Blenheim Palace is the perfect destination for a family outing ahead of Father's Day this weekend (21stJune).

The Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site's beautiful Formal Gardens and stunning 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped Parkland have re-opened for pre-booked visits. 

On Friday, the East Courtyard visitor centre, which includes the retail shop and Oxfordshire pantry café, takeaway only, are also going to open to the public again, along with a brand new digital prize treasure hunt. 

“We're taking a very careful and staged approach to re-opening. The East Courtyard is a hub for visitors and we're delighted to be able to operate it again, under strict social distancing and hygiene guidelines,” said Operations Director Heather Carter.

“The shop is the perfect place to pick up some last minute Father's Day gifts or there's plenty of tasty takeaway treats on offer at the café.

“Over the coming weeks we'll be announcing additional activities as and when it's safe to do so. One of the major new events will be the drive-in cinema, which is running from 6th July,” she added.

Created over the centuries for the Dukes of Marlborough by esteemed garden designers such as Henry Wise and Achille Duchêne, the Formal Gardens reflect a journey through the styles of the ages.

Set around the 18th century baroque Palace, they include the majestic Water Terraces, the Duke's Private Italian Garden, the tranquil Secret Garden with all of its hidden treasures and the beautifully delicate Rose Garden.

To ensure safe social distancing, Blenheim has devised a series of outdoor route options for visitors to explore within the Park and Gardens and produced a new audio guide for the Formal Gardens, downloadable for free onto any smartphone, as well as a series of walks through the surrounding Parkland.

The walks range in length from under a mile to nearly five miles and incorporate the iconic Grand Bridge, the lake and the Queen Pool.

Most are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and many are also dog-friendly. There are many walks to experience at Blenheim Palace, here are a few recommended ones. Please view the map for further information.

Blenheim Palace has also introduced a series of 'keeping safe' measures. Daily visitor numbers are limited and admission is only via online pre-booking. Visitors will be welcomed at a safe distance, all transactions are cashless and staff in key engagement areas will be wearing personal protective equipment and be behind protective screens.

Food options are takeaway only and extra temporary outdoor toilets with washing and hand sanitising areas have been set up.

New signage, barriers and announcements form part of the visit, and additional staff are on hand to provide advice and information.

Visitors can also watch an explanatory video online prior to arriving on site which clearly explains the new procedures.

• To book time slots go to www.blenheimpalace.com/tickets .

For more information please contact Steph Duncan on 07881 356 736 or at SDuncan@blenheimpalace.com or Drew Cunliffe at drew@flamingo-marketing.co.uk .