Accessibility Guide for Blenheim Palace

Travel by public transport

You can get to Blenheim Palace by bus and train.

Blenheim Palace Oxford Road Woodstock OX201UL The bus stop is 0.4 miles / 0.6 km from Blenheim Palace.

The nearest train station is Hanborough Station. The train station is 3.3 miles / 5.3 km from Blenheim Palace.

By car Blenheim Palace is 20 minutes from Oxford, 80 minutes from Birmingham, and 90 minutes from Bath. 

All busses are wheelchair friendly and can also accommodate mobility scooters. The nearest bus stop, across the road from Hensington Gate entrance.

Contact Details: The Oxford Bus Company 01865 785400 www.oxfordbus.co.uk and Stagecoach 01865 772250 www.stagecoachbus.com 

Travel by taxi

You can get a taxi with Kit Mobility Taxis by calling 01865 435105. The taxi company has a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Please enquire at the Welcome Kiosk or Access Desk in the visitor center if you wish to book a taxi from the Palace. 

Parking

We have a car park. There are accessible parking spaces. Parking is free.

The Nearest drop off point is at the front of Flagstaff gates (no parking in this area), this point is also used as a pickup point for visitors and taxis. This is a limited vehicle movement zone. From the car park to the entrance, there is level access. The route is 2500mm wide, or more.

There is a buggy shuttle to take you from the disabled carpark at Hensington to Flagstaff gates, please ask a member of staff for assistants. 

Distance from Blue Badge parking to the main entrance is 0.2 miles 

Path to main entrance

From the street to the main entrance, there are 20 steps. There is no ramp and no lift.

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.

The main door is side hung and manual.

Visual Impairment - General Information

We have contrast markings on all glass doors.

Some parts of the venue have low lighting.

Lift

We have 2 lifts.

You can get a lift to some floors.

Orangery Lift

The lift is a platform lift.

The lift door is 930mm wide.

The lift is 890mm wide. The lift is 1450mm deep.

Orangery lift provides access to the Orangery restruant and facilities only.The Orangery lift has a weight limit of 300kg. Orangery lift is situated in the Orangerycolonnade. The lift can be self-operated or by a member of staff, to the right of theentrance of the lift there is a button to lower the lift, once on the lift the control panel isto your side. if you wish assistants please ask at the Access desk and they canarrange someone to assist you.

Palace lift to the staterooms

The lift is a platform lift.

The lift door is 0mm wide.

The lift is 980mm wide. The lift is 1540mm deep.

Palace Lift provides access to to the staterooms, it is operated by a member of staff.There are staff in the area to offer access assistants if required.

Ticket/ information desk

Hensignton Gate Kiosks

From the main entrance to the desk, there is level access. The route is 0mm wide, or more.

The door is 0mm wide, or more.

Hensington Kiosks are the main ticket checking point on arrival before parking. 

Ticket/ information desk

Woodstock Gate Kiosk

From the main entrance to the desk, there is level access. The route is 0mm wide, or more.

The door is 0mm wide, or more.

Woodstock Gate kiosk is pedestrian access from Woodstock town to Blenheim Palace there is no parking in this area. 

Ticket/ information desk

Welcome Kiosk

From the main entrance to the desk, there is level access. The route is 0mm wide, or more.

The door is 0mm wide, or more.

The desk has a low section.

The welcome kiosk can issue annual pass conversion, information, and tickets. 

on the far left hand on the kiosk is a lower level section.

Ticket/ information desk

Access Desk

From the main entrance to the desk, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 900mm wide, or more.

The door is 900mm wide, or more.

The Access Desks offers information and advice for accessibility needs, hire of Wheelchairs, hire of Mobility scooters (from 23/7/21). 

Book onto Private Apartment tours 

 

Things to See and Do

We have a complimentary ticket policy for personal assistants.

We have performances with: audio-described, British Sign Language interpreted and touch tour.

We have display information in: audio, BSL and large print.

State rooms

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. There is a lift.

