Blenheim Palace has launched an all-new educational programme to bring English language and culture to the inbound student market through a series of self-led and guided programmes. International students are offered exciting opportunities to explore the historic Palace through storytelling and interactive workshops that offer a hands-on learning experience.
The Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site is steeped in a rich 300-year history, providing the perfect setting to explore British culture and improve English language skills in a real-life context.
The programme offers a unique chance for international students to explore the Estate setting as a facility for outdoor learning including; the Formal Gardens, working Kitchen Garden, Marlborough Maze, and the Rowse Honey Hive. The immersive environment gives students the chance to get exclusive behind the scenes access to the Estate and the ability to practice English in a supported environment with knowledgeable guides.
Tours and workshops are available to provide an insight into the rich history of the Estate.
The ‘English Language & British History’ workshop is 45 minutes in duration, and centres on British History, British Aristocracy, the British Royal Family, European Royal Families and British Food. The ‘Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace & WWII in Britain’ workshop takes place in the infamous MI5 room where Sir Winston Churchill himself worked during the Second World War. During these workshops, students will get the chance to explore some of Churchill’s interests, jobs, his links to Blenheim Palace, war speeches and Britain on the Home Front during WWII.
The programme also offers students access to exclusive private tours, including:
- English Vocabulary Tour: A 45 minute guided tour offered with the ‘English Language & British History Workshop’ around the opulent State Rooms with the chance to learn some common English words and British phrases and expressions.
- Winston Churchill & WWII at Blenheim Palace Tour: A 45 minute guided tour included in the ‘Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace & WWII in Britain’ which focuses on the connection between Winston Churchill, the Spencer-Churchill family and WWII at Blenheim Palace.
Students can take a well earned break from a jam packed day of learning, with catering options that can be provided to suit all preferences. Options include a choice of hot meals and traditional English sandwiches.
To suit all education needs, packages are available for staff-led exploration with a member of the Blenheim Education Team or self-led discovery with the group’s teachers leading their own sessions.
Option 1 – ‘Discover at Your Own Pace’ includes a self-led visit supported by specially designed resources
Option 2 – ‘Guided Learning Experience’ is a staff-led package, supported by an expert led team for a workshop and guided tour
Option 3 – ‘Comprehensive Experience’ with all benefits of the ‘Guided Learning Experience’ and an added packed lunch
Option 4 – ‘Immersive Experience’ offers a full chance to get involved with a workshop, Guided Learning Experience and hot catering, for a full enriched day of learning
The Blenheim Palace Group Partnerships team are on hand to help with all bookings and pricing agreements. To make visits more enjoyable and efficient, it operates a cashless system in all areas across the site. This includes, but is not limited to, ticket desks, The Palace Shop and catering outlets.
