The Palace, conceived in 1705 by Sir John Vanbrugh and finished in 1722 is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. From the vastness of the Great Hall to the intricate detailing in the State Rooms, the Palace interiors beautifully balance the delicate with the awe-inspiring. Guided tours run throughout most of the season )except Sundays and bank holidays), with enlightening facts on the people, history and events that shaped the Palace. The walls are decorated with beautiful portraits and a fascinating collection of tapestries commissioned by John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough. An exquisite collection of Boulle furniture graces the Third State Room, which leads, in turn, to the timeless sophistication of the Long Library.
Home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace is also famed as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Visit the rooms where he was born in 1874 and gain a fascinating insight into the life of our most beloved leader.
A new permanent visitor experience, ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’ is open upstairs within Vanbrugh’s awe-inspiring Palace. Enticing tales of the last 300 years at Blenheim Palace are brought to life by the household staff through moving figures and talking portraits. The experience is self guided and takes about 35 minutes. It adds a new dimension to the tours of the magnificent State Rooms downstairs and introduces visitors to some of the more colourful characters from the past.
The splendour and tranquillity of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland and the Formal Gardens is unrivalled in Britain. From the Secret Garden, Water Terraces and Rose Garden to the Grand Cascade and lake fringed by majestic oaks, maples and chestnuts, beauty abounds. The gardens and parkland are ever changing with the seasons; from the beautiful spring flowers to the burnt oranges of leaves in autumn. Walks of between 45 minutes and 1 ½ hours allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the Palace within its awe-inspiring surroundings.
• Blenheim Palace and Park was created a World Heritage site in 1987.
• Private Apartments tours run during the main summer months (open at the discretion of the family. Tickets cannot be pre-booked).
• "Churchills' Destiny - the story of two great war leaders' is a special exhibition in the Stables. Open all year, it celebrates the military achievements of John and Winston Churchill and describes the inspiration that Winston Churchill received from his hero and ancestor.
• An Indoor Cinema shows the history of Blenheim Palace and gardens.
• Themed talks and tours of the Palace and its collections, and special tours of the Gardens are available for groups throughout the season. Please check the website.
• Picnic Hampers, Sunday Lunches and a series of afternoon teas are available to book by calling 01993 815614 or email sales@blenheimhospitality.com
• Tickets to Blenheim Palace are available to purchase online by visiting the website.
Open daily: Palace, Park and Gardens will be open daily from 16 February 2008 to 2nd November and from Wednesdays to Sundays from 5th November to 14th December. Park is open all year except Christmas Day.
Opening times: The Park opens at 9am, Formal Gardens at 10am and the first Palace tour is at 10.30am. Last entry to the Park and Palace is at 4.45pm. Palace closes at 5.30pm and the Park and Gardens close at 6pm. During the closed season, the Park opens at 9am and closes at 4.45pm or dusk.
Address: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxford, OX20 1PX
tel 08700 60 20 80 website www.blenheimpalace.com