From the lift to this area, the route is 890mm wide, or more. The door is 890mm wide.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

The State rooms are a very popular part of Blenheim Palace and can often be very crowded. There is one route around staterooms, Exiting out of the Palace via the Chapel this route includes 14 steps down.

Touch Tour of the State Rooms can be booked in advance. This should be organized via the Operations Office. At least 7 days’ notice is recommended. – 01993 810530

Not available during COVID-19

Audioguide can be found using a QR code at the front of the Palace it is available in nine different languages. Also in British Sign Lanaguage. 

Upstairs Tour

From the main entrance to this area, there are 75 steps. There is no lift and no ramp.

(Upstairs tour available February to September at the discretion of the family)

A supplemental charge for each tour, bookable online or from the Welcome Desk on the day. Directions to the start of these tours are also available from the Welcome Desk. 

Please note this tour is not suitable for young children or school groups. There is a spiral staircase with 75 steps going up, therefore this tour is not accessible for wheelchair users and others who may find difficulty taking the stairs.

This area is private so there are no toilet facilities or seating during the 60-minute tour and there may be areas of low lighting, narrow doorways, and once on the tour no facilities to leave the tour due to the nature of the rooms.

 

Downstairs Tour

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 800mm wide, or more. The door is 800mm wide.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users.

(Downstairs tour available February to September at the discretion of the family)

A supplemental charge for each tour, bookable online or from the Access Desk on the day. Directions to the start of these tours are also available from the Access Desk. 

Please note this tour is not suitable for young children or school groups. Access to tour as seen in photo,  11 stairs up and down, however, there is wheelchair access, please enquire when you book your ticket as you will need to be at the alternative entrance 15 minutes before the tour starts. The alternative entrance is towards the water Terrance toilets to a locked door which the guide will open and lead you to the start of the tour.  

This area is private so there are no toilet facilities or seating during the 50-minute tour and there maybe areas of low lighting, narrow doorways, and once on the tour no facilities to leave the tour due to the nature of the rooms.

Stables Exhibition

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 850mm wide, or more. The door is 1500mm wide.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Some videos have subtitles.

We have created an immersive and interactive experience in the Palace’s historic stable block showcasing the importance of horses at Blenheim through the centuries. We have restored the original tack room and recreated the stable office as part of the exhibition, as well as creating an area for live horse displays. A life size model of Churchill’s childhood pony Rob Roy in one of the stables and the chance for you to dress up and attempt to ride side saddle. This permanent exhibition is free with a Palace, Park & Gardens ticket or valid Annual Pass.

The display area also highlights how Blenheim’s ancient woodland, its royal hunting lodge and ‘Capability’ Brown’s landscaped parkland have contributed to the wider Estate’s continued success.

Access: Level access from the Great Court, the cobbled floor in this area can be uneven in places, and some low lighting. 

Location: The west side of the Great Courtyard, sited within the old stable block. 

Public toilet

East Courtyard

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.

You need a RADAR key to open the public toilet.

From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. The route is 860mm wide, or more.

The toilet door is 860mm wide.

The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the right.

There is 420mm at the side of the toilet. There is 1000mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 410mm high. The toilets have handrails.

Public toilet

Orangery Restaurant

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.

You need a RADAR key to open the public toilet.

From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. There is a lift.

From the lift to the public toilet, the route is 750mm wide, or more.

The toilet door is 890mm wide.

The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the front only.

There is 1500mm in front of the toilet. The toilet seat is 420mm high. The toilets have handrails.

Access from Orangery restaurant lift 

Public toilet

Churchill Exhibition

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.

The toilet is a Changing Places toilet.

You need a RADAR key to open the public toilet.

From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp.

The toilets have handrails.

Shop

East Courtyard

From the main entrance to the shop, there is level access.

We partner with renowned British companies to produce exclusive ranges of exceptional quality, many of which showcase artwork and interiors from inside the Palace. We also work closely with local producers and artisans to celebrate the best our local area has to offer.

As one of our ten-year goals to triple Blenheim’s contribution to the local economy, we aim to work closely with local producers and craftspeople, to share the best Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas have to offer. Additionally, we are committed to procuring products that are locally sourced.

online shop https://shop.blenheimpalace.com

Good lighting in this area 

Place to eat and drink

Oxfordshire Pantry

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. The route is 900mm wide, or more. The door is 900mm wide.

