Blenheim Palace for Guides

Before the trip

Ensure you have the group register and emergency contact numbers for all leaders and students
Make sure you have the tickets you need to enter with your group
Wear the official group T-shirt or hoodie for easy identification
Charge your phone fully and bring a power bank
Review the risk assessment for the day’s route and activities
Remind students to bring a raincoat or umbrella in case of light rain
Take group photos at key locations and share them with the programme WhatsApp group

Downloads

▶️ Risk Assessment for this trip

▶️ Registers for this trip
▶️ Tickets for this trip

Activity Leader Notes

1. Palace Overview

Welcome to Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. The palace was built in the early 18th century as a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough.

Fun fact: It took over 12 years to build, and the architecture is an excellent example of English Baroque style.

Leader Tip: Remind students to stay together and follow the route set for the visit.

2. The State Rooms

These rooms were designed to show wealth, power, and taste. Notice the intricate ceilings, painted walls, and furniture. Each room tells a story about the Dukes of Marlborough and their lifestyle.

Fun fact: Some of the palace furniture and decorations are original and over 300 years old!

Leader Tip: Encourage students to observe the details and ask questions, but remind them not to touch objects.

3. The Churchill Connection

Winston Churchill was born here in 1874. You can see personal items and learn about his life and achievements as a soldier, artist, and Prime Minister.

Fun fact: Churchill spent much of his childhood exploring the palace and gardens, which inspired his love of history and the arts.

Leader Tip: Highlight interesting stories that are easy for students to remember, like Churchill’s early hobbies or sketches.

4. The Gardens & Parklands

The palace is surrounded by 2,000 acres of parkland designed by Capability Brown. You’ll see lakes, formal gardens, and long tree-lined avenues.

Fun fact: The Grand Bridge, the Italian Garden, and the water features were carefully planned to create beautiful views from the palace.

Leader Tip: Encourage students to take photos, notice different landscapes, and compare formal gardens to natural areas.

Leader Tips:

Remind students to walk carefully in the palace and respect the historic interiors.
Encourage students to notice both the art and the architecture—there are lots of interesting details.
For the gardens, make sure students stay on paths and follow your route.
If visiting Woodstock, set clear boundaries and a meeting point for regathering.
Keep a headcount at all transition points, especially when moving between palace, gardens, and optional village.

The Timetable for the Trip

0:00 – Meet at Ruskin College for welcome and safety briefing by Activity Leaders.

0:10 – Depart Ruskin College and travel by coach/public transport to Blenheim Palace.

0:50 – Arrive at Blenheim Palace; gather outside the main entrance for an introduction by Activity Leaders.

0:55 – Begin the guided or self-guided visit of the palace interiors (state rooms, art, and architecture).

1:45 – Break / optional refreshment stop (students may visit the café or take photos outside).

2:00 – Explore the gardens and grounds, including fountains, sculptures, and woodland walks.

2:45 – Optional short visit to Woodstock village (shops, cafés, and streets).

3:15 – Regroup at the main entrance for wrap-up and headcount.

3:25 – Depart Blenheim Palace and begin return journey to Ruskin College.

4:05 – Arrive back at Ruskin College; students gather belongings and prepare for dismissal.

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