What’s On in 2019 at Blenheim Palace
Sep 17, 2018
2019 at Blenheim Palace sees new exhibitions, an exciting events calendar, historic restoration and conservation projects and new tours. There is plenty to see, do and enjoy for all ages!
Exhibitions
New for 2019 Blenheim Palace are hosting a temporary Turner Exhibition, ‘The Art of Perspective: JMW Turner’s early architectural paintings and engravings’, from 9 February – April 2019 visitors will be able to discover the largest collection of Turner Paintings ever to visit Oxfordshire. Works in the collection include ‘Untitled, a view of Oxford from Headington Hill’, various Lecture diagrams and many more of Turner’s famous artworks.
The paintings will be exhibited in the opulent State Rooms and set amongst the priceless heritage of the Palace.
Items from this collection are kindly on loan from the Tate, Ashmoleon Museum and University of Oxford. This is an unmissable opportunity for visitors to see an extensive Turner collection set within the landscape that Turner has painted.
Lights, Camera, Action!
Visitors can take the Lights, Camera, Action! Trail to discover the sets and scenes of some of their favourite films. In the past Blenheim has also featured in the Harry Potter, BFG, 007 SPECTRE, Mission Impossible and Transformers…
Blenheim Palace has also taken part in ‘Phil Spencer’s Stately Homes’ which aired in September 2018 and offered a behind the scenes look at the Palace.
Tours for 2019
Visitors will be able to explore behind the scenes, hidden aspects and the private side of the Palace in 2019.
‘Restoration & Conservation’ will be the theme of the guided tours which will begin in the New Year. The ‘Restoration & Conservation’ tour will be exclusively available from 8th January – 10th February, running twice per day excluding Sundays. The new tours will tie in to the annual deep clean of Blenheim Palace which will now be on full to visitors during this period. The tour will give an in-depth look into what is being done in each of the State Rooms.
The new tours will look at two very important aspects of running a 300 year old Palace, including restoring a piece of art, building or tapestry to its original condition, as well as the preservation and repair of the historical and cultural site and its artefacts. The tour will also examine the theme of renovation, exploring how Blenheim Palace must also modernise and remain as a comfortable family home and appealing to visitors.
The new Twizy Tours at Blenheim Palace are a fun way to explore the ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland. Sat behind the wheel of a two-seater, electric, Renault Twizy, tour seekers and their companions can now explore at their own pace accompanied by an interactive tour guide, immersing them in the sights, sounds and stories of the Palace.
The GPS guided, self-drive experiences, combine the best sights of the baroque Palace, including its grounds, neighbouring Bladon and Woodstock with an immersive entertainment tour experience.
The Private Apartment Tours return to Blenheim Palace in the spring. In a series of tours which explore the East Side of the Palace, visitors can tour the Duke’s Floor where they can discover the opulence of the rooms in which the Marlboroughs have lived for generations, and learn about family life at Blenheim Palace.
Take Upstairs Tour, where the family’s illustrious guests have stayed over the past 300 years. Previous guests have included Queen Mary, King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, as well as Cecil Beaton and Yves Saint Laurent. Visitors will be able to discover family rooms such as the Blandford Bedroom, the Sunderland Dressing Room and Bachelors’ Row, which includes secret corridors, interlinking doors and spiral staircases.
Head Downstairs and learn about the life of household staff. Visitors can wander through the network of corridors, see the iconic bell system as well as some areas which are still in use by Palace staff today, including the kitchen. Along the way, hear about the gossip and perks of the job from the staff’s point of view.
Events
Blenheim Palace continue their exciting events calendar in 2019. Spring begins with the Giant Easter Egg Trail, April 19 – 22, 2019. Fun for all the family Easter weekend is packed full of outdoor activities, vintage fairground rides and story-telling.
The Blenheim Palace Food Festival, Oxfordshire’s largest food festival, takes place from May 25 – 27, 2019 showcasing the very best of the Cotswolds’ food and drink.
Other springtime events include the Blenheim Palace Flower Show from June 21 – 23 2019. Attracting more than 10,000 across the weekend the gardening event is a must-visit for enthusiasts and professionals alike. The 2018 show was opened by BBC Gardener’s World Presenter, and author, Carol Klein.
Why Visit: From new exhibitions, an exciting events calendar, historic restoration and conservation projects to new tours; here is plenty to see, do and enjoy for all ages!
Admission: Palace, Park & Gardens ticket: Adult £27.00, Concession £24.00, Child £15.50, Annual Pass Holders FREE
Website: blenheimpalace.com
