Blenheim Palace

Discover Blenheim Palace, just outside Oxford, it’s a great day out for all the family away from the city centre. This Oxford attraction is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts a long and diverse history, including the home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Whether you’re interested in finding out the history and want to enjoy a fun-packed family adventure, or simply want to have a picture perfect day out with your loved ones, we have something for everyone to have an amazing time at Blenheim Palace. To help with this, they have created a series of itineraries to suit your preferences, in the hope that your day is special and centred around the things you enjoy the most.

Blenheim Palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne and a grateful nation in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704.

Along with all the outdoor areas, perfect for picnics and nature walks, the palace offer tours around the house.

‘Upstairs’ Tour, offers a unique look at 21st-century life in an 18th-century palace, in the main rooms used by the Marlborough family, from the 1st Duke to today. See the Nursery where Nanny lived and cared for the young Lords and Ladies right up until the 1990s, and beautiful paintings by artists such as Reynolds, Kneller, Sargent and Stubbs.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a guest at Blenheim Palace? From after dinner etiquette to secret corridors, gain an insight into the routine of visitors both past and present, including Charlie Chaplin, Bill Clinton and Sylvester Stallone. (This tour involves many stairs and so may not be suitable for everyone).

The ‘Downstairs’ Tour gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of Palace staff over the centuries.

Household staff were essential to the aristocratic way of life. Visitors can wander through the network of corridors, see the iconic bell system as well as some areas which are still in use by Palace staff today, including the kitchen. Along the way, hear about the gossip and perks of the job from the staff’s point of view.