Among the holidays our bridge directors and hosts lead each year, few are quite like this one. Gary and Lesley recently joined guests for four nights of bridge, including an afternoon session inside Blenheim Palace itself. Here is how it played out…
“The holiday began with guests arriving at the hotel for their four-night stay. Once everyone had checked in, a sociable welcome drink gave way to the evening meal, and with conversation flowing freely as guests got to know one another, the meal passed quickly. From there, we headed to the Trinity Suite for our first evening bridge session.
Spacious, light-filled and welcoming, the Trinity Suite proved a lovely room, and that opening session went down very well. A full programme of daytime and evening bridge followed over the next couple of days, along with a popular seminar.
Min from head office joined us during evening bridge on day three, spending time chatting with guests and taking photographs. What a lovely, friendly group of bridge players we had in attendance, she remarked afterwards. By then, excitement was building for the following day, and as the bridge tables and equipment were packed away, everything stood ready for an early-morning journey to Blenheim Palace."
Bridge at Blenheim Palace
"Bright and sunny, the day dawned beautifully as Lesley and I travelled to Blenheim Palace ahead of the group. Our route took us through the Palace grounds to the Marlborough Room, where the bridge tables were set up and everything made ready for the players later that day.
Originally the Palace kitchen, the Marlborough Room sits within the grounds and is quite something to walk into. A handsome double-vaulted ceiling, two stunning chandeliers and generous windows filling the space with daylight made it bright, airy and just perfect for our bridge session.
Anna, our bridge host, accompanied us as we went to meet the guests arriving by coach. First stop was the Orangery – a beautifully decorated space overlooking the gardens.
Morning coffee came with a fascinating short talk from Charles, one of the Blenheim Palace guides. His overview of what we could expect to see was excellent, and armed with plenty of information, everyone set off to explore the Palace and grounds at leisure. It truly is a wonderful place to discover.
Exploring worked up an appetite, so back to the Orangery we went for a buffet lunch. Plenty of choice, hot and cold drinks included: it went down very well and set us up nicely for the afternoon ahead.
Then came the main event. A short walk returned us to the Marlborough Room, where many guests paused to admire the surroundings and take photographs before settling into their seats for a full afternoon bridge session.
Once bridge was underway, it was impossible not to appreciate the setting: the vaulted ceiling, the fireplace, the impressive painting looking down over the room. Of all the rooms in which we have had the pleasure of playing bridge, few have been so memorable.
Tea and coffee were laid on halfway through the afternoon, giving us a short break before play resumed. Blenheim Palace was busy with visitors enjoying the warm, sunny day, yet as several guests remarked, we felt as though we had our own private space – peaceful and tranquil within the heart of the Palace grounds.
When the afternoon session drew to a close, we returned to the hotel for a leisurely evening meal and plenty of conversation about our day. Guests were generous with their comments:
“It has been very well organised.” Diana, Hampshire
“It was an excellent idea to combine bridge with a unique event. Well done, First for Bridge.” Larry, Berkshire
Comments like these are exactly why we do what we do, and after a day that came together so beautifully, we can’t wait to do it all again next year!”
If Gary and Lesley's account has you reaching for the diary, you will be pleased to hear this holiday is set to return in 2027 – and you could be the one admiring that vaulted ceiling between hands. Places tend to go quickly, so do secure yours early. Secure your place here. Prefer to see where else Gary and Lesley are heading next? Click here to browse!
