Blenheim Palace, 'Britain's greatest palace', has joined forces with Midsummer Nightcap to provide the ultimate in al fresco dining.

Sponsored by Winston Churchill's favourite champagne producer Pol Roger, 'Picnic at the Palace' features a choice of lunchtime, afternoon tea and dining options all accompanied by live music or comedy performances, overlooking stunning 'Capability' Brown-landscaped parkland.

Groups of up to six will be seated under pergolas with tables and chairs, or deckchairs and parasols for couples, and be able to choose between a meat or vegetarian hamper option.

From Tuesday to Thursday visitors can enjoy a lunchtime feast, or treat themselves to an indulgent afternoon tea and, from Thursday to Sunday, there's the additional option of a dinner hamper.

Each of the 16 weekly sittings will be accompanied either by live music performances, or with a comedy night on Thursdays, headline acts on Fridays and Saturdays including The Hoosiers and Omar and jazz sessions on Sundays.

Midsummer Nightcap's caravan bar 'Maggie' will also be on site providing a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

All the hampers feature a selection of the finest local produce from Oxford Cheese Company, Barefoot Bakery, the Natural Bread Company and Gatineau.

www.blenheimpalace.com/picnicatthepalace

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1704, the Oxfordshire Estate was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Set in over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland and designed by

Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, it was financed by Queen Anne, on behalf of a grateful nation, following the first Duke of Marlborough's triumph over the French in the War of the Spanish Succession.

At the time the victory was hailed as the greatest British military success since Agincourt.

Blenheim Palace is also the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and it was his father who described the vista on entering the Estate from the village of Woodstock as the 'finest view in England'.

Useful links

​ www.blenheimpalace.com