Why Blenheim Palace should be on every family's summer holiday list

Looking for a summer day out that keeps everyone entertained? From meeting farm animals and splashing through Adventure Play to exploring dinosaurs, mazes and butterflies, Blenheim Palace has packed its 2026 summer programme with experiences designed for families to make the most of the school holidays.

Running from June 25 to September 1, the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire is offering not only a huge variety of attractions but also Great British Summer Savings, with reduced admission prices across all ticket types and savings on children's meals.

One of the biggest new additions this summer is the arrival of Marlborough Mini Farm, which will be taking up residence in the orchard beyond the Walled Garden from 21st July until 1st September.

Children can get up close to a delightful collection of native rare breeds, including Berkshire pigs, Buff Orpington chickens, Cotswold sheep and English goats. Every animal at the mini farm is recognised by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust as a Red List or Priority Breed, making it a chance not only to meet friendly farm animals but also to learn about the important work being done to help protect Britain's native livestock.

The Palace's historic Stables and West Courtyard come alive at weekends between 25th July and 21st August with a programme celebrating the special relationship between horses and people. Families can watch horses being prepared for work, enjoy demonstrations, and discover the role horses played during the First World War through a cavalry display.

Adventure Play has always been one of Blenheim Palace's biggest draws for families, and this summer there's a brand-new reason to visit.

Inspired by the much-loved pre-school series Pip and Posy's Treehouse Mystery, the new interactive treehouse experience invites children to help Pip search for his missing toy, Piggy. Along the way, they'll complete playful challenges before arriving at the treehouse, where storytelling sessions, imaginative play and a surprise ending await.

The wider Adventure Play area remains packed with opportunities to climb, scramble and explore, featuring giant carrots, twisting tunnels, zip lines and the popular Winding River water play area for cooling off on warmer days.

History and prehistory collide this summer with Dinosaurs Are Forever, arriving at Blenheim Palace from 11th August until 1st November.

Five full-scale Megalosaurus sculptures by artist Jay Jay Burridge will be displayed throughout the Palace's Formal Gardens, celebrating Oxfordshire as the birthplace of dinosaur discovery. Families can also meet a costumed Victorian explorer guide, adding another layer of storytelling to this striking outdoor exhibition.

No family visit would be complete without heading to the Walled Garden.

The journey begins aboard Winston, the Palace's miniature train, before visitors can test their navigation skills in the Marlborough Maze, made up of two miles of yew hedging inspired by the Palace's rich history.

Elsewhere, the Kitchen Garden showcases seasonal produce grown on site, while the Butterfly House offers a close-up look at native British butterfly species. At the interactive Rowse Honey Hive, children can discover the fascinating world of bees and learn why these tiny pollinators are so important.

After a busy day exploring, families can stop by the Walled Garden pizzeria for freshly made wood-fired pizzas, lasagne, salads and warm dough balls - ideal for recharging before squeezing in one last adventure.

Whether your family loves animals, outdoor adventures, history or hands-on discovery, Blenheim Palace has created a programme that makes it easy to fill an entire day - and no two visits need be the same.

Many of this summer's attractions are included with a valid Palace, Park & Gardens Ticket or Palace and Play Pass, which provides unlimited access to both the Palace and Adventure Play for a full year.

Every visit also supports the ongoing conservation of Blenheim Palace. As a charity, all admission income and donations are reinvested into caring for the historic Palace, its collections and its extraordinary landscape, helping ensure future generations can continue to enjoy one of Britain's most iconic heritage destinations.