Boxing Day at Blenheim Palace

Discover a winter wonderland at Blenheim Palace this Boxing Day. For the first time the Palace, Park and Gardens will be open on 26 December and visitors are invited to enjoy the splendour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For the best colours

Discover beautiful winter sunsets over Blenheim Palace and the surrounding Parkland. Plus for those up early enjoy the muted colours on frosty morning walks and rich winter greens on the evergreen trees dotted around the Great Lake.

For bird lovers

Visitors can enjoy spotting flocks of winter birds including Snipe, Smew, majestic white ducks with incredible plumage and distinct black masks, and siskins, who bring a beautiful rich yellow colour to the landscape. Blenheim Palace Parkland is also home to many small members of the finch family, including the gregarious orange breasted Brambling, the noisy autumnal coloured Crossbill and the Redpoll.

For the best walks

Wrap up warm in the Blenheim Tweed Blankets, available from the East Courtyard Gift Shop, and head out to take the Lake and Cascade walk, perfect for wildlife spotting and frost tipped trees.  From the Water Terraces, follow the signs for the Rose Garden, the Cascade and the Pump House. Follow the slope above the Cascade and continue along the edge of the lake to the Boathouse, then up the slope to the bottom of the Water Terraces.

This walk takes in some difficult terrain, so walking shoes are recommended. The Dam and Cascade has a walkway and viewing area.

For the best heritage

Discover the Column of Victory in all its frosty glory on chilly mornings and watch the sun come up over the Palace. The Column of Victory was erected between 1727 – 1730 and serves as a 134 ft high statement reflecting the military prowess of the 1st Duke of Marlborough, which earned him Blenheim Palace.

If it's too cold...

Head indoors to take the guided State Rooms Tour where a passionate guide will take you around the opulent rooms of Blenheim Palace. Discover over 300 years of Marlborough family history in paintings, tapestries and incredible furniture. Finish off with a warm seasonal lunch in The Orangery Restaurant, which overlooks the private Italian Garden.

Boxing Day Lunch

If all the fresh air has made you peckish visit Blenheim Palace's Orangery Restaurant for a special Boxing Day lunch, served between 12 – 4pm. Inspired by the festive season choose from either two or three courses, enjoy a twist on tradition. From Sloe gin cured local rainbow trout to Honey roast gammon pie, mash, plus if you have room for dessert try the Mulled wine trifle, pecan granola – delicious. Booking necessary.

For more information please contact:

Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379 or 07815 709548

Notes to editors

• Concession price available for over-60s and students. Excludes weekends and Bank Holidays
• Blenheim Palace is a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
• 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

Annual Pass - Buy One Day, Get 12 Months Free!*

Donate your Palace, Park and Gardens admission on arrival to claim a free Annual Pass*. Enjoy entry to our World Heritage Site throughout the year for the price of one day, plus exclusive member benefits.

Enjoy these benefits:

• Free entry to events run by Blenheim Palace including Jousting Tournaments, the Blenheim Palace Food Festival, Blenheim Palace Flower Show and the Blenheim Palace Festival of Transport.
• Discount for family and friends on their first visit when you accompany them.
• A monthly e-newsletter with news of our latest events, offers, and competitions.
• Tickets to a selection of externally run events including the Battle Proms Picnic Concert, BBC Countryfile Live and 'Christmas at Blenheim'.

*Terms and conditions apply

Gift Aid

Founded in 2016 under the auspices of the 12th Duke of Marlborough, the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation Charity looks to safeguard the future of our World Heritage Site for centuries to come.

By agreeing to donate a Palace, Park and Gardens admission on arrival visitors can benefit from converting to a free Annual Pass*.

*You are eligible for Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer. The process costs you nothing but allows us to claim money back from the government on the tax that you have already paid. This means that for every £1 donated, we receive an extra £0.25, allowing us to invest even more in the upkeep of the Palace, its contents and surrounding Estate.

Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation

Registered charity 1166164