Make the most of your visit

The Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials attracts loyal visitor attendance each year who come along to enjoy the range of competitions, extensive shopping opportunities and variety of attractions for all the family in the stunning grounds of Blenheim Palace.

We would like to make your visit to Blenheim a happy and memorable occasion and offer the following tips and information to help…

Tickets

A range of tickets are available for the event – please see Ticket Information for more details and prices.  We recommend booking in advance as discounts apply to most ticket options and this will speed up your access to the event through the pay lanes.  Alternatively, many ticket options can be purchased on the gate (but not all!).

Children

Children aged 12 years and under can enter the event free when accompanied by an adult. However, grandstand seats should be booked for all children over 2 years of age who require a seat to observe either the dressage or the show jumping.

Opening Times

The gates open at 7am on Thursday, Friday and Sunday and at 6.30am on Saturday, closing each day at 6.30pm.

Programmes (Official Event Guide)

Vouchers for the official programme can be purchased on-line for £5, redeemable on arrival at the event.  Otherwise you will be invited to buy one on the day for £6.  They will be available for sale at the pay lanes, from the Organiser’s Office and from the Programme Sellers who will be roaming the event site throughout each day.

What to Wear

Dress is casual and should be suited to the weather conditions on the day, however please bear in mind the mixed terrain and wear appropriate comfortable footwear, especially if you are planning to walk the cross country course and browse the extensive shopping village!  Wellies are always a safe option as the site can get rather muddy when it rains!

Gentlemen (and ladies!) must not be bare chested in the VIP Members Area.

If we are blessed with good weather, as we often are, do not forget to apply sun block in advance of your arrival and bring extra to top up! 

Sufferers of hay fever and horse allergies are advised to remember their antihistamines or other relevant medications.  St John’s Ambulance will be on site, however prevention is always the best policy!

Arrival at the Event

Several entrances to the event site are available for the large visitor numbers to ease traffic flow and limit queues, however delays can occur during peak times so leave plenty of time for your journey.  Directional signage to the event will be displayed on all major roads approaching Blenheim Palace. 

Parking

Extensive onsite parking is available in the public car parks as well as disabled parking facilities for holders of official blue disabled passes.  A complimentary car pass will be sent with all advanced ticket purchases, however a £5 per car charge will be made for visitors choosing to purchase tickets at the gate. A 5-10 minute walk from the public car park will bring you into the heart of the event site.  A complimentary shuttle buggy service will be available for transfer from the paylanes to the trade stand shopping village.

Disabled facilities

Limited disabled parking areas are provided in the forward parking area for holders of official blue disabled car passes. Admission charges apply to disabled visitors, but a complimentary carer's pass can be provided for registered carers. Please contact the office to book.

Motorised scooters can be hired on event from Event Mobility who are located in the disabled parking area. We recommend pre-booking so please complete an application form which can be downloaded from their website at:  www.eventmobility.org.uk 

Disabled toilets are located near the disabled parking areas as well as near the Marlborough Arena and other major facilities.

Food and Drink

There is a wide choice of catering options throughout the event site to suit all tastes, including three-course silver service dining in corporate hospitality, high quality meals in the VIP Members enclosure and sandwiches, snacks and drinks in the mobile catering units.

Shopping

The shopping village at Blenheim has over 200 outlets selling a wide and interesting variety of high quality products and services. The shop and drop facility (located at Macmillan stand alongside the Attractions Arena) means that you do not have to carry heavy bags around all day!  On Thursday and Friday we offer free admission to the event from 4pm for late afternoon shopping – trade stands will close at 6pm.

Toilets

Toilets are situated around the event site and Cross Country course.  These are marked on the maps in the programme.

Cash Point

A cash point will be available on event located next to the Organiser’s Office adjacent near the VIP Member’s enclosure.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome at Blenheim as long as they are well behaved, kept on a lead at all times and owners clean up any mess. 

Dogs are not permitted within the Grandstands or the VIP Member’s enclosure but are welcome in the VIP Member’s garden which overlooks the main Marlborough Arena. Please also note that Dogs must not be left in vehicles.

Lost Property

If you have lost or found any item during the event please go to the Organiser's Office (next to the VIP Member’s enclosure).  After the event please call 01993 813335 to check for lost property.  We retain lost property for two months, after which point any unclaimed items are donated to a local charity shop.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in the Grandstand or inside the VIP Member’s enclosure.