The Oxfordshire estate is inviting travel trade partners to curate tailored, off-hours experiences for their clients, featuring guided tours, historical talks, and fine dining within the palace itself.

Exclusive tours include access to areas not normally open to the public, outside normal opening hours, offering visitors a quieter, more immersive experience.

Themed talks cover key aspects of the estate’s 300-year history, including its royal connections, military heritage, and notable figures such as Sir Winston Churchill.

Among the standout experiences is Tim’s Tales, hosted by the former butler to the late Duke of Marlborough, who shares personal stories within the ‘Life Below Stairs’ exhibition.

Meanwhile, the Executive Winston Churchill Experience offers a full day exploring the life and legacy of the wartime leader.

Bespoke tours are fully customisable and can include private dining, curator-led insights, and garden tours, with each guest receiving a luxury gift bag.

The Group Partnerships team at Blenheim Palace is available to assist with bookings and trade pricing.

All areas of the estate operate a cashless system, including ticketing, retail and dining outlets.

For more information or to make a booking, contact the team at partnerships@blenheimpalace.com or visit blenheimpalace.com.

Olly Glover, representative for Didcot and Wantage, has called for reform to the business rates system and for ‘independent shop zones’ to be implemented as he highlighted growing pressures on small businesses.

His intervention comes the same week as Oxfordshire County Council launched a controversial new plan for Wantage Market Place which would see car parking spaces removed, bus stops improved and new pedestrianised areas created.

READ MORE: Urgent business meeting called amid Oxfordshire town’s market place plan

The aim of these changes – which are only partially funded – is to create a “vibrant, welcoming and accessible space for everyone” and to encourage sustainable transport.

In addition, the council said the proposals will “support local businesses by promoting tourism, and encouraging local people to visit more often and stay for longer”.

New plans have recently been revealed for Wantage Market Place (Image: Supplied)

However, they have not been universally welcomed with members of the town concerned at the loss of parking, although the council says there are options nearby.

In addition, these changes come as businesses in Wantage say they are facing an increasingly challenging landscape.

In recent months women’s clothing store New Look, off Limborough Road, has closed as has Cozzy Lounge in Newbury Street and the Wantage Chippy in Wallingford Street.

The opening of the Wantage Chippy in 2023 (Image: Ed Nix)

Though, Maeri Howard of the local chamber of commerce said that business was still good in the birthplace of Anglo-Saxon monarch King Alfred the Great, business rates are a particular burden.

She said: “The most meaningful support for our businesses would come through genuine reform of business rates, which continue to penalise physical premises at a time when they need encouragement, not additional burden.”

Mr Glover agreed and reiterated his call for reform to the business rates system during a recent Westminster Hall debate on support for high streets.

New Look in Wantage (Image: Google Maps)

The Liberal Democrat wants a 5 per cent VAT cut for hospitality and reform of the rates system and he has urged the Government to give councils powers to create “independent shop zones” to support small, locally owned businesses and tackle the spread of empty units and chain stores.

READ MORE: Rapist from historic Oxfordshire town branded ‘dangerous’ amid guilty plea

He said: “A successful high street is not just about shops. It is about community, connection and local pride.

He added: “The districts have lost up to £2.4 million in recent funding, while Oxfordshire County Council will lose £24 million over three years, significantly reducing councils’ ability to support high streets and local businesses.

“The Government needs to give power and funding to our local councils to support our independent shops and the value they provide to the community, as well as urgently reform the business rates system and tackle spiralling energy costs.” 

Honey’s of The High, based in Oxford city centre, received the honours at the 2026 Fed Awards, organised by the Federation of Independent Retailers.

The store is owned by Hiten and Kinnari Patel, who took home titles for Home News Delivery (HND) Retailer of the Year, Newsagent of the Year, and Smokeless Alternatives Retailer of the Year.

Kinnari Patel said: “It is so good to be recognised.

“These are three key categories for us in our store, and we are immensely proud to have won three awards.”

The pair were praised for their dedicated service and strong customer relationships, particularly in home news delivery.

Judges described their business as a ‘thriving independent newsagent’ that continues to stand out on the modern high street.

Mr and Mrs Patel were also commended for their support of vulnerable customers.

The awards ceremony was held in Birmingham on June 17 and hosted by TV presenter and magician Ben Hanlin.

Judges highlighted the couple’s carefully curated approach to the smokeless alternatives category.

By focusing on customer needs rather than offering an overwhelming range, Honey’s succeeded in more than doubling its display space while keeping the selection targeted and easy to navigate.

Honey’s of The High’s third win marked its third success in three years across different categories.

The Patels said their achievements are rooted in serving their community.

They have run the business for 13 years and remain committed to customer care and continuous improvement.