Blenheim Estate – Oxfordshire

Lambing Season

Tom Locke, Farm Manager at Blenheim Estate, which surrounds Blenheim Palace, has his expert hands full this spring, with more than 1,500 lambs due – and eight seven-week-old sheepdog pups raring to go.

Lambing season on the Estate began just after Easter, with Tom and his team busy making sure that his 1,000-strong flock and their new-born lambs are safe and thriving. His two leading sheep dogs, Tweed and Roe, are parents to an eight-strong litter of pups too, who are now boisterous and bursting with energy. From four male pups and four female, Tom has already selected two girls, Fern and Quinn, who will be staying on the estate with Tom to be trained up to take care of the flock in the future, a process that can take two years. Three of the six remaining pups have already found their new homes.

Tom explains: “I am very attached to my dogs, but the pups are now causing chaos wherever they go, even their mum Roe has had enough. Tweed has been with me 10 years now and is getting a bit arthritic so it’s now time to start training up the next generation. It’s Roe’s first litter and they are all beautiful dogs but a handful now that they are a few weeks old.”

Tom Locke Farm Manager – Photo credit – Tom Seaward
Visit Britain’s Greatest Palace and its stunning grounds – www.blenheimpalace.com

Adventure Playground at Blenheim Palace

If you are thinking of outings for the grandchildren this summer Blenheim Palace has created a special attraction for youngsters.

Following the launch of its biggest family-themed attraction to date, Blenheim Palace has announced a special discount for the month of June at the exciting Adventure Play area.

Until Friday June 30 2023, immersive sessions have been discounted to £5 per person. Mini explorers will have a 3-hour slot to explore the hidden world of adventure. To claim the offer and join the adventure in June, visitors should use the code JUNE5 when booking.

Adventure Play at Blenheim Palace is a series of immersive interconnecting zones with secret chambers, clamber nets, tunnels, slides, rope bridges – and giant carrots! Covering a site larger than a football pitch, it celebrates the rich heritage of the 18th century baroque Palace, inspired by real-life features including the lakeside Boat House and Hensington Gateway.

The new £3.6 million outdoor experience located within the historic Walled Garden has been carefully designed and created to ensure children of all abilities from the ages of 2-12 are able to explore and enjoy the extensive play areas.

You will also need a valid Annual Pass, Privilege Pass or Park and Gardens ticket. Booking in advance is recommended.

What’s more, when visitors enjoy a trip to Blenheim Palace, tickets are treated as charitable donations to the Blenheim Palace Heritage Foundation and as a thank you the UNESCO World Heritage Site automatically converts Palace, Park and Gardens tickets into Annual Passes at no extra cost. This means you can enjoy Blenheim for a whole year.

For more information visit, www.blenheimpalace.com/adventure-play/ – terms and conditions can be found on the website.

Timed tickets are £7 (for both adults and children) and you will also need a valid Annual Pass, Privilege Pass or Park and Gardens ticket. Booking in advance is essential.

Bambi in the Blenheim Bluebells