We spent today re-visiting Blenheim Palace. It has been a good few years since we last visited and we were excited to visit again but this time with our children. Our gifted tickets were given so we could visit the Royal Connections, Crowns and Coronets exhibition which features some of the lavish collections of Blenheim Palace, along with costumes from The Crown and Bridgerton (which were both filmed at Blenheim Palace).

Crowns and Coronets exhibition at Blenheim Palace

The last date to explore Blenheim Palace’s current exhibition Royal Connections, Crowns and Coronets is Sunday 30th July, so don’t miss out on seeing unique artefacts, paintings, letters and photographs showcasing the enduring relationship between the Marlboroughs and the monarchy, dating back to the creation of the Palace in 1705. You can visit the Palace and take a guided tour, or walk round at your own pace. With two children, we decided to go at our own pace. As you follow the route you can see not just the amazing rooms of the public spaces of the Palace, but also some wonderful historic artefacts.

Among the impressive collection is an 18th Century accounts book that’s on display for  the very first time, providing an insight into Queen Anne’s daily life from 1708-1711. The accounts were kept by Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, who oversaw the building of Blenheim Palace and was a close friend of the Queen. The overview of expenditure seen in the book includes Anne’s supply of pocket-money, play-money, and charity-money.

Must-see items featured in the fascinating exhibition that spans 300 years of history include:

• Never displayed before, regency-inspired costumes from Netflix The Crown and Bridgerton 
• Newly-restored crown, originally worn by Queen Anne
• Queen Anne’s throne and stool dating from 1702
• Coronation suit worn by Lord Ivor at the coronation of George V in 1911 
• the 10th Duke and Duchess’ robes and coronets for the coronation of King George VI in 1937
• Maid of Honour dress worn by Lady Rosemary Muir, née Spencer-Churchill, at the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 
• An interpretation of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation dress, ‘anointing’ gown and supertunica, worn by Claire Foy in the Netflix series The Crown

We loved seeing the historic costumes and they really came alive against the stunning backdrop of the rooms at Blenheim. Although I haven’t watched The Crown, I did enjoy Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story and enjoyed seeing some of the film locations not just inside the Palace but outside too.

There are plenty of rooms to see at Blenheim Palace and the whole family enjoyed our visit. The children especially enjoyed the stables and trying to sit side saddle on a horse! Unfortunately the bad weather over the weekend meant the formal gardens were closed for safety reasons, so we are looking forward to visiting again soon.

For more information about the Royal Connections, Crowns and Coronets exhibition visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/royal-connections/