A romantic destination; Blenheim Palace reopens for 2009 on Valentine's Day, when romance will be in the air. Ann Evans finds out more. Family Day Out BLENHEIM PALACE.

Byline: Ann Evans

TO CELEBRATE the palace's opening on the most romantic day of the year, a special exhibition at Blenheim Palace will highlight the release of a major feature film The Young Victoria, which will be released in cinemas on March 6.

The Young Victoria Special Exhibition will run at the palace from February 14 until March 31.

The film chronicles Queen Victoria's ascension to the throne, focusing on the early turbulent years of her reign and her legendary romance and marriage to Prince Albert.

At the heart of the film is the love story of Victoria and Albert, who she married in 1840.

The exhibition will feature costumes, props, photography and film stills with a focus on scenes filmed on location at the palace back in 2007.

Seventeen different locations throughout England were used in the making of the film, which stars Emily Brunt as Victoria and Rupert Friend as Albert. Blenheim Palace was used among other locations for a scene made to look like Buckingham Palace.

The film's producer Graham King says, "It adds so much to the film to shoot at these beautiful locations. You look at these places and think how can you not shoot here? Not only does the film look ravishing, but it's important for everyone, especially the cast and director, to feel that authenticity and see that translate on to the screen."

Blenheim Palace is set in 2,100 acres of spectacular parkland in the heart of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds just eight miles from Oxford and is the perfect setting for romantic walks or to step back in history. Today it's the home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

With romance in mind, visitors might want to walk in Churchill's footsteps to the Temple of Diana in the gardens of Blenheim. It was here that Winston proposed to Clementine Hozier. However, he nearly lost the opportunity of making that proposal. He was down to breakfast so late that Clemmie had almost decided to return to London, but his cousin, the 9th Duke, took her for a long ride around the estate to keep her entertained until Winston emerged - and proposed. The couple remained happily married until Winston's death at the age of 91.

A day at Blenheim Palace is packed full of history and splendour. The beautiful parkland was landscaped by Capability Brown and the exquisite Baroque Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and a magnificent lake.

Inside the palace you will be enthralled by the intricate detail of the carvings and hand painted ceilings, and the beautiful porcelain collections, tapestries and paintings displayed in each room. On the first floor, Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story brings to life fascinating tales from the last 300 years.

Other exhibitions include the Blenheim Bygones Exhibition and Churchill's Destiny Exhibition - the story of two great war leaders.

And if all that is not enough, families can enjoy a free train ride to the Pleasure Gardens, where attractions including the giant maze, the adventure play area, the butterfly house and the lavender garden.

A memorable day out for the romantically inclined and for all the family.

The Details

WHERE: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

WHEN: Open daily from February 14 until November 1 from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

Then from November 4 to December 13, the palace and formal gardens are open from Wednesday to Sunday.

The park is open all year round from 9am until dusk, except for Christmas Day.

TICKETS: All 'Palace, Park & Gardens' tickets allow access to Blenheim Palace, which includes guided tours of the State Rooms (except on Sundays and bank holidays), the permanent visitor experience 'Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story', the Churchill Exhibition charting the life of Sir Winston Churchill, and entertainment - except when separate admission prices are recommended.

'Park & Gardens' tickets do not include palace entry.

MORE INFORMATION: Blenheim Palace was created a World Heritage site in 1987.

For ticket prices and further information, call 08700 602080 (24-hour information) or visit www.blenheimpalace.com

CAPTION(S):

SCENIC...The lake and Vanbrugh's Grand bridge at Blenheim Palace.; BIG SCREEN...Emily Brunt as Victoria in The Young Victoria, which was filmed in 2007 at Blenheim Palace.