Celebrate Boxing Day at Blenheim Palace

Discover a winter wonderland at Blenheim Palace this Boxing Day. For the first time the Palace, Park and Gardens will be open on 26 December and visitors are invited to enjoy the splendour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For the best colours

Discover beautiful winter sunsets over Blenheim Palace and the surrounding Parkland. Plus for those up early enjoy the muted colours on frosty morning walks and rich winter greens on the evergreen trees dotted around the Great Lake.

For bird lovers

Visitors can enjoy spotting flocks of winter birds including Snipe, Smew, majestic white ducks with incredible plumage and distinct black masks, and siskins, who bring a beautiful rich yellow colour to the landscape. Blenheim Palace Parkland is also home to many small members of the finch family, including the gregarious orange breasted Brambling, the noisy autumnal coloured Crossbill and the Redpoll.

For the best walks

Wrap up warm in the Blenheim Tweed Blankets, available from the East Courtyard Gift Shop, and head out to take the Lake and Cascade walk, perfect for wildlife spotting and frost tipped trees. From the Water Terraces, follow the signs for the Rose Garden, the Cascade and the Pump House. Follow the slope above the Cascade and continue along the edge of the lake to the Boathouse, then up the slope to the bottom of the Water Terraces.

This walk takes in some difficult terrain, so walking shoes are recommended. The Dam and Cascade has a walkway and viewing area.

For the best heritage

Discover the Column of Victory in all its frosty glory on chilly mornings and watch the sun come up over the Palace. The Column of Victory was erected between 1727 – 1730 and serves as a 134 ft high statement reflecting the military prowess of the 1st Duke of Marlborough, which earned him Blenheim Palace.

If it’s too cold...

Head indoors to take the guided State Rooms Tour where a passionate guide will take you around the opulent rooms of Blenheim Palace. Discover over 300 years of Marlborough family history in paintings, tapestries and incredible furniture. Finish off with a warm seasonal lunch in The Orangery Restaurant, which overlooks the private Italian Garden.

Boxing Day Lunch

If all the fresh air has made you peckish visit Blenheim Palace’s Orangery Restaurant for a special Boxing Day lunch, served between 12 – 4pm. Inspired by the festive season choose from either two or three courses, enjoy a twist on tradition. From Sloe gin cured local rainbow trout to Honey roast gammon pie, mash, plus if you have room for dessert try the Mulled wine trifle, pecan granola – delicious. Booking necessary.