YOUNGSTERS can now enjoy the newly renovated adventure playground at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock.

The area, which also includes new swings and maze mats as well as the existing climbing frame, slides and monkey bars, is the latest addition to the stately home’s outdoor family play area.

The cost of the new sand pit apparatus was £23,000, while the new swings cost £8,200, including a newly installed safety surface.

The Pleasure Gardens also incorporates the famous Marlborough Hedge Maze, the Butterfly House, the Lavender Garden, the Blenheim Bygones Exhibition and the Miniature Train.

Hilary Wood, head gardener at Blenheim Palace. "We are thrilled to have installed the new playground equipment in time for the summer holidays.

"The new additions are designed to entertain and appeal to children of all ages; whether they are monkeying about on the climbing frame or solving one of our new maze mat puzzles, there is plenty for our younger visitors to discover and enjoy this summer."

Among those trying out the new equipment was Mia Green, nine, from Hook Norton.

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1722, and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

It is set in over 2,000 acres of Capability Brown-landscaped parkland.