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Where Paws Meet Palace: DogFest Returns to Blenheim with a Twist

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Small black terrier dressed as Toto for the lookalike contest at DogFest 2025

This July, the stately grounds of Blenheim Palace will echo not just with history but happy barks and wagging tails as DogFest, one of the UK’s leading dog-friendly festivals, returns for a high-energy weekend of four-legged fun.

Taking place on 12th and 13th July, the beloved event promises a summer celebration like no other – a fusion of pet pampering, playful adventure, and artisan indulgence set within Oxfordshire’s most iconic estate.

Whether you’re a local dog-lover or simply searching for a unique day out in the heart of the Cotswolds, here’s what you can expect from this year’s tail-wagging extravaganza—and why 2025’s festivities are already setting tongues (and tails) wagging.

Front view of Blenheim Palace on a bright summer day, with visitors enjoying the grounds

The Perfect Day Out – For Dogs and Their Humans

DogFest is anything but ordinary. Picture your pup leaping into a doggy diving pool, mastering an agility course, or enjoying expert-led training in the sunshine—all set against the sweeping parkland of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Live music, gourmet street food and a curated marketplace of artisan pet products give the day a boutique festival feel, while children’s activities and shaded picnic zones make it family-friendly from start to finish.

Enter the Toto Lookalike Contest

New for 2025—and perhaps the most whimsical element of this year’s festival—is the launch of the Toto Lookalike Contest, inspired by L. Frank Baum’s legendary canine character from The Wizard of Oz.

In partnership with Blenheim Palace, the competition offers one lucky pup the chance to win its owners a family ticketto the Palace’s spectacular Christmas transformation later this year.

Tess Drew, Event Director for DogFest, shared:

“It’s such a pleasure to team up with Blenheim for this year’s contest. DogFest is all about celebrating our beloved four-legged companions – and what better way than with a nod to one of literature’s most iconic pups?”

From Dog Days to Oz Nights

The magic doesn’t end when summer fades. From 14th November 2025 to 3rd January 2026, Blenheim Palace will be transformed into an immersive winter wonderland with Christmas at Blenheim. This year’s theme? The Palace of Oz.

Step through the gates and into the pages of a timeless story. Expect an enchanting reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, where the Palace’s grand State Rooms will guide visitors through scenes brought to life with award-winning props, theatrical sets, and captivating characters—from the Cowardly Lion to Glinda the Good Witch.

And yes, Toto will be waiting too.

A Light Trail Like No Other

As dusk falls, the Blenheim experience spills outdoors with the return of its Illuminated Trail—a glittering journey through light and sound curated by the visionary team at Culture Creative. With fresh installations from global artists, the trail offers a festive evening escape like no other, all under a canopy of stars.

Please note: as magical as it sounds, dogs are not permitted at Christmas at Blenheim Palace, so DogFest may be your pup’s only chance to experience the grandeur of these legendary grounds.

A Destination That Keeps Evolving

With over 2,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland, a deep connection to British heritage, and a flair for seasonal storytelling, Blenheim Palace is more than a historical monument—it’s a living, breathing cultural landmark.

From pup-powered summer festivals to dreamlike winter trails, it remains one of the UK’s most versatile destinations for families, culture lovers and curious wanderers alike.

Front view of Blenheim Palace on a bright summer day, with visitors enjoying the grounds

Plan Your Visit

DogFest at Blenheim Palace: 12–13 July 2025
The Palace of Oz: 14 November 2025 – 3 January 2026

Whether you’re celebrating your pup in the summer sunshine or stepping into a festive fantasy this winter, Blenheim Palace invites you to start your next great adventure—right at the end of the Yellow Brick Road.

For full details, tickets and timings, visit:
www.dog-fest.co.uk | www.blenheimpalace.com

Global explorer. Top 10% Google reviewer (7M+ views). Marketing strategist. Magazine owner. I shape strategy, explore world-class experiences, and chase speed. Editor @ TrendLife Magazine

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Events

Found Festival Set To Return to Buckinghamshire in 2026

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Found Festival 2026 returns to Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, after a dazzling debut. Enjoy grassroots music, family fun, and early bird tickets.

After a spectacular debut in 2025, Found Festival is set to return to the scenic Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, for the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2026. Following a three-day celebration of music, culture, and community, organisers have announced a limited number of early bird tickets frozen at 2025 prices, alongside a new tiered ticketing system to ensure accessibility for all.

A Shining Debut in 2025

Born from the 60-year legacy of Towersey Festival, Found Festival’s first edition brought together grassroots talent and cultural discovery in a family-friendly setting. The event delivered on its promise of “head-turners, not headliners,” with standout performances across Americana, folk, world music, comedy, and wellbeing experiences.

Highlights included:

  • Elles Bailey delivering soaring country soul.

