Blenheim Palace

Home to the 12th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and a World Heritage Site. Blenheim Palace was a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough following his famous victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Visit the gilded State Rooms, which house one of the finest collections in Europe, and the fascinating visitor experience, ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’.

BIRTHPLACE OF SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL – Sir Winston Churchill, arguably the greatest parliamentarian this country has ever seen, was born at Blenheim Palace on the 30th November 1874 at 1.30am.

His birth room is on view to visitors and is set west of the Great Hall in the suite of apartments once allotted to the 1st Duke of Marlborough’s domestic Chaplain.

UNTOLD STORY – Discover more details of life at Blenheim Palace over the last 300 years in a new visitor experience open in the heart of the Palace. Follow the virtual lady’s maid as she invites you to immerse yourself in the illustrious family history, seen through the eyes of the staff.

MUSIC SERIES – The Music Series at Blenheim Palace provides delightful live music on weekend afternoons to enjoy during your visit. The performances are very informal.

The Palace and its Formal Gardens and Park were created a World Heritage Site in 1987 and a great deal of restoration and conservation work has been undertaken in recent years despite the fact that no external support is received.

The Palace offers guided tours by knowledgeable guides of the State rooms, The Untold story which is a tour of the palace seen through the eyes of the staff, tours of The Churchill Exhibition and of the private apartments where the family still live.

Blenheim Palace in the Cotswolds

The Park and the Gardens is over 2,000 acres of stunning parkland and gardens. The splendour and tranquillity of the landscaped Park and great Lake fringed by majestic oaks and maples is unrivalled in Britain.

Over 100 acres of Formal Gardens include the recently restored Secret Garden, majestic Water Terraces, The Rose Garden and the Duke of Marlborough’s ornate private garden; The Italian Garden. Walks to the Grand Cascade or across Vanbrugh’s Grand Bridge to the Column of Victory take in views of the magnificent lake fringed by majestic oaks and maples, there is beauty to be found in all seasons.

YOUR TRIP TO BLENHEIM PALACE – When you plan your trip to Blenheim Palace, make sure you leave yourself enough time to really explore. There are plenty of things for children to enjoy at Blenheim Palace, but for the smaller ones, bring a buggy.

THE KIDS’ PALACE – Summer Camps are offered for kids during the summer holiday which include a variety of activities for children set in the stunning grounds. See website for dates. Outdoor activities range from archery, swing building, team building, adventure games, survival skills, assault course, rope work, first aid and many more. Ages range from 7 to 16 years.

BLENHEIM GIFTS – The Gift Shop at Blenheim Palace is nothing short of amazing. We shopped till we dropped in there – so many lovely, British products and great books about Blenheim, Churchill and gardens. It is just the mother of all gift shops.