Blenheim Palace has unveiled a fun-packed calendar of events, exhibitions, new features and activities for all the family to enjoy in 2023.

Alongside jousting, the food festival and flower show, there's a host of new activities on offer – all set against the magnificent backdrop of the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Known as 'Britain's greatest palace' its rich history, priceless artefacts, brilliant exhibitions, exciting events calendar, historic restoration projects and specialist tours showcase over 300 years of the nation's history and heritage.

Blenheim is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, who commented: 'At Blenheim I took two very important decisions; to be born and to marry. I am content with the decision I took on both occasions.'

Blenheim remained a constant source of inspiration for Churchill throughout his life, and many of his paintings were completed there.

Winston's love of Blenheim Palace remained to his dying day, he chose to be buried beside his parents at St Martin's Church in Bladon – the tower of which can be seen from the Blenheim Palace State rooms.

Blenheim truly is a palace for all seasons and age groups, with everything on offer from Easter surprise, summer fun, spooky Halloween experiences, and spectacular Christmas events, to family days out exploring the Walled Garden, Butterfly House and the Marlborough Hedge Maze.

New for 2023 - The Lost Garden at Blenheim Palace

Hidden behind an ancient wall there's a world of outdoor play and adventure just waiting to be discovered.

Step inside The Lost Garden and be transported into a secret realm filled with exciting new experiences.

Designed by renowned Norfolk-based CAP.Co design to appeal to younger visitors, the stunning new 5,000-metre site includes quirky wooden structures, interactive water features, play trails and winding walkways.

Plans include a viewing platform, an interactive sensory garden walk, and an oversized kitchen garden-inspired secret play area - including giant carrots, sunflowers and plant pots.

At the centre of the new attraction  is a 'Mini' Vanbrugh's iconic Grand Bridge and a large seating terrace overlooking the central water play feature.

An elevated Wilderness Play area featuring aerial walkways, rope bridges, tunnels and triple racing zip lines will appeal to older children and provide extensive views across the 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland.

2023 Events

A line up of events to entertain all ages awaits visitors to the World Heritage Site in 2023.

Restoration and Conservation Tours - January

Take a behind-the-scenes peek as part of a limited-edition tour of the palace. Based around the annual deep clean, visitors can gain fascinating insight into the treatment of each State Room – which is so much more than dusting and polishing.

Location: Palace

Ticket required: Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens

OX5 Run - 26th March

Join the annual five-mile fun run around the grounds of Blenheim Palace. 2023 is the 21st  Anniversary of the event and 2022 saw over 500 people take part. The fundraiser is in aid of Oxford Children's Hospital and runners of all abilities and ages are welcome to join.

Location: Palace

Ticket required: Registration opening soon at https://www.hospitalcharity.co.uk/ox5run

Easter Eggstravaganza - 7th - 10th April (Easter Weekend)

Visit Blenheim for a perfect family day out during the Easter weekend. Explore the gardens on a easter egg hunt and take part in fun family friendly activities including circus skills, street entertainment and a special appearance from the Easter bunny!

Location: Walled Garden

Ticket required: Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens

Jousting Tournament - 29th April - 1st May (Early May Bank Holiday Weekend)

Step back in time to medieval England and join Blenheim for their annual weekend of jousting tournaments. Visitors will have the chance to take part in some other old English traditions like archery and watch falconry.

Location: South Lawn

Ticket required: Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens or Park and Gardens

Giffords Circus - 18th - 30th May

Roll up, roll up the circus is back at Blenheim Palace. The village green circus travels the lengths of the UK. Step inside the sent surrounded by Blenheim's ancient oaks and enter a world of colourful acrobats, jugglers, horses, musicians and of course Tweedy the Clown.

Location: Lower Park near Eagle Lodge

Tickets required: Separately ticketed event. Tickets available now at giffordscircus.com

Blenheim Palace Food Festival - 27th - 29th May

A gastronomic weekend guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and indulge your passion for great food and drink with a host of top chefs and producers. Visitors will be able to sample products from artisan bakers, craft brewers and international cuisine, plus handmade sweets and ice cream.

Location: Event Showground

Tickets required: Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens or Park and Gardens

Blenheim Palace Triathlon - 3rd - 4th June

Competitors and spectators are invited to the annual triathlon within the grounds of the Palace and set against the backdrop of the World Heritage Site.