To get to a table, there are no steps.

The menu is offered in large print.

The dining area is self-service. There is no background music.

The table and plates have high colour contrast.

We cater for vegetarian, gluten free (celiacs), lactose free (dairy free) and vegan specific diets.

The Oxfordshire Pantry serves fresh sandwiches, salads, homemade cakes, soft drinks, and coffees.

Indoor and Outdoor dining, chairs are light to move and tables will comfortably fit most wheelchairs under 

There are high chairs available please ask a member of staff.

Place to eat and drink

Orangery Restaurant

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. There is a lift. To get to a table, there are no steps.

There is background music sometimes.

The table and plates have high colour contrast.

We cater for vegetarian, gluten free (celiacs), lactose free (dairy free) and vegan specific diets.

The Orangery Restaurant is now open and serving NEW Churchill themed Afternoon Tea. Bookings now available.

Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Afternoon tea served 13.00 - 16.30

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays: Brunch, Lunch & Afternoon tea served 10.30 - 16:30

Fridays & Saturdays: Supper served 18:30 - 20:15

Place to eat and drink

Stables Cafe

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. To get to a table, there are no steps.

Via an App

If you need table service, staff can help you.

There is no background music.

The table and plates have high colour contrast.

We cater for vegetarian, gluten free (celiacs), lactose free (dairy free) and vegan specific diets.

The Café serves a range fresh food, including open sandwiches, salads, soups and delicious tarts and quiches, the little ones have not been forgotten with yummy pasta and toasties on offer. There is also a range of sweet treats including scones, cakes, brownies and even Churchill’s favourite fruit cake.

Both indoor and outdoor seating, chairs are light to move and tables will comfortably fit most wheelchairs under 

There are high chairs available please ask a member of staff.

Place to eat and drink

Walled Garden Pizza Cafe

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. To get to a table, there are no steps.

via an App

If you need table service, staff can help you.

There is no background music.

We cater for vegetarian, gluten free (celiacs), lactose free (dairy free) and vegan specific diets.

Enjoy delicious pizza with table service indoors and on our new outdoor terrace.

Our BBQ is available every weekend at the Walled Garden (subject to weather), serving delicious Oxford Burgers, classic bratwurst and a tasty vegan options.

indoor and outdoor seating, chairs are light to move and tables will comfortably fit most wheelchairs under 

There are high chairs available please ask a member of staff. there is also picnic benches in this area. 

Place to eat and drink

Churchill Champagne Hut

From the main entrance to the dining area, there is level access. There is a portable ramp. To get to a table, there are no steps.

There is no background music.

The table and plates have high colour contrast.

We cater for vegetarian, gluten free (celiacs), lactose free (dairy free) and vegan specific diets.

Churchill Champage Hut is a takeway servie overlooking the Water Terrance. Servicing hot beverages and Champange and Cakes. 

Please Note: this maybe closed at times throughout the year. 

 

Churchill Exhitbition

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a permanent ramp. The route is 850mm wide, or more.

The door is 700mm wide.

Our new Churchill Exhibition features a mix of historic artefacts and new technology, documenting key aspects of the adventurous life of Sir Winston Churchill, the famous wartime leader and writer. With photographs, letters, artefacts and excerpts from his most famous speeches, you'll gain a real sense of our ‘Greatest Briton’. This permanent exhibition is free with a Palace, Park & Gardens ticket or valid Annual Pass.

Sir Winston Churchill was born at Blenheim and returned often during his long life for parties, to paint and to spend time with his cousin and close friend ‘Sunny’, 9th Duke of Marlborough. He also chose to propose to his beloved wife, Clementine at Blenheim. The exhibition is located in an area of the Palace overlooking the Water Terraces used as an artist’s studio by the wartime leader. Blenheim’s rich military history provided huge inspiration for Churchill’s own career.

Access from the Great Courtyard

Fire Engine Exhibition

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access.

