The top 10 places to enjoy a picnic at Blenheim Palace
July is National Picnic Month, and what better place to celebrate than at Blenheim Palace? The palace has revealed the top 10 spots to enjoy a picnic on their grounds, including The Cascades, the Italian Garden, Water Terraces, and the Column of Victory. Visitors can also picnic in the Secret Garden, Butterfly House, Marlborough Maze, and more. With award-winning Formal Gardens, Blenheim Palace offers plenty of space and beautiful scenery to enjoy a picnic with family and friends. So pack up your favourite snacks and enjoy a picnic at Blenheim Palace this July to celebrate National Picnic Month in style.
Palace picnic spots
- Formal Gardens – if it’s a picnic with a side of history, you’ll be spoilt for choice here with the beautiful Water Terraces, not forgetting views of the Great Lake thanks to the accessible path from the West Courtyard.
- The Cedar of Lebanon Tree – for a movie moment picnic, this spot is most famous for its role in the popular 2007 film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the tree stands on the bank of the Great Lake.
- South Lawn – for the opportunity to picnic with a view of the Baroque Palace for the very first time you’ve got to head to Clementine’s on the Lawn available for a limited-time only until the Autumn.
- Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge – the surrounding lawns of this historic bridge that separates the Great Lake from the Queen Pool has often been described as ‘the finest view in England’ that’ll make a picnic with a difference.
- Walled Garden – the ultimate place for a picnic with the little ones, enjoy a bite to eat in the Walled Garden surrounded by the Butterfly House and the Marlborough Maze. Picnic top tip: The Pizzeria offers woodfired pizzas, pasta, salads and meatball subs.
- Adventure Play – break for a picnic lunch at the Snack Shack during a family trip to the all-new immersive attraction while kids let their imaginations run wild.
- The Roundel – located in the Formal Garden, this beautiful water fountain and ornamental pond, often referred to as ‘the roundabout’, sets the scene for a romantic afternoon picnic affair.
- Column of Victory – if it’s a walk followed by a well deserved picnic break then head on over to admire this listed column. Flanked by lime trees, the column was built by Lord Herbert to commemorate the first Duke’s victory at the Battle of Blenheim.
- The Cascades – designed by the famous landscape architect, Capability Brown, in the 1760s, this famous feature near the water is a charming sight to take in whilst enjoying a bite to eat.
- Temple of Flora – tucking into a picnic near this Grade II listed building will grant you views over the vast Great Lake with a nearby walk to the Rose Garden.
There are several places to enjoy food and drink or to grab your picnic essentials around Blenheim Palace, including The Oxfordshire Pantry, Clementine’s on the Lawn, The Stables Café, The Walled Garden Pizzeria, and the Snack Shack in the all-new Adventure Play attraction. Much of the produce is locally sourced and often features fresh fruit and vegetables from Blenheim Palace’s own kitchen garden.
You will need a valid Annual Pass, Privilege Pass or Park and Gardens ticket and booking in advance is advised. What’s more, when you travel to Blenheim Palace via public transport, bicycle or fully electric car, you are eligible for a 30% discount off your Annual Pass or Palace, Park and Gardens day ticket (this discount is not valid for Privilege Pass or Park and Gardens tickets). Use the code GREEN30 for the discount during online checkout and show your proof of travel by bus, train or bike on arrival.
Plan your picnic and book tickets here, blenheimpalace.com/tickets-booking/.
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