Location: All grounds, Lake and Great Court

Tickets required: Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens or Park and Gardens or Spectator Ticket. Competitors must sign up in advance through the Triathlon website: https://bit.ly/3CDim3o 

Nocturne Live in the Great Court - 14th - 18th June

Delight in a series of live performances in The Great Court at Blenheim Palace. The unique venue provides acoustics and scenery coupled with artists and musicians in a not to be missed experience. Artists will be announced nearer to the event.

Location: Great Court

Tickets required: Separately ticketed event. First 2023 announcements coming soon nocturnelive.com

Blenheim Palace Flower Show - 23rd - 25th June

The three-day show, held in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, showcases the best of British gardening. Green-fingers can delight plant shopping and the chance to hear from celebrity guests sharing hints and tips.

Location: Event Showground

Tickets required: Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens or Park and Gardens

Battle Proms Concert - 1st July

Regarded as one of England's must see summer proms concerts, the annual celebration showcases a spectacular display of fireworks, spitfires and infantry.

Location: Lower Park

Tickets required: Separately ticketed event. Visit battleproms.com/venues/blenheim-palace

EV Live at Blenheim Palace - 7th - 9th July

The electric vehicle (EV) event of the year, held at Blenheim Palace, gives car lovers insights and driver experiences within the grounds of the World Heritage Site with 'Britain's finest view' as a backdrop.

Location: Flagstaff

Ticket required: Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens

Salon Prive Classic and Supercar Day – 3rd September

This family-friendly event at Blenheim Palace will give visitors the opportunity to see the world's most impressive super cars and classic motors. Hundreds of cars will be on display in this dynamic event which includes bars and live entertainment and hill sprints racing through the 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland.

Location: South Lawn (Classic & Supercar Day takes place across the whole site)

Tickets required: Separately ticketed event. Visit salonpriveconcours.com

Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials - 14th September - 17th September

The four-day equestrian event is a highlight in the UK eventing calendar and includes dressage, cross country and show jumping. Set within the breathtaking grounds of Blenheim Palace providing a perfect backdrop for the sport.

Location: Sheepwalks

Tickets required: Separately ticketed event. Visit bpiht.co.uk

Autumn Fest at Blenheim Palace - 30th September - 1st October

Back for its third year this family friendly event welcomes the change in seasons and estate traditions at Blenheim Palace. Find a Michaelmas Market, live music and activities for youngsters as well as demonstrations and talks highlighting environmental groups in the region.

Location: Walled Garden

Tickets required: Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens or Park and Gardens

October Half Term at Blenheim Palace  - 21st - 29th October

Brave souls can visit Blenheim Palace for some goulish entertainment during the half term holidays. Expect spooky characters, encounter the bat trail in the Walled Garden and explore the Maze - watch out for monsters!

Location: Palace

Tickets required: Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens or Park and Gardens

Halloween After Dark Trail at Blenheim Palace - 20th - 31st October

Creep around the spooky, fun-filled, after dark trail during October half-term 2023. As dusk falls wander along the illuminated trail and find a flickering fire garden, illuminated haunted woods and discover the secret garden filled with hidden surprises.

Location: Palace and Gardens

Tickets required: Separately ticketed event.

Christmas at Blenheim Palace  - 17th November - 2nd January

Blenheim Palace will be transformed into a winter wonderland in 2023 with the illuminated light trail, interior palace experience and Christmas market in the Great Court returning for another festive season. With thousands of lights twinkling in the formal gardens and parkland, Blenheim Palace rooms adorned with decorations and the unique shopping experience in the Great Court.

Location: Palace, Great Court and Gardens

Tickets required: Separately ticketed event.

*Please note all events and dates are subject to change.

Blenheim Palace is located in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, and is a 90 minute drive from London and 10 miles north of the historic university town of Oxford.

Issued on behalf of Blenheim Palace. For more information please contact Ellen Gray at EGray@blenheimpalace.com or Ollie Young at ollie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk.

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Steeped in history, the magnificent Palace is surrounded with over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown parkland and beautiful Formal Gardens. Tours, exhibitions and events showcase the splendour of 'Britain's Greatest Palace' and deliver an unforgettable day out for all ages.

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'