Ten things to do and discover this March at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace

1.  Ai Weiwei Tours at Blenheim PalaceTake a closer look at Ai Weiwei.
   
   This free tour lasts one hour and gives you the opportunity to discover the history of the artist Ai Weiwei, learn of how the exhibition was put together and find out about the inspiration behind the pieces on display inside the Palace.
   
   Mondays & Fridays from 11:30-12:30 until 30th April, Adult £22.50 Concession £18.00 Child £12.30 Family £59.00 (Palace, Park & Gardens ticket), blenheimpalace.com
    
2. Mother’s Day at Blenheim Palace
   
   Enjoy a delicious three-course Sunday Lunch served in the elegant Orangery at Blenheim Palace, overlooking the private Italian Garden. Diners can also enjoy live jazz music too. Prior booking is advised.
   
   15thMarch, from £28.50 per person + Adult £22.50 Concession £18.00 Child £12.30 Family £59.00 (Palace, Park & Gardens ticket), blenheimpalace.com
    
3. Film Inspired Days Out
   
   As Cinderella comes out in cinemas this month (scenes filmed at Blenheim Palace) we are celebrating all the fantastic films that have been filmed at Blenheim Palace over the years. Find out all the behind the scenes activity with a specialist tour.
   
   Saturdays 3pm & Mondays 2pm booking required, Adult £22.50 Concession £18.00 Child £12.30 Family £59.00 (Palace, Park & Gardens ticket), blenheimpalace.com
    
4. Spring Equinox
   
   Enjoy the start of Spring at Blenheim Palace with walks around the beautiful Formal Gardens and over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped Parkland. Spot spring lambs on the estate and see the fantastic Blenheim Palace daffodils.
   
   Adult £13.50 Child £6.60 Family £36.00 (Park & Gardens ticket), blenheimpalace.com
    
5. Ceramics & Furniture Specialist Tour
   
   See the intriguing details of Blenheim Palace’s porcelain and furniture collections, not always visible from behind the ropes. From Chinese porcelain and Japanese Imari, to fine and rare furniture examples by André Charles Boulle. The presentation will be followed by a tour of the palace, enabling you to see these pieces in situ.
   
   21st March 10.30am, Booking Necessary, Tour Price £7.50 + Adult £22.50 Concession £18.00 Child £12.30 Family £59.00 (Palace, Park & Gardens ticket), blenheimpalace.com
    
6. OX5 Run Charity 5K
   
   Raising money for the Oxford Children’s Hospital, the OX5 RUN is suitable for all levels of runners and the five mile route takes in the glorious surrounds of Blenheim Palace. Last year run raised a record-breaking £114,000.
   
   29th March – prior registration required, £10, blenheimpalace.com
   
    
7.  Cleaning of 10,000 Books
   
   Visit the Long Library to see over 10,000 books, all which have been cleaned individually by hand. The Long Library was one of Churchill’s favourite places to spend an entire evening! Ready for World Book Day the Long Library has been cleaned by Blenheim Palace staff.
   
   5th March (World Book Day), Adult £22.50 Concession £18.00 Child £12.30 Family £59.00 (Palace, Park & Gardens ticket), blenheimpalace.com
    
8. Planting has begun in the Churchill Memorial Garden
   
   Garden Designer, Kim Wilkie and Head Gardener at Blenheim Palace, Hilary Wood have begun the first bed measuring and planting in the Churchill Memorial Garden which opens at the beginning of June.
    
9. Public Speaking Competition
   
   The finals of the Winston Churchill Public Speaking Competition take place on 17 March. Schools from across the country will take part in this exciting event which will be judged by the Duchess of Marlborough, Lady Henrietta and members of the Churchill family.
   
   17th March, Press Passes Available
    
10. Private Apartments Tour
    
    For 2015 visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the East Side of the Palace; the Duke of Marlborough's Private Apartments. Discover the opulence of the rooms in which the Marlborough family have lived for generations, and learn how family life at Blenheim Palace has changed in the past 300 years.
    
