Blenheim Palace

Set in the Oxfordshire Cotswold's, Blenheim Palace is considered to be one of the finest baroque houses in the country, a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, in recognition of his famous victory over the French at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Inside the Palace can be found a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture in the magnificent State Rooms.

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. 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 is open in the heart of the Palace called 'Blenheim Palace: the Untold Story', 300 years of exciting tales at Blenheim Palace 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 2,000 acres of beautiful 'Capability Brown' parkland, lakes, fountains and formal gardens. A miniature train connects the Palace to the Pleasure Gardens, where, amongst a range of fun activities for children, can be found the Marlborough Maze, the Butterfly House, the Lavender Garden and 'Blenheim Bygones' exhibition.

A very busy events programme is on offer throughout the year, including jousting tournaments, half-term costumed entertainment, evening concerts and the Palace dressed for Christmas.

Visitor Opening TimesBack to top

11th February – 4th November Open every day
7th November – 14th December Closed Monday’s & Tuesday’s

Palace & Gardens open daily from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm (last admission 4.45pm) with areas to be vacated by 6:00 pm
Park open daily from 9:00 am to 4:45 pm (last admission) except Christmas Day – all areas to be vacated by 6.30pm latest

Please contact the property for up to date opening times

Film LocationsBack to top

Blenheim Palace is a magnificent example of 18th century English Baroque architecture. With awe-inspiring views over rolling parklands and Vanbrugh's Great Bridge, many film and television production companies have been inspired to use the Palace and its grounds as a stunning backdrop.

*Films/Costume Dramas: The Young Victoria, The Libertine, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Four Feathers, Hamlet, The Avengers, Elizabeth, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Kabi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Just Visiting, Entrapment, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Orlando, History of the World Part I, Young Winston

*Documentaries: Great Estates, The Art of the Garden, How We Built Britain, Country File.

*Televised Events: The European Horse Trials

Educational FacilitiesBack to top

Blenheim Palace runs a dedicated education service staffed by two qualified and experienced teachers assisted by other staff with various skills. All education groups to the Palace are led by Blenheim staff. Those to Park and Gardens sometimes by staff, sometimes with carefully prepared teachers' notes. There is a fully equipped Education Room on site and a second Education Room out on the Estate for woodland nature study purposes. Both education rooms are available for picnics. The Education Department brings together all aspects of Blenheim: Palace, Park, Gardens and Estate and facilitates their use by any education group local, national and international (guiding in foreign languages). It also makes a priority of the needs of life long learning, outreach and distance learning. Coach and car parking is provided free of charge and teachers pre-visits are recommended - again free of charge. The main target is the National Curriculum but provