Blenheim Palace

Beautiful Blenheim! A stunning day out Tea-Tasting with Twinings, the master tea makers:

Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, who, if you believe the paternal side of my family, I am somewhat tenuously related to. Definitely something to check with ‘Who do you think you are?’

I arrived via the Woodstock Gate; the pure splendour of the palace, the bridge and the water were simply breath-taking, and the atmosphere is alive with the history of its inhabitants. Having read about the palace in the biography ‘The Duchess’, I thought about some of the glorious parties that have taken place here over the centuries, and it was lovely to be able to compare the real thing against what I had imagined. It does not disappoint.

The tea tastings took place in the Indian Room, which overlooks the beautiful Water Terraces. It’s the perfect setting with Indian themed décor and a mural depicting a tiger hunt in India. They offered a wide selection of different teas, and I went straight for a cup of Darjeeling, which was heaven after my walk around the Pleasure Gardens. Tea tastes so much better in a cup and saucer.

I don’t normally allow myself snacks mid-afternoon (lies!), but the home-made cakes were not to be missed. They were specially made by the chefs at Blenheim so to my mind, it would have been rude not to.

I genuinely had no idea just how much there is to offer the corporate client and I am excited to be able to go back to some of my own clients with more options for them. Team Building events are big in the City at the moment, with company restructures changing lots of people’s lives. Blenheim offer Crossbow Archery, Falconry, Team Building Challenges including cookery classes, and other outdoor activities. In addition to the amazing fine dining and private events, it perfect for a corporate retreat.

I discovered that Blenheim are now offering Sunday lunches in the Orangery, and I believe there is a Pudding Club due to take place at the end of November. Clearly, I will need to return to experience this – for your information only, of course. Sparkling wine and traditional puddings! I wonder if Prestige realise just how dedicated I am?