our Customer Service team will be happy to help. Get in touch via email on customerservice@blenheimpalace.com or call 01993 810530.
Please note: Blenheim Palace reserves the right to change any of its opening hours, events or offers or to restrict access at any time without notice. You are strongly advised to check the relevant details before visiting. Tickets are non-refundable and any refunds given are at the discretion of management. We reserve the right to refuse the sale of a ticket or entry to the Palace and Estate.
