Families are invited to make unforgettable memories at Blenheim Palace this autumn, with an exciting line-up of new experiences, seasonal adventures, and family favourites. This autumn there’s something for every curious explorer to discover across the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Haunted Half Term There’s a host of ghoulish goings on as Haunted Half Term returns to the Walled Garden from 24th October to 1st November. The popular ZooLab animal show is back, where little ones can come face to face with fanged but friendly snakes and tarantulas as well as giant snails and frogs. Animal enthusiasts will also have the chance to stroke and handle the creepy creatures.
Halloween at Blenheim Palace
Halloween at Blenheim Palace returns from 22nd October to 1st November 2026 with a newly imagined 1.3 kilometre after-dark trail packed with immersive installations, larger-than-life characters and interactive photo opportunities.
New highlights include an enormous Spider Puppet emerging from a 20-metre-long-funnel-web-tunnel, a Monster Disco finale and neon coffin selfie installations within Dracula’s Lair, alongside returning favourites including the Headless Horseman, Pirate’s Wreck, Catacombs and Possessed Pumpkin Farm. With more than 50 gravestones, 40 skeletons, 50 pumpkin lanterns, 24 coffins, 100 spiders and 100 crows bringing the trail to life, visitors can choose from gentler daytime sessions for younger children or darker twilight and late-night experiences for those seeking more thrills. Timed entry tickets must be purchased in advance for entry.
Dinosaurs Are Forever exhibition
Until 1st November 2026, Blenheim Palace will be showcasing five full-scale Megalosaurus sculptures created by artist Jay Jay Burridge. The reimagined skeletons of the Dinosaurs Are Forever exhibition will be located in the Formal Gardens of the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire, the birthplace of dinosaurs. Families can immerse themselves in history by meeting the costumed Victorian explorer guide as part of the exhibition.
Adventure Play
Little explorers can unleash their imaginations in Adventure Play, with the brand-new Pip and Posy Treehouse Mystery trail inspired by an episode of the hugely popular pre-school series. As they explore, children can follow a fun trail to help find Pip’s missing toy, Piggy, completing playful actions and challenges throughout Adventure Play. The adventure ends at the new treehouse, where families can enjoy storytelling sessions, imaginative play and the exciting discovery of Piggy – along with a new friend she has met along the way. Adventure Play provides a world of excitement featuring zip lines, twisting tunnels and giant carrots.
Walled Garden
Families can also hop aboard Winston, the mini train, for their trip to the Walled Garden and on arrival can race against time to see if they can conquer the mighty Marlborough Maze; two miles of yew trees inspired by the history of the Palace. Visitors can walk past sunflowers, and discover the impressive Kitchen Garden used to grow mixed salad leaves, edible flowers, mixed heritage beetroots, fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and more.
Curious minds can marvel at the fluttering wings within the Butterfly House, proudly home to a stunning collection of native British butterfly species, before heading to the Rowse Honey Hive for an interactive space to explore the crucial role of bees.
Families can make a delicious pit-stop at the pizzeria for freshly made woodfired pizzas cooked to order, mouth-watering lasagne, crisp salads, and irresistible warm dough balls.
With no two days out the same this autumn, discover more at Blenheim Palace with a valid Palace & Gardens Ticket or Palace and Play Pass, which grants access to both Blenheim Palace and Adventure Play for a full year, to enjoy all that Britain’s Greatest Palace has to offer, including a sensational line-up of events.
As a charity, each visit helps protect Blenheim Palace; honouring the past, enriching the present and shaping the future to inspire generations to come. All admission income and donations are reinvested into the vital work of caring for the Palace, its collections and its extraordinary landscape. Gift Aid helps your support go even further.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.blenheimpalace.com