  • Talisk impressing with jaw-dropping virtuosity.

  • The Longest Johns bringing rousing sea-shanties.

  • Honeyfeet captivating with soulful ferocity.

  • Comedy from Robin Ince, Marcel Leconte, and rising star Chelsea Birkby.

  • Family fun with Professor Elemental’s steampunk antics and Nutty Noah’s acrobatic storytelling.

Beyond the stages, the festival site came alive with Ceilidhs, dance and craft workshops, circus artistry, stone-carving demos, nightly fire shows, silent discos, and a dedicated wellbeing programme featuring yoga, breathwork, and a wood-fired sauna overlooking the estate’s lake.

Found Festival 2026 returns to Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, after a dazzling debut. Enjoy grassroots music, family fun, and early bird tickets.

Building for 2026: Accessible Ticketing

Co-director Joe Heap reflected:

“Found is an event built with love, creativity, and a whole lot of hard work. We’re delighted with how our first year has gone, despite the challenges. It’s increasingly hard to run an independent festival, and none of it would have been possible without the incredible support of our community.”

To ensure Found 2026 remains accessible, a tiered ticket system has been introduced:

  • Supporter Tier: Pay a little more to help subsidise reduced tickets.

  • Standard Tier: Covers the base cost of producing the event.

  • Supported Tier: A subsidised rate for those needing financial help (released once enough Supporter tickets are sold).

Only 300 early bird tickets are now available — with camping included — at 2025 prices, plus reduced caravan-pitch rates and unchanged hook-up fees. Interest-free instalment plans will also launch at the end of September.

Found Festival 2026 returns to Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire, after a dazzling debut. Enjoy grassroots music, family fun, and early bird tickets.

Dates and Tickets

Found Festival 2026 takes place Friday 28th – Monday 31st August 2026 at Claydon Estate, Buckinghamshire.
️ Tickets available now via Gigantic.

Whether you’re drawn by grassroots music, family-friendly creativity, or the wellbeing sanctuary by the lake, Found Festival 2026 promises another unforgettable summer celebration.

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Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2025: Explore Europe in Lights

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Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2025: The Ultimate Festive Light Trail and European-Themed Experience in Buckinghamshire

We get it—it’s still autumn, and the last thing on your mind might be mince pies and fairy lights. But Christmas at Waddesdon Manor (running 22 November 2025 to 4 January 2026) is no ordinary festive event. It’s an immersive, artful celebration of light, music, European charm and seasonal joy—all set in one of Buckinghamshire’s most stunning locations.

If you love Christmas and crave experiences that go beyond the usual markets and mulled wine, Waddesdon Manor’s Grand Festive Tour is calling your name.

Explore Europe in Lights at Waddesdon Manor’s Grand Festive Tour

The theme for 2025 is inspired by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s European travels—and his beloved dog, Poupon. With cutting-edge projection mapping lighting up the Manor’s historic façade, you’ll be transported across Europe in a visual journey featuring Paris, Vienna, Venice and more.

The show unfolds on the North Front with a continuous 25-minute immersive display that bathes the landscape in colour, music, and wonder. This is one for your camera roll—and your memory bank.

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2025: Winter Light trail

Step Into a Christmas Fantasy Inside Waddesdon Manor

Inside the house, selected rooms have been transformed into lavish tributes to Baron Ferdinand’s favourite European cities. Each space blends the Manor’s historic decor with bespoke Christmas styling and immersive storytelling:

  • Venice in the East Gallery

  • Paris in the Dining Room

  • Geneva in the White Drawing Room

  • Bavaria in the Billiard Room

  • Vienna in the Breakfast Room

The experience wraps up with a giant snow globe installation, offering a magical finale to an already spectacular journey.

Discover the Best Christmas Light Trail in Buckinghamshire

Outside, Waddesdon’s light trail winds through illuminated woodland with new installations and returning favourites. It’s designed to surprise, delight, and immerse you in Christmas magic.

Look out for:

  • A tunnel of lights

  • An 8-metre tall Pole Tree glowing with festive patterns

  • Interactive displays that respond to sound and movement

  • Giant golden gift boxes made for festive selfies

  • The return of the shooting star installation, a fan favourite from 2023

It’s a perfect evening stroll for couples, families and anyone looking for a dose of winter enchantment.

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2025: The Ultimate Festive Light Trail and European-Themed Experience in Buckinghamshire

Shop Unique Christmas Gifts at Waddesdon’s Artisan Market

From 22 November to 14 December, Waddesdon’s popular Christmas Market takes over the South Front of the Manor. This is your go-to spot for discovering handmade gifts, local produce, and festive foodie treats.

Complete your visit with a stop at the Wine and Gift Shop, or explore the Christmas Shop in the Powerhouse for decorations, tableware, toys, and stocking fillers.

Christmas Fun for Children at the Coach House

One of the most charming parts of Christmas at Waddesdon is the Coach House display at the Stables. Created by local school children, this year’s theme is ‘Sounds of the Season’, exploring festive music and carols through imaginative, heartwarming installations.

It’s an unmissable stop for families, filled with creativity and holiday cheer.

Enjoy Festive Afternoon Tea or a Five-Course Christmas Feast

Dining at Waddesdon is just as spectacular as the decorations. Treat yourself to a Festive Afternoon Tea in the Manor Restaurant, or go all in with a five-course Festive Feast Dinner on select December dates (5, 12, and 19). Each dinner starts with canapés and sparkling wine in the wine cellar, followed by seasonal dishes paired with Rothschild wines.

If you want to extend the experience, book a stay at The Five Arrows Hotel (packages from £175 include event tickets), or head to The Bow for a cosy drink, hearty winter menu, and four-course Christmas Day lunch (£90pp).

Host a Stylish Private Christmas Event at Waddesdon

Planning a festive gathering or end-of-year celebration? Waddesdon offers unique venues across the estate, from the historic Manor and Dairy to the contemporary Windmill Hill. Whether it’s an elegant dinner, private hire, or lively Christmas party, these spaces bring festive flair and sophistication in equal measure.

Christmas at Waddesdon Manor 2025: The Ultimate Festive Light Trail and European-Themed Experience in Buckinghamshire

Plan Your Visit to Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas Experience

Event Dates: 22 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Location: Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
Tickets: From £13 (adults) / £6 (children) – must be booked online in advance
Opening Times: Grounds: 12noon–7pm / House: 12.30pm–7pm
Late Night Openings: Saturdays – 22 & 29 Nov, 6, 13 & 20 Dec (Grounds until 8pm)
Book now at: www.waddesdon.org.uk/christmas

Don’t Wait for December – Book Your Christmas Experience Now

If you’re looking for a festive day out that blends history, art, luxury and seasonal charm, look no further than Waddesdon Manor’s Christmas celebration. It’s not just an event—it’s a destination. And it sells out fast.

Start planning now, beat the December crowds, and experience Christmas at its most magical—right here in the heart of Buckinghamshire.

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The Stable Bar Opens at Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire

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Discover The Stable Bar at Tewinbury Farm Hotel — a new wine bar in Hertfordshire serving sustainable wines, small plates, and live jazz by the river.

The Stable Bar Opens at Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire

Just 30 minutes from London, Tewinbury Farm Hotel — Hertfordshire’s hidden gem — is now home to The Stable Bar, a striking new wine and events space that blends countryside charm with a touch of London cool.

Set on Tewinbury’s 700-acre working farm, The Stable Bar is more than a place to drink — it’s a destination. From the handpicked art adorning exposed brick walls (curated in collaboration with Common Room Projects) to its exclusive wine list from Humble Grape, every detail has been crafted to offer an experience that’s as stylish as it is soulful.

A Wine Lover’s Escape in the Countryside

The Stable Bar serves a thoughtfully curated collection of sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines from independent, family-run wineries around the world. Expect to find Old World classics from Bordeaux and Veneto alongside adventurous pours from the vineyards of North Macedonia, Bulgaria and beyond. Whether you’re discovering your new favourite orange wine or sipping on a familiar fizz, every bottle tells a story.

Paired with small plates, hand-stretched sourdough pizzas and seasonal sharing boards, the menu offers easy-going luxury in every bite — perfect for slow afternoons or intimate evenings.

Discover The Stable Bar at Tewinbury Farm Hotel — a new wine bar in Hertfordshire serving sustainable wines, small plates, and live jazz by the river.

Live Music, Riverside Views & Summer Events

The Stable Bar’s riverside terrace offers a scenic setting for every season — heated in the winter and open-air in the summer, with views over the tranquil River Mimram. Inside, deep sofas, ambient lighting and a warm welcome set the tone for weekend nights filled with live jazz and acoustic sets.

July brings a host of exciting events to the calendar:

  • Acoustic Thursdays fill the bar with laid-back live music and summer vibes.

  • Fizz Fridays invite you to toast the weekend with special sparkling wine offers.

  • DJ Saturdays turn up the tempo as day turns to night with curated DJ sets.

  • And for the early risers, Farmers Market Sundays feature local produce, artisan goods and fresh coffee to start your day the Tewinbury way.

One to Watch

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply looking for a refreshing countryside escape, The Stable Bar offers a unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary flair. With a packed summer schedule and an atmosphere that effortlessly bridges laid-back and luxe, it’s quickly becoming one of Hertfordshire’s most talked-about new openings.

TrendLife Magazine will be visiting The Stable Bar soon — stay tuned for the full review and inside look.

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