Blenheim Palace Summary

• Address: Woodstock, OX20 1PP (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)800 849 6500
• Fax: +44 (0)1993 810570
• Owner: The Duke of Marlborough
• Administrator: Head of Operations
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Blenheim Palace website

Sir Winston Churchill was born in the Palace in 1874 and a permanent exhibition about him is located next to his birth room - both are included in the Palace tour. Sir Winston loved Blenheim and, as a member of the family, was a frequent visitor during his long life. He is buried in a simple grave in the nearby church at Bladon. A separate exhibition, 'Churchills' Destiny - the story of two great war leaders', celebrates the achievements of Winston and his great hero and ancestor, John Churchill.

A state-of-the-art visitor experience open in the heart of the Palace called 'Blenheim Palace: the Untold Story', is a new separate tour of the Palace. Dramatic moments from the last 300 years of history at Blenheim are brought to life through animatronic figures and innovative film and projection technology, seen through the eyes of the servants.

Surrounding the Palace are over 2000 acres of beautiful 'Capability' Brown parkland, lakes, fountains and formal gardens including the recently restored 'Secret Garden', the Italian Garden, the Water Terraces, Rose Garden and Grand Cascade. A miniature train, a great favourite with all ages, connects the Palace to the Pleasure Gardens where a range of fun activities for children are located including the Marlborough Maze, the Butterfly House, the Lavender Garden, Adventure Playground and Blenheim Bygones exhibition.

A full spectrum of events is hosted within the Palace and grounds throughout the year. These include International Horse Trials, Jousting, Craft Fairs, the Blenheim Triathlon and a whole host of other changeable events, some of which focus on the family and children during the school holidays. For more information visit their Website.

The House - Some Principal Rooms

The Great Hall
Probably the most striking feature of the Great Hall is the ceiling, painted in 1716 by Sir James Thornhill. It shows Marlborough victorious, with the battle order at Blenheim spread for view. The long, vaulted corridors running to the wings from the north and south sides of the Great Hall are typical of Vanbrugh, as is the staircase, concealed by the arcaded eastern wall. The complicated lock for the hall door was copied from a lock found on the gates of Warsaw. With it goes a huge coroneted key.

The Saloon
The state dining-room, now used by the family only once a year, on Christmas Day. The table is laid with a Minton service with silver gilt. The silver centrepiece, standing on a separate table, shows Marlborough, still on horseback after his victory at the Battle of Blenheim. The murals and painted ceiling are the work of Louis Laguerre (1663 - 1721) - his charge for the work - £500. With marble doorcases by Grinling Gibbons, the overdoors are emblazoned with the two-headed Eagle crest of the Duke of Marlborough as a Prince of the Roman Empire.

The Long Library
Originally designed as a picture gallery, this 55 metre long room displays some of the finest stucco ceiling decoration within the Palace. With full length portraits of Queen Anne, King William III and the 1st Duke of Marlborough, probably the most striking feature of this room is the magnificent Willis organ at the north end. Two magnificent marble sculptures of Marlborough and Queen Anne are also housed here.

The Formal Gardens
The Formal Gardens of Blenheim Palace owe much to the 9th Duke of Marlborough who, in the 1920’s, with the help of the French landscape architect Achille Duchêne, redesigned the previously uninspiring gardens to provide the Palace with the formal majestic setting that visitors see today.

From the magnificent Water Terraces, designed around the Bernini river-gods’ fountain, to the beautiful Italian Garden centering on the Mermaid Fountain designed by Waldo Story, the formal gardens of Blenheim provide a sumptuous setting, reminiscent of the grand chateaux of France and Italy. The beautiful Secret Garden, recently reopened after growing wild for over 30 years, is a secluded area where winding paths lead to soothing water features, bridges, ponds and streams as well as a myriad of original features.

Opening Times - 2011

• 12th February - 30th October: daily
• 2nd November - 16th December: Wednesday - Sunday, 10.30 am - 5.30 pm
• Last admission 4.45 pm

Gardens:

• Open: daily, 10 am - 6 pm (closes earlier during the Autumn)

The Duke of Marlborough reserves the right to close the Palace or Park or to amend admission prices without notice.

Admission Prices - 2011

Buy One Day Get Twelve Months Free - simply buy a ticket for the day and you can upgrade free of charge for an annual pass which enables you to come back for a whole year to enjoy the Palace and even some events.