    Booking on the day, £6.50 + Adult £22.50 £5.00 + Concession £18.00 - booking essential (Palace, Park & Gardens ticket), blenheimpalace.com (not recommended for children)

10 Exhibitions not to miss at The Treasure Houses of England 2015

Winston Churchill Exhibition

From artistic masterpieces to fascinating historical exhibitions, The Treasure Houses of England look set to deliver a captivating programme of exciting events this year. Here are 10 exhibitions not to miss!

Beaulieu’s new Motorsport Exhibition opens on Friday 6 March 2015. The new exhibition will include two exciting new displays: Grand Prix Greats and Road, Race and Rally perfect for motoring enthusiasts and families to enjoy.

Blenheim Palace unveils a reinvigorated Winston Churchill Exhibition on 14 February. The exhibition marks the beginning of a year of commemorative activities and events at Blenheim Palace and includes a series of new and never-before-seen displays and features, providing a fascinating insight into Churchill’s life.

Burghley’s exhibition Oriental Ceramics, showcases star items from Burghley’s World- famous collections including the unusual Wrestling Boys, who were famously used as a doorstop for many years before their provenance was discovered.  The exhibition highlights the differences between Japanese and Chinese variants.

Burghley Collectibles and Curiosities

Duty Calls, an exciting exhibition from Waterloo to World War II, explores the stories of Castle Howard in times of war, giving a glimpse into a hitherto unknown chapter of the family and estate.

From 28 March - 23 October, experience Chatsworth in a whole new way with contemporary seating exhibition Make Yourself Comfortable at Chatsworth. Contemporary seating by international designers, such as Marc Newson, Moritz Waldemeyer and Thomas Heatherwick will be shown throughout Chatsworth, bringing to light new stories about the interior and the historic collection.

Harewood will showcase a collection of gift boxes in a special display on the State Floor in the new A Gift from the Whole Nation from 3 April –1 Nov. The gift boxes are some of the ‘thank you’ presents given by Princess Mary in 1914 to send to the troops at Christmas time. In total over 426,724 gift boxes had been made and distributed in just two months helping boost moral for serving troops.

Art in Clay at Hatfield House is an outdoor summer exhibition from 3 - 5 July. Showcasing over 190 ceramists in the beautiful parkland visitors can see some of the finest ceramics currently being made by individual makers in the UK and Europe.

For one year renowned Magnum photographer Chris Steele-Perkins had unrestricted access to Holkham Hall and the estate. Behind Closed Doors:  A Year in the Life of a Working Estate is the stunning collection of extraordinary and intimate photographs that resulted. Runs from 29 March - 31 October.

From May the world famous Leeds Castle Dog Collar Collection returns to public display. More than 130 collars will be on view in a new display, in the largest public collection of dog collars and it documents the history of canine fashions dating from the 16th century into modern times.

Visitors can experience the largest private collection of Venetian Views by Canaletto on public view at Woburn Abbey. There are 21 paintings on display in the Dining Room. Opening 27 March 2015.

Top Ten Places to Enjoy Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at Castle Howard

For a fittingly fine way to enjoy the quintessentially English custom of afternoon tea, visit the Treasure Houses of England’s consortium of historic homes, palaces and castles to indulge in this traditional pastime in spectacular surrounds and inimitable stately style.

Woburn Abbey - The quintessential English tradition of Afternoon Tea is said to have been popularised around 1840 by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, who entertained her friends at Woburn Abbey.  Visitors today can experience Afternoon Tea at Woburn at the Duchess’ Tea Room or at the Estate’s hotel The Inn at Woburn (pre-booking required).

Beaulieu – Enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea with a wide selection of cakes and pastries all baked in-house in the Brabazon Coffee Shop and Restaurant.  Some produce comes from Lord Montagu's own Victorian Kitchen garden; beetroot is transformed into a delicious moist cake and plums made into jam, to eat on scones with lashings of Dorset clotted cream.

Blenheim Palace is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings only a palace could provide.  Tea is served in the palace’s Indian Room, or Champagne Bar, overlooking the beautiful fountains on the Water Terraces for a truly inspired setting.  Choose from a delectable selection of menus including a traditional Blenheim Tea, a Churchill Champagne Tea or a luxury Winston Churchill Premier Tea, inspired by the great leader it includes his favourite tipple Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV.

