To celebrate its largest exhibition to date, Icons of British Fashion, Blenheim Palace has launched a fashionista-themed afternoon tea and enhanced its retail offering with a range of special edition gifts and merchandise.
Visitors can start their Icons of British Fashion journey in style in the newly renovated Orangery at Blenheim Palace and enjoy a combination of the freshest savouries and patisserie using the finest seasonal ingredients.
The new afternoon tea menu features Coronation Chicken & Bhaji, Cucumber & Mint sandwiches, Wild Mushroom and Truffle Vol au Vent, Lobster, Miso and Yuzu dressing Spiced Cracker.
Homemade scones with strawberry preserve and clotted cream as well as a variety of sweet treats such as Lemon Meringue Pie, Battenburg, Chocolate and Black Cherry Bomb, Carrot Cake Delice and Macaroons are also included. Milk chocolate high heels also feature on the limited-edition menu in partnership with Charbonnel et Walker.
Exclusively available for visitors during the fashion exhibition until 30th June, the themed afternoon tea is £60 per person and is served with a glass of pink fizz. Better yet, elevate the experience and try one of the specially crafted Passion for Fashion or the Raspberry Runway limited-edition cocktails and mocktails.
The Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site has also been working with some of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers and brands starring in the exhibition to introduce a new collection in The Palace Shop.
Featured are handbags and accessories from Lulu Guinness, t-shirts and postcards from Terry De Havilland, as well as publications celebrating the work of Alice Temperly and Zandra Rhodes. An exclusive Blenheim Palace Icons of British Fashion 2024 range has also been launched, including tote bags, mugs, stationery and prints, to commemorate the exhibition.
Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace & Collections, said, “The moment visitors step foot on the grounds, they’ll feel as though they’re joining our fashion show. From the red carpet entrance and a number of fashionista photo opportunities to the specially crafted fashion-themed afternoon tea and exhibition merchandise available, we’re promising the ultimate day out.
“I have worked at Blenheim for nearly 18 years, and this is our biggest in-house exhibition to date, showcasing a creative curation of clothing, accessories, drawings, photography and archival materials. We’re celebrating the incredible designers in Great Britain, and as Blenheim Palace is a truly iconic British location, it is such a natural pairing.”
Icons of British Fashion is being sponsored by Bicester Village, a nearby British luxury retail destination. It showcases the very best of fashion from the past through to the present day in a truly unique way amongst Britain’s Greatest Palace’s own unique, priceless collections.
The exhibition features bespoke designs and loans from huge names in the fashion world: Dame Vivienne Westwood, Jean Muir, Terry de Havilland, Bruce Oldfield, Turnbull & Asser, Zandra Rhodes, Lulu Guinness, Barbour, Alice Temperley, Stella McCartney and Stephen Jones Millinery for Christian Dior.
Admission to Icons of British Fashion is free with any valid Blenheim Palace ticket, including Palace, Park and Gardens, Annual Pass or a Privilege Pass.
For more information about the exhibition, visit and book tickets. Visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/icons-of-british-fashion/.
Photography by Pete Seaward.