Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace, once home to one of Britain’s greatest leaders, is a beautiful palace which played a big part in British heritage. England’s landscapes are stunning around Blenheim and the Great British Heritage Pass ensures UK visitors see the best of it.

Blenheim Palace is a magnificent baroque palace, the birthplace and childhood home of Sir Winston Churchill and the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough. 

The Blenheim Palace name derives from a decisive battle where the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, won a great allied victory over the forces of Louis XIV, saving Europe from French domination.  To thank him, Queen Anne vowed to build Marlborough a home called Blenheim.  However, it soon became the subject of political infighting, and the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough had to pay for what remained to be built at their own expense.

Today, Blenheim Palace is a magnificent house, one of England’s finest, which has been awarded World Heritage Status.  You can visit the suite of rooms where Sir Winston Churchill was born, and gain an insight into his life as one of Britain’s most beloved leaders.

Be sure to enjoy the magnificent Great Hall and the State Rooms of Blenheim Palace, which feature a fascinating collection of tapestries commissioned by John Churchill to chart his brilliant victories.  The Long Library is one of the longest rooms in any British stately home and was originally designed as a picture gallery.

You can learn more about Sir Winston Churchill in a special Blenheim Palace exhibition in the Stables, entitled “Churchills’ Destiny – The story of two great war leaders.”  It celebrates the military achievements of John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, and Winston Churchill.  Gain insight into the inspiration that Winston received from his hero and ancestor.  There is also an indoor cinema next to the exhibition, where you can learn more about the fascinating history of the palace and park. 

The gardens and park of Blenheim Palace are just as lovely as the house itself.  It is here where you’ll find the Secret Garden, the Temple of Diana (which is where Winston Churchill proposed to his wife), Rose Gardens, Lakeside Walk, Water Terraces, and Vanbrugh’s Bridge, amongst many other hidden gems.

The Marlborough Maze at Blenheim is the world’s second largest symbolic hedge maze, designed to reflect the history are architecture of the Palace.  It even has a model of a Woodstock street, putting greens, and a giant chess and draughts set!  There were also no less than 465,000 trees planted by the Duke of Marlborough between 1893 and 1919.

Planning your visit to Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace opens daily from 10.30am to 5.30pm (last admission 4.45pm) from February until December.

During November and December Blenheim Palace and the formal gardens open from Wednesday to Sunday. The Park opens daily from 9am (last admission 4.45pm or dusk) except Christmas Day.