Enjoy a delicious picnic hamper this summer in the stunning surroundings of Britain's greatest palace (22nd July – 16th August). Blenheim Palace has joined forces with Midsummer Nightcap to provide the ultimate in al fresco dining.

Sponsored by Winston Churchill's favourite champagne producer Pol Roger, 'Picnic at the Palace' features a choice of lunchtime, afternoon tea and dining options all accompanied by live music or comedy performances, overlooking stunning 'Capability' Brown-landscaped parkland. 

Groups of up to six will be seated under pergolas with tables and chairs, or deckchairs and parasols for couples, and be able to choose between a meat or vegetarian hamper option.

“This really is a socially-distanced outdoor experience like no other, it's the perfect way to reconnect with loved ones and make the most of the British summer in one of the most beautiful locations anywhere in the country,” said Francesca Nally, Managing Director Midsummer Nightcap.

From Tuesday to Thursday visitors can enjoy a luxurious lunchtime feast, or treat themselves to an indulgent afternoon tea and, from Thursday to Sunday, there's the additional option of a delicious dinner hamper; each filled with locally sourced, high quality food that's made for sharing.

Each of the 16 weekly sittings will be accompanied either by live music performances, or with a comedy night on Thursdays, headline acts on Fridays and Saturdays including The Hoosiers and Omar and jazz sessions on Sundays.

Midsummer Nightcap's famous caravan bar 'Maggie' will also be on site providing a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 

All the hampers feature a selection of the finest local produce from Oxford Cheese Company, Barefoot Bakery, the Natural Bread Company and Gatineau. 

The different hamper options include a variety of savoury sandwiches, homemade quiches, scotch eggs, sausage and veggie rolls as well as a selection of sweet treats including cakes, tarts and scones. A variety of special occasions' packages are also available. 

Picnic at the Palace is only available via pre-booking online. All bookings include car parking, live entertainment, dedicated gazebos or deckchairs for couples and picnic hampers. Daytime bookings also include entry to Blenheim Palace's parks and gardens.

• For more information, prices and to book a sitting go to blenheimpalace.com/picnicatthepalace .

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 .

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1704, the Oxfordshire Estate was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Set in over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland and designed by

Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, it was financed by Queen Anne, on behalf of a grateful nation, following the first Duke of Marlborough's triumph over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.

At the time the victory was hailed as the greatest British military success since Agincourt. 

Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace of one of Britain's most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill and it was his father who described the vista on entering the Estate from the village of Woodstock as the 'finest view in England'.