Blenheim Palace Launches Autumn Programme Featuring Dinosaurs, Halloween Events and Family Activities
Blenheim Palace is set to offer a diverse range of family-friendly activities this autumn, inviting visitors to explore its historic grounds with new exhibitions, seasonal events, and interactive experiences. The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire promises something for all ages throughout the season.
From 24th October to 1st November, the Walled Garden will host the Haunted Half Term event, featuring the return of the popular ZooLab animal show. Children will have the opportunity to encounter creatures such as snakes, tarantulas, giant snails, and frogs, with chances to handle and stroke some of the animals. Additional attractions include a circus workshop teaching fun tricks, witch-themed storytelling sessions, and wizard walkabouts designed to enchant families.
Halloween festivities at Blenheim Palace will run from 22nd October to 1st November 2026, centred around a newly designed 1.3-kilometre after-dark trail. This immersive experience includes large-scale installations and interactive photo spots. Highlights comprise a massive Spider Puppet emerging from a 20-metre funnel-web tunnel, a Monster Disco finale, and neon coffin selfie points within Dracula’s Lair. Returning features such as the Headless Horseman, Pirate’s Wreck, Catacombs, and Possessed Pumpkin Farm will also be part of the trail. The route is brought to life with over 50 gravestones, 40 skeletons, 50 pumpkin lanterns, 24 coffins, 100 spiders, and 100 crows. Visitors can select from daytime sessions tailored for younger children or opt for twilight and late-night experiences for a spookier atmosphere. Timed entry tickets are required and must be purchased in advance.
Continuing until 1st November 2026, the Dinosaurs Are Forever exhibition showcases five full-scale Megalosaurus sculptures created by artist Jay Jay Burridge. Positioned within the Formal Gardens, these reimagined dinosaur skeletons pay homage to Oxfordshire’s status as the birthplace of dinosaurs. Visitors can also engage with a costumed Victorian explorer guide as part of the exhibition, adding a historical dimension to the experience.
For younger visitors, Adventure Play offers a new Pip and Posy Treehouse Mystery trail inspired by the popular pre-school series. Children can follow a trail to locate Pip’s missing toy, Piggy, completing challenges and playful activities along the way. The adventure culminates at a new treehouse featuring storytelling sessions and imaginative play, including the discovery of Piggy and a new friend. Adventure Play also includes attractions such as zip lines, twisting tunnels, and giant carrots to stimulate young imaginations.
The Walled Garden remains a focal point for family visits, accessible via Winston, the mini train. Visitors can test their navigation skills in the Marlborough Maze, which spans two miles of yew trees and reflects the Palace’s history. The garden also features sunflowers and a Kitchen Garden cultivating salad leaves, edible flowers, heritage beetroots, fresh herbs, and cherry tomatoes. The Butterfly House showcases native British butterfly species, while the Rowse Honey Hive offers an interactive exhibit on the importance of bees.
Refreshments are available at the on-site pizzeria, serving woodfired pizzas, lasagne, crisp salads, and warm dough balls. Admission to these autumn activities requires a valid Palace & Gardens Ticket or a Palace and Play Pass, the latter granting year-round access to both the Palace and Adventure Play. As a registered charity, Blenheim Palace reinvests all admission income and donations into the preservation of its buildings, collections, and landscape. Gift Aid contributions further support these conservation efforts.
