There’s a new kind of magic at Blenheim Palace – not the historic grandeur of dukes and battles, but something that will delight some of its youngest visitors.
This spring, the stunning Blenheim grounds have opened their arms to two of the most beloved little animals in children’s literature and television – Pip and Posy.
Tucked into the vibrant Adventure Play area, Pip and Posy Play at the Palace is a full-on invitation into their world. Running for the next two years, the experience is a thoughtful, joy-filled collaboration between Magic Light Pictures and Blenheim’s design team, and it’s clear from the first rainbow marker on the treasure trail that this isn’t your average playground upgrade.
The centrepiece of the experience is a Rainbow Treasure Hunt, inspired by an episode from the Sky Kids and Milkshake! show. My own two little testers were immediately off, skipping past a cheerful life-size Posy perched beside a pile of colourful ‘gems’. Each stop on the trail invites children to listen, look, and touch – all with just the right balance of structure and free play. Soundscapes create a subtle, immersive background, and props are thoughtfully placed to encourage interaction without feeling too precious.
The layout is exceptionally well-designed, with a series of distinct zones that effortlessly guide children from one adventure to the next. Each area offers just the right balance of excitement and calm, creating a natural flow that keeps little ones engaged without ever feeling chaotic. Tucked away behind a charming walled garden, the entire space carries a sense of discovery as if you’ve stumbled upon a hidden world, a secret playground known only to those in the know.
We spent a leisurely afternoon meandering between climbing frames, interactive storytelling corners, and life-sized 3D installations of Pip and Posy themselves with each area just different enough to spark fresh interest, and just close enough that even the smallest of toddlers can move from one to the next.
For a playground, there’s a surprisingly serene atmosphere – it could be that we visited on an overcast day and got lucky or perhaps it’s still that new that many are yet to discover this marvel?! Either way, it’s great for kids that want to enjoy play at their own pace, whether it’s climbing, resting, zip lining or simply enjoying a moment with an ice cream in hand.
We also have to recommend a visit to the nearby pizzeria for the perfect pit stop mid-afternoon, an easy way to recharge before diving back into the fun with renewed energy.
It’s worth noting that Pip and Posy themselves do appear at select times. It’s worth checking timings if your little ones are eager for a cuddle or photo.
Admission comes via the Palace and Play Pass (£165 for a family of four for the year), which also includes access to Blenheim Palace making it a fantastic value for money option if you’re planning to make more than one visit. For day trippers, single-entry options (£51 adults, £41 children) are available, but we’d recommend the pass for local families or fans of the series.
For more information and to book, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/pip-and-posy
