Cyclists are getting ready to pedal their way to west Oxfordshire next weekend for a day of biking fun.

Blenheim Palace in Woodstock is set to open up to cyclists on Sunday.

The day will include a range of events, such as bicycle polo, a 20km time trial, a vintage bike event and a Go-Ride cycle skills workshop for children.

More than 200 people have registered to take part and cycle groups said it promised to be a great day for all the family.

James Styring, of Oxford-based cycle pressure group Cyclox, said: "This is a really exciting event. I've never heard of anything like it in Oxfordshire before.

"With the British team doing so well in cycling at the Beijing Olympics, it's really raised the profile and I hope that will reflect in how many people turn out.

"It should be a fun day for all the family with all the things that are going on."

Mr Styring will be leading a procession of cyclists from outside the Tourist Information centre in Broad Street over to Blenheim on the day of the event.

For those who want to get over to the palace independently, there is a route map at blenheimpalace.com

Bike Blenheim Palace is one of hundreds of events taking place throughout the UK between Friday and Sunday as part of the Open Weekend.

These are events celebrating the launch of the Cultural Olympiad, which is the start of a four-year celebration in the run-up to London 2012.

Rural enterprises manager at Blenheim Palace Paul Orsi said: "We are extremely proud to be part of the Open Weekend and to open this amazing venue for an event that will highlight as many aspects of cycling as possible."

Tickets cost £6.50 for adults, £3.20 for children and £18 for a family ticket if bought in advance.

On the day, these prices will rise to £9.50 for adults, £7.30 for children and £24.50 for a family ticket. Under-fives get in free.