A New View of Blenheim: Historic Bridge Opens to Visitors This Autumn
Visitors to Blenheim Palace this autumn will be amongst the first members of the public to ever walk across a rustic bridge which spans the Cascades - and take in a view only previously enjoyed by friends and family of the Dukes of Marlborough.
Whilst the arched Swiss Bridge has been accessible since Blenheim Palace opened to the public in 1950, the newly refurbished flat bridge has only been made available to visitors thanks to the hard work of the Gardens team under the supervision of Head Gardener Andy Mills, whose bold 10-year vision is behind the reintroduction of many ‘lost’ features and elements which have disappeared across the last three centuries.
Autumn is a special time at Britain's Greatest Palace; it was always seen by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who redesigned the park and gardens in 1764, as a key time for the Palace and Estate to be seen in all its glory.
The bridge refurbishment is another milestone in the changing face of Blenheim Palace’s Gardens and Parkland; autumn visitors will also be able to see:
The creation of another new rockery area to complement the one recently completed near the top Water Terraces
New gates and fencing around the Temple of Flora to create a new ‘garden room’ which will give a colourful display next spring
Extensive bulb planting of fritillaries, alliums and daffodils along Blenheim Palace’s ‘floral highway’ which runs from the Rockery to the Arboretum, via the Churchill Walk, Cherry Orchard and Rosarium
A selection of new trees which have been planted in the American Garden, a historic woodland and tree collection within the estate's vast 2,000-acre parkland
A bounty of seasonal produce from the Palace’s own Kitchen Garden - look out for the barrow in the Walled Garden, and fill a bag with delicious homegrown vegetables for just £5.
Admission to the gardens and parkland are included with a valid Palace, Park & Gardens Ticket or Palace and Play Pass - to book go to www.blenheimpalace.com/tickets