For a unique venue to host a grand feast or drinks reception for an upcoming occasion or celebration, UNESCO World Heritage Site Blenheim Palace has a diverse selection of rooms and areas and bespoke packages to accommodate any scale of private dining plans.
With its breathtaking country house grandeur, rich history and unrivalled beautiful grounds and gardens, Oxfordshire’s Blenheim Palace offers a diverse selection of spaces to host and cater for grand, extravagant, relaxed and intimate private dining occasions.
Below, we take a closer look at some of the many areas where one can dine in style at Blenheim Palace.
The Orangery
Having recently undergone an impressive renovation, believed to be the first of this type carried out on a Grade I Listed building, this remarkable refurbished space now features a stylish bar area and seating with brand new décor and lighting. The light and airy room overlooks the Duke’s Italian Garden and has its own private terrace with views across to the South Lawn, perfect for up to 180 dining guests or standing drinks receptions for up to 250 guests.
Steeped in history, The Orangery has many stories to tell. It was originally a greenhouse with large windows, creating the perfect climate for the growth of oranges and lemons over the winter months. But over the past 300 years, the Orangery has been transformed into various other uses, including a theatre, offices, an art gallery, and now an idyllic wedding and private dining venue.
Prices start from £8,000
The Long Library
Partly known for being one of the longest rooms in any British stately home, the Long Library is home to over 10,000 books and the impressive Willis Organ and offers beautiful views over the Water Terraces. This truly unique room is perfect for those with a larger guest list, dining up to 250 guests and offering the option for a splendid drinks reception, weather permitting, on the Water Terrace.
What’s more, a marquee can accompany some of the events on the gorgeous grounds to accommodate a larger number of guests.
Prices start from £25,000
The Marlborough Room (shown right), with its double-vaulted ceiling, two stunning chandeliers, and large fireplace, is the perfect space for a more intimate private dining experience. It can seat up to 60 guests for lunches or small dinners and 100 guests for a drinks reception.
This space can also be used with the Orangery or Palace State Rooms for larger-scale events.
Prices start from £1,500
Spencer Churchill Room
A self-contained traditional and elegant room with a private entrance and foyer, this room boasts spectacular views of the Park and Lake from the second floor of the Palace and is perfect for small lunches, receptions or afternoon tea for up to 50 guests.
Prices start from £850
The Great Hall
The Great Hall, which can seat up to 130 guests, is the main entrance of the Palace and is where the popular ceiling painting by English painter James Thornhill can be found. This space is the ultimate private dining experience or drinks reception; it can also be used in conjunction with the Long Library for larger attendance numbers.
Prices start from £16,000
Outdoor Dining
For larger private dining events, marquees on the South Lawn or further into the grounds, with views across the Palace and wider estate, can be erected and arranged as a bespoke, tailored package.
Each marquee is versatile and suitable for various dining occasions, from daytime events to drinks receptions and dancing for hundreds of guests.
Those planning a smaller event can also take advantage of the more relaxed and scenic options by hosting all or some parts of the event in a structure within the grounds with stunning views across the lake, woodlands or the Palace itself. With over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped Parkland and the award-winning Formal Gardens, there are many stunning locations where you can host your event.
For more information on private dining at Blenheim Palace, visit https://www.blenheimpalace.com/hospitality/private-events/.