Afternoon Tea at Blenheim Palace

Afternoon tea at Burghley House

Burghley House – Enjoy a range of Afternoon Teas in the Orangery Restaurant at Burghley, designed by ‘Capability’ Brown in the eighteenth century. The ornate gothic windows provide a bright and elegant space to indulge in homemade scones, cakes and a range of teas while overlooking the peaceful and romantic Rose Garden.

Castle Howard – Enjoy an afternoon treat at Castle Howard in either the bistro style Courtyard Cafe or the more traditional Fitzroy Room.  On offer are seasonal menus prepared by their incredible chefs that include a generous selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads and heavenly homemade cakes.
    

Afternoon tea at Chatsworth House

Chatsworth – Enjoy a British tradition at Chatsworth with an afternoon tea in the Cavendish Restaurant (from 16 March 2014) built within the 18th century Stables designed by the famous architect James Paine. Enjoy homemade dainty finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes and pastries freshly baked at Chatsworth every day and a wide choice of carefully selected leaf teas. Afternoon teas are available throughout the day and are pre-bookable online.

Harewood House – Treat yourself to a quintessentially English Afternoon Tea at Harewood. Experience the high life, relax on the south facing Terrace with spectacular views over the award winning formal parterre and “Capability” Brown’s landscape as Red Kites soar overhead. A place where sophisticated Georgian architecture meets contemporary style, quality and high standards are guaranteed. Sample succulent finger sandwiches, an assortment of delicate pastries, fruit and plain scones with clotted cream and strawberry preserve, as well as a choice of freshly baked cakes from the trolley. A perfect indulgence to savour and enjoy.

Hatfield House – Take tea to new and dizzy heights with Hatfield’s Helicopter Discovery Tour where you can escape on an eight mile helicopter pleasure flight over the estate to snatch spectacular aerial views of the stunning architecture of the house, rounded off by a delicious homemade cream tea at the house.

The Holkham Estate has two cafés offering afternoon tea.  As part of a visit to Holkham Hall, discover the Stables Café in the adjacent sunny courtyard, perfect on a summer’s afternoon. Or there’s the Beach Café just a stone’s throw from the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea.  Whichever you opt for you can be sure to find plenty of mouth-watering homemade treats to indulge in.

Leeds Castle – Enjoy an afternoon treat with a cream tea in the 17th Century oak-beamed Fairfax Hall or outside in the sunshine on the Terrace overlooking the castle.  There is an excellent choice of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes on offer, along with cakes and other sweet treats, all of which can be enjoyed in a rustic farmhouse kitchen style setting featuring oak and wrought iron finishes.

www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Treasure Houses of England
The Treasure Houses of England are ten of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today. Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.  Each has its own unique charm and all combine together to give a fascinating insight into life in England over the centuries

One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses of England is that they all offer the visitor a living history. Most are still homes to the great families who have owned them for generations. Others keep their heritage alive by re-creating scenes and events that have dominated and shaped England from the 9th century to the present day.

Between them they house some of the most important art collections in the world with famous works from artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough and priceless antiques including Chippendale, Wedgwood and Meissen.

Discover hidden gems and dark secrets, follow walks and adventure trails in beautiful parklands and gardens, enjoy classical concerts, outdoor theatre, family fun and relax over afternoon tea:  the Treasure Houses change with the seasons, move with the times and always have something unexpected to offer, something new to discover.

Top Ten Places For Afternoon Tea - The Treasure Houses of England

A fittingly fine way to enjoy the quintessentially English custom of afternoon tea, visit the Treasure Houses of England’s consortium of historic homes, palaces and castles to indulge in this traditional pastime in spectacular surrounds and inimitable stately style.

Afternoon Tea at Woburn Abbey

•    Woburn Abbey - The quintessential English tradition of Afternoon Tea is said to have been popularised around 1840 by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, who entertained her friends at Woburn Abbey.  Visitors today can experience Afternoon Tea at Woburn at the Duchess’ Tea Room or at the Estate’s hotel The Inn at Woburn (pre-booking required).