Palace, Park & Gardens - Main Season:

• Adult - £19.00
• Child (5-16 years) - £10.50
• Concession - £15.00
• Family (2+2) - £50.00

Groups - (15+):

• Adult - £12.70
• Child (5-16 years) - £6.90
• Concession - £11.00

Palace, Park & Gardens - Low Season:

Groups - (15+):

• Adult - £10.75
• Child (5-16 years) - £6.20
• Concession - £9.60

Park & Gardens - Main Season:

• Adult - £11.00
• Child (5-16 years) - £5.50
• Concession - £8.00
• Family (2+2)- £28.00

Groups - (15+):

• Adult - £7.10
• Child (5-16 years) - £3.40
• Concession - £5.80

Low Season:

Groups - (15+):

• Adult - £5.65
• Child (5-16 years) - £2.10
• Concession - £4.50

Private tours by appointment only, prices on request.

Further information including opening times and prices

Image Gallery

Your Reviews of Blenheim Palace

Helena M.Chover (27 January 2008)

The gardens of this palace were laid out by Capability Brown, the most famous of all England landscape gardeners, and a man not to be gainsaid even by royalty. The palace was wonderful and the gardens magnificent.

Luis Arnandis Puig (11 March 2004)

I visited your house in January; it is very historic and well conserved. I also visited the church and monuments. Is my favourite house and gardens wonderful. Return in August, my wife and children are with me.

See more reviews of Blenheim Palace

Events for Blenheim Palace

• Blenheim Palace Wedding Fair - 19 February 2012
  11 am - 4 pm: The Blenheim Palace Wedding Fair provides an abundance of the finest wedding suppliers for couples just beginning to make plans or for those finalising the last minute details. The hospitality team will be there to show you round and to present the wonderful options available to create your perfect wedding at Blenheim Palace. Admission - Free : Booking Essential.
• Print Workshop - 01 March 2012
  11 am - 4 pm: The day begins with a tour of the John Piper exhibition lead by Jeri Bapasola (Curator of the exhibition). You will then make your own print to take home, no experience is necessary, and all printing materials are provided. Please bring a plastic/protective apron. Booking essential, only 15 place available. Tickets: £55 per person (£50 for Friends/Annual Pass holders) Includes entry to Palace, Park and Gardens. (Booking ends 24th February 2012)
• A talk on John Piper by Frances Spalding - 17 March 2012
  2.30 pm: Frances Spalding talks about her recent biography of John Piper, followed by a talk from Geoffrey Eastop entitled 'Working with Piper'. This is based on time spent sharing a pottery studio with John Piper from 1969-1984. The afternoon concludes with book signings and a sale of pottery made for the exhibition shop by Geoffrey Eastop.
• A talk on the Shell Guides by David Heathcote - 31 March 2012
  3 pm: Talk from the author of 'A Shell Eye on England' and also covers John Piper and John Betjeman. See website for full details. Prices: Adult - £11.50, Concessions - £8. 50, Child - £6.00 (free for Friends and Annual Pass holders) Includes admission to the Park & Gardens. Booking essential - 60 places only.
• Great Blenheim Easter Egg Challenge - 06 April 2012 to 07 April 2012
  Easter Egg Challenge in the Pleasure Gardens - hunt for all the Easter Egg clues and receive a chocolate treat! Other family activities include a traditional merry-go-round with piped music, the Giant Marlborough Hedge Maze, Blenheim Bygones' Exhibition, Adventure Play Area and the Butterfly House. Try painting eggs or decorating biscuits in the Pleasure Gardens Café. A Park and Gardens ticket will be required.

• Peppa Pig and George with The Piplings - 08 April 2012 to 09 April 2012
  Peppa Pig, George, and The Piplings from Waybuloo will be in the Pleasure Gardens. Have fun with an interactive Yogo session with Piplings Yojojo and Lau Lau on Sunday and Nok Tok and De Li on Monday. Other family activities to enjoy including a bouncy castle and face painting, as well as the Butterfly House, giant Marlborough Hedge Maze and Adventure Play area, for a perfect Easter day out. A Park and Gardens ticket is required ( Family: 2 Adults & 2 Children or 1 Adult & 3 Children)
• Jousting Tournament - "Knights of Royal England" - 05 May 2012 to 07 May 2012
  11 am: A variety of event throughout the day including Dragon Hood and Golden Arrow Show, Birds of Prey Demonstrations, Dragon Quest Show and the Jousting Tournaments! There will also be falconry displays and a chance to have-a-go at archery. Toys, swords, shields and souvenirs will be on sale in a special retail marquee. Blenheim Palace picnics can be ordered in advance and organic burgers, sandwiches and refreshments will be on sale. A Park and Gardens ticket is required for this event.
• Oxford Drama School presents Summer Shakespeare - 13 June 2012 to 16 June 2012
  Gate open - 6 pm : performance begins - 7 pm: Bring a picnic to enjoy before the show starts! This Shakespear experience includes the best bits of comedy, music, sword fighting, blood and gore. The Pleasure Gardens Café will be open for light refreshments. The performance is approximately 2 hours 45min including an interval.
• Oxford Drama School presents Summer Shakespeare - 18 June 2012 to 23 June 2012
  Gate open - 6 pm : performance begins - 7 pm: Bring a picnic to enjoy before the show starts! This Shakespear experience includes the best bits of comedy, music, sword fighting, blood and gore. The Pleasure Gardens Café will be open for light refreshments. The performance is approximately 2 hours 45min including an interval.
• London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay - 09 July 2012
  The 70 day London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay starts at Land's End, Cornwall on 9th May on an estimated 8,000 miles journey around the UK visiting over 1,000 villages, town and cities and will arrive at Blenheim on 9th July - come to share in the excitement of the Olympic Flame and celebrate the achievements of the Torchbearers.