A ‘lost’ horse-drawn Victorian Merryweather fire engine that was part of the Palace’s private fire brigade has returned to Blenheim Palace this Summer to take pride of place as part of our new exhibition in the Palace’s stable yard.

Believed to have been built by Merryweather & Sons in 1890, the horse-drawn engine used a steam boiler to create pressure to pump water. It was mounted on a four-wheeled sprung carriage drawn by horses.

It was originally in operation by the Blenheim Fire Brigade who were operational from the mid to late 1800s through to the Second World War.

Low lighting and some narrow areas 

Butterfly House

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 870mm wide, or more.

The door is 750mm wide.

This is a great sensory area for visitors.

Bygones Exhibition

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. The route is 890mm wide, or more.

The door is 890mm wide.

Parkland

From the main entrance to the gardens, there is level access.

The route is sloped. The route is 900mm wide, or more.

The Parkland walks cover a range of terrain some steep slopes and different types of paths. 

The Queen Pool: A 1-mile circular walk around the lake taking 45 minutes. A dog-friendly route and suitable for wheelchair and buggy users.

The Park Perimeter: A 4.6-mile walk taking 2 hours with some steep slopes. A dog-friendly route and suitable for wheelchair and buggy users.

The trail is 7402metres long. Some of the trail has a loose surface. The trail is sloped. The trail has seats. • The Park Perimeter: A 4.6-mile walk taking 2 hours with some steep slopes. A dogfriendly route and suitable for wheelchair and buggy users. Tarmac roads around the 2000-acre estate which have hills and a hump- backed bridge and cattle grids. Blenheim is a working estate so tractors; lorries and estate cars use these internal roads.

Formal Gardens

From the main entrance to the gardens, there is level access.

The route is sloped. The route is 90mm wide, or more.

Discover the beauty of our Formal Gardens.

Created over the centuries by esteemed garden designers such as Henry Wise and Achille Duchêne, our Formal Gardens reflect a journey through the styles of the ages.The Formal Gardens surround the Palace, and they include the majestic Water Terraces, the Duke's Private Italian Garden, the tranquil Secret Garden with all of its hidden treasures, the new Churchill Memorial Garden and the beautifully delicate Rose Garden.

Explore our Formal Gardens Audio Tour, taking you through our gardens at your own pace.

 

From the main entrance to the gardens, there is level access. • There is a permanent ramp. • The route is sloped. The route is 1400mm wide, or more. • Main Formal garden entrance is next to the Chapel there is eight narrow steps with hand rails. Then a series of steps up and down without handrails in the Water Terraces which lead to the rest of the formal gardens. Step free access to Formal gardens route please follow the step-free signs via the Fisherman's gate you will need to ask a member of staff for the code and a map. there is a steep slope down towards the gate this is the same route to get back to the Great courtyard. secret garden A garden of many sensory pleasures with watercourses and hidden charms Level access from the South Lawn and Temple of Diana. Benches are placed throughout the garden. Approximately 20-minute walk from the step-free access gate on gravel. rose garden A fantastic aroma is given from these wonderful roses during the summer months Approximately 20-minute walk from the step-free access gate on gravel paths. Garden benches are scattered through the garden. Please note the Water Terrance includes many steps. to view this area please go via the Water Terrance Cafe. Please use this link to establish distances https://app.blenheimpalace.com

Walled Garden

From the main entrance to the gardens, there is level access.

There is a permanent ramp.

The route is 900mm wide, or more.

Take the Miniature Train from the Palace for a little adventure in our Walled Garden, perfect for all the family.

Our small play area is open for your little ones to enjoy, with the Pizza Café serving refreshments on the outdoor terrace for a much needed snack.

Explore the Butterfly House and Marlborough Maze at your own pace and find our new trail for hours of family entertainment.

The Adventure Playground is currently closed for refurbishment. Please note dogs are not permitted within the Walled Garden.

Emergency evacuation procedures

We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.

All Blenheim Palace staff are trained in emergency procedures. In the event of an alarm sound, please follow the instructions from the Palace Staff. Unfortunately, the Palace alarm is only audible, but the Palace guides will make sure everyone evacuates.