•    Burghley House – Enjoy a range of Afternoon Teas in the Orangery Restaurant at Burghley, designed by ‘Capability’ Brown in the eighteenth century. The ornate gothic windows provide a bright and elegant space to indulge in homemade scones, cakes and a range of teas while overlooking the peaceful and romantic Rose Garden.

•    Beaulieu – Enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea with a wide selection of cakes and pastries all baked in-house in the Brabazon Coffee Shop and Restaurant.  Some produce comes from Lord Montagu's own Victorian Kitchen garden; beetroot is transformed into a delicious moist cake and plums made into jam, to eat on scones with lashings of Dorset clotted cream.

•    Hatfield House – Take tea to new and dizzy heights with Hatfield’s Helicopter Discovery Tour where you can escape on an eight mile helicopter pleasure flight over the estate to snatch spectacular aerial views of the stunning architecture of the house, rounded off by a delicious home made cream tea at the house.

Afternoon Tea at Castle Howard

•    Castle Howard – Enjoy an afternoon treat at Castle Howard in either the bistro style Courtyard Cafe or the more traditional Fitzroy Room.  On offer are seasonal menus prepared by their incredible chefs that include a generous selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads and heavenly homemade cakes.

•    Chatsworth – Enjoy a British tradition at Chatsworth with an afternoon tea in the Cavendish Restaurant (from 16 March 2014) built within the 18th century Stables designed by the famous architect James Paine. Enjoy homemade dainty finger sandwiches, a selection of cakes and pastries freshly baked at Chatsworth every day and a wide choice of carefully selected leaf teas. Afternoon teas are available throughout the day and are pre-bookable online.

Afternoon Tea at Leeds Castle

•    Leeds Castle – Enjoy an afternoon treat with a cream tea in the 17th Century oak-beamed Fairfax Hall or outside in the sunshine on the Terrace overlooking the castle.  There is an excellent choice of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes on offer, along with cakes and other sweet treats, all of which can be enjoyed in a rustic farmhouse kitchen style setting featuring oak and wrought iron finishes.

•    Harewood House – At Harewood House you can taste the delights of afternoon tea in one of its renowned cafés.  The Grade 1 listed Courtyard Café, edged by colonnades, offers superb al fresco and covered facilities perfect for families, while The Terrace Café- voted one of the best places to have afternoon tea by Gardener’s World Magazine readers in 2010- offers stunning views over the lake and Capability Brown landscape. Using locally sourced ingredients, much from Harewood’s own Walled Garden, both cafes provide a spectacular setting to relax and unwind.

•    The Holkham Estate has two cafés offering afternoon tea.  As part of a visit to Holkham Hall, discover the Stables Café in the adjacent sunny courtyard, perfect on a summer’s afternoon. Or there’s the Beach Café just a stone’s throw from the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea.  Whichever you opt for you can be sure to find plenty of mouth-watering homemade treats to indulge in.

•    Blenheim Palace is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings only a palace could provide.  Tea is served in the palace’s Indian Room, or Champagne Bar, overlooking the eautiful fountains on the Water Terraces for a truly inspired setting.  Choose from a delectable selection of menus including a traditional Blenheim Tea, a Churchill Champagne Tea or a luxury Winston Churchill Premier Tea, inspired by the great leader it includes his favourite tipple Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV.

www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Treasure Houses of England
The Treasure Houses of England are ten of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today. Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.  Each has its own unique charm and all combine together to give a fascinating insight into life in England over the centuries

One of the most compelling features of the Treasure Houses of England is that they all offer the visitor a living history. Most are still homes to the great families who have owned them for generations. Others keep their heritage alive by re-creating scenes and events that have dominated and shaped England from the 9th century to the present day.

Between them they house some of the most important art collections in the world with famous works from artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough and priceless antiques including Chippendale, Wedgwood and Meissen.

Discover hidden gems and dark secrets, follow walks and adventure trails in beautiful parklands and gardens, enjoy classical concerts, outdoor theatre, family fun and relax over afternoon tea:  the Treasure Houses change with the seasons, move with the times and always have something unexpected to offer, something new to discover.