The stately home and its pleasure gardens will be the backdrop to the Oxfordshire Living Craft Show will include demonstrations and displays of traditional activities such as glass blowing, pottery workshops and farriery and basket-weaving.

Once inside, there will be falconry displays, juggling, archery, puppet shows and even a hamster display alongside the chance to see join keepers at their hives and write calligraphy in the style of lords and ladies from the past.

Away from the crafts, families can wander in the Marlborough Maze and wage war with giant chess pieces, or gaze at exotic insects in the butterfly house.

The ornate architecture of the palace itself should not be overlooked. It stands in grounds landscaped by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown but inside, painted ceilings, tapestries and paintings by Reynolds and Van Dyke decorate the walls.

Its name comes from the village of Blindheim or Blenheim on the Danube, where the first Duke of Marlborough John Churchill defeated Louis XIV's French forces led by Marshall Tallard. The victory saved Europe from French domination and Queen Anne granted the Duke the Royal Manor of Woodstock and offered to build the palace at her own expense.

Building began in 1705, but as a result of intrigue while he was away fighting, her money never materialised and the duke was left owing £45,000 to masons, carvers and the palace's architect Vanbrugh.Work stopped in 1712, but following the death of the Queen in 1714, the Duke and Duchess paid for the palace to be completed.

It contains many treasures, such as a signed dispatch from the battle proclaiming a "glorious" victory and portraits of Queen Anne, William II and the first Duke and fine decorations of the period.

The palace was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and was made a world heritage site in 1987. It is still the home of the Duke of Marlborough.


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Blenheim Palace
What it is: A sandstone and limestone palace standing among sweeping lawns and ornamental gardens.
Where it is: In the historic town of Woodstock, eight miles north west of Oxford on the A44 Evesham Road. Approaching Oxford on the M40, exit at junction 9 and follow signs to Blenheim.
Opening times: Blenheim Palace will be open until October 29 and on Wednesdays and Sundays in November and December. The park is open from 9am to 6pm and the palace and gardens are open from 10.30am to 5.30pm.
Admission: Palace, park and gardens: Adults £14, Concessions £11.50, under 16s £8.50. Park and gardens only: Adults £9, concessions £7, under 16s £4.50. Groups of more than 15 persons receive discounts.
Contact: 08700 60 20 80 or visit www.blenheimpalace.com