• Battle Proms Concert - 14 July 2012
  A unique performance of Beethoven's 'Battle Symphony' - including 193 live firing cannons. Also featuring daring displays of Napoleonic horsemanship and an aerial display from the iconic spitfire. Big screen will also be displaying all the action from the stage, cavalry and cannons. The Battle Proms support the Charity Combat Stress: The Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society, and over the last six years have raised £80,000 through audience donation and a contribution of the concerts' profits.
• Mini & VW Show - 15 July 2012
  This is a show where clubs, private enthusiasts, trade stands and autojumble stands meet and where the public can buy VW/Mini parts and accessories. There will also be many customised and cherished motors on display. You can bring a picnic to enjoy too. A Park and Gardens ticket is required for this event. Dogs on leads allowed in the parkland around the Palace. No dogs allowed in the Formal Gardens, Courtyards or Pleasure Gardens. Dogs for the blind or hard of hearing are welcome in all areas.
• Jousting Tournament - "Knights of Royal England" - 03 August 2012 to 05 August 2012
  11 am: A variety of event throughout the day including Dragon Hood and Golden Arrow Show, Birds of Prey Demonstrations, Dragon Quest Show and the Jousting Tournaments! There will also be falconry displays and a chance to have-a-go at archery. Toys, swords, shields and souvenirs will be on sale in a special retail marquee. Blenheim Palace picnics can be ordered in advance and organic burgers, sandwiches and refreshments will be on sale. A Park and Gardens ticket is required for this event.
• Bike Blenheim Palace - A Festival of Cycling - 18 August 2012 to 19 August 2012
  This two day event includes the following events: A 60 and 100 miles Sportive through the Cotswold's : A 40km off-road Sportive : A tough 20km Time Trial within Blenheim Park : Brompton World Championship 2012 : 26.2 mile Pink Ribbonride from Breast Cancer Care : Family rides in a car free environment : Cycle skills for children : Cycling demonstrations and exhibits in the Event Village. A Park and Gardens ticket is required for spectators. Please visit site to register for events.
• The 7th Oxfordshire Classic Car Show - 26 August 2012 to 27 August 2012
  A gathering of classic cars, vintage, kit and custom will be on display in the palace grounds vehicles will be judged and an experienced motor commentator will talk through the day's events. On Monday there will be a Supercar Picnic and Bike Display. Admission includes access to Blenheim Park, Formal Gardens and Pleasure Gardens (including the Adventure Play Area) but there is an additional fee to tour Blenheim Palace, open from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

• Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials - 06 September 2012 to 09 September 2012
  The Fidelity Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials with the world's best riders the first phase of the competition is "Dressage" this takes place all day on Thursday and Friday. In other arenas there will be the Pony Club and Riding Clubs team competition. On Saturday the cross-country takes place over a timed course over solid fences and water jumps across the River Glyme. On Sunday is the Show Jumping, in front of the South Lawn of Blenheim Palace. Plus more than 175 retail outlets! Saturday inclus
• MGB Car 50th Anniversary Rally - 23 September 2012
  The MG Car Club and MG Owners Club are together celebrating their 50th Anniversary there will be MG's spanning all eras plus examples of other cars which shared the same basic chassis. The chosen charity for the MGB 50 year is Macmillan Cancer Support. A comprehensive celebration souvenir programme will be available, plus a limited edition Rally plate with the build year of your car displayed and an wide range of commemorative merchandise.

Additional Info for Blenheim Palace

• Parks
• Gardens
• Playgrounds
• Weddings
• Disabled Access
• Education
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Meals Available
• Conferences
• Filming
• Gifts
• Live Entertainment
• Shop
• Car Parking

Heritage Groups

• Historic Houses Association

Credit Cards Accepted

• Mastercard
• Amex
• Visa
• Switch

Updating this Home

If you are the owner or manager of this property, now is your chance to update your information. In your interests, updates are checked to ensure that no incorrect information is entered from an unauthorised source.