Cultural bank holiday at Blenheim Palace

Don’t miss the last bank holiday weekend at Blenheim Palace. Visitors can enjoy a cultural weekend of Shakespearean theatre, dynamic historical battles and inspiring speeches as well as tours of the Palace State Rooms, Formal Gardens and train rides to the family Pleasure Gardens.

The Palace State Rooms tour is self-guided with free audio guides available in 9 languages. Discover over 300 years of history and heritage as you explore the priceless treasures and portraiture on display. Plus, visitors can book onto the Downstairs Tour to see behind the scenes of the home of the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough.

Visitors can also take a buggy tour around the lake as their driver shares the story of how the ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped Parkland has evolved. Enjoy iconic sights such as the Grand Bridge and the ‘finest view in England’ as well as stories about the Estate’s rich horticultural history.

The Art of the Duel –Bank Holiday Monday 26th August

Explore the codes, traditions and bloody history of duelling through a re-enactment of a dramatic duel with swords. Two experienced stage-fighting actors will bring drama and theatre to the Great Court.

Listen to the Finest Hour – Saturday 24th August

Relive some of Sir Winston Churchill’s most famous speeches played live in the Great Court. The great man was born at Blenheim Palace in 1874, spent much of his childhood there, and proposed to his beloved wife Clementine in the Temple of Diana in 1908 during a summer downpour.

Visitors can also discover more about the life of Sir Winston Churchill and his time at the Palace on a buggy tour around the Park and Gardens.

Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre – Until 7th September

Don’t miss Europe’s first-ever pop up Shakespearean theatre at Blenheim Palace. Experience world-class theatre set in the UNESCO World Heritage Site with four of Shakespeare’s most popular plays – Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard III and Romeo & Juliet on the bill. The incredible atmosphere of a 13-sided Elizabethan playhouse will entertain audiences of all ages with plenty of breath-taking, spine-tingling and heart- stopping moments. Plus discover the vibrant Shakespearean village offering the finest Oxfordshire fare, from local ales to scrumptious ice creams and an array of ‘wagon’ entertainment.

Make a full day of it at Blenheim Palace with a limited edition afternoon tea. This summer visitors can experience a bespoke, classically-inspired Afternoon Tea created by the world-renowned chocolatier and pâtissier William Curley – winner of the Academy of Chocolate “Britain’s Best Chocolatier” and Pastry Chef of the Year.

Available for a limited time only enjoy treats such as Pistachio and Raspberry Financier, Sacher, which is a tempting dessert made with layers of sponge with orange ganache, orange jelly and Amedei dark chocolate mousse as well as favourites such as Black Forest Tart and Macarons.

More information at www.blenheimpalace.com