Awesome Autumn at Blenheim Palace

From contemporary art, music, literature and film to horse trials, Halloween fireworks, fascinating flora and fauna, there’s a dazzling array of special autumnal events and activities on offer at Blenheim Palace to keep you fully entertained as the nights draw in.

SsangYong Blenheim Palace Horse Trials: September 16th – 18th

Returning for its 28th year, the SsangYong Blenheim Palace Horse Trials are a must for any eventing enthusiast. The competition is now firmly established in the eventing calendar, attracting the World's best riders and thousands of spectators who come each year to watch the five-day event. The first two days of the event will consist of Dressage competitions, with the weekend hosting Cross Country and Show Jumping.
There can’t be a sporting event with a more spectacular setting with the palace itself forming the backdrop to all the action for a great day out with family and friends! There is much to do on all days in addition to the showcase eventing classes, such as complimentary displays and demonstrations, enhanced children’s activities and of course a plethora of shops, food outlets, bars and entertainment.

Yves Klein Contemporary Art: Until October 7th

Blenheim Art Foundation is delighted to present Yves Klein at Blenheim Palace, a solo exhibition by the visionary French artist. Featuring over 50 artworks, this will be the most comprehensive exhibition of Yves Klein in the UK to date.
Visitors will be able to explore Klein’s wide-ranging practice, including painting, sculpture and large-scale installation. One of the most influential artists of his generation, his pioneering artistic experiments anticipated and inspired movements in conceptual art, minimalism and performance art. Klein is best known for the development of his own vivid ultramarine pigment, International Klein Blue (IKB), which became a symbolic part of his practice, a key to reaching the ‘infinite’ and ‘sublime’ through pure colour.

Blenheim Palace Festival of Literature, Film and Music: October 11th – 14th

The Blenheim Palace Festival of Literature, Film and Music is a must visit in the autumn calendar. With a series of talks, lectures and screenings; visitors will be spoilt by the range of literary and cultural themes on offer. From Gyles Brandeth to Esi Edugyan the full literary line up is available on blenheimpalaceliteraryfestival.com

Halloween Fireworks Display: November 3rd

New for 2018, an exciting, spooky and spectacular Halloween Fireworks Display will light up the Palace. In addition to the pyrotechnics illuminating the Great Court and frightful light projections, the eerie evening will include plenty of thrills and chills with lots of terribly exciting paranormal activities.

Watch a witch take to the sky on a broomstick as she ‘flies’ across a trapeze, discover a levitating gargoyle human statue lurking amongst the crowd and be wowed by terribly tall Halloween Stilt Walkers featuring skeletons, zombies and even the Grim Reaper himself! Gliding ghosts, weeping angels and scary skeletons will move mysteriously around the Courtyard. Indulge in a wickedly delicious food from hot-dogs and waffles to seasonal treats. This year Blenheim Palace is pleased to be supporting Oxfam during this event and will be donating £2 per ticket and all the proceeds from the parking to Oxfam’s vital work fighting poverty around the world.

Autumn Watch: September – November

Discover the wonderful wildlife of Blenheim Palace as you enjoy one of the many Parkland walks on offer. With seasonal flora and fauna including a cornucopia of colours from the surrounding Ancient Oak trees and wildlife including resident Greylag Geese roaming around the UNESCO World Heritage Site there is plenty for all the family to spot. From ramblers to toddlers make sure to explore the vivid, russet coloured estate in full autumnal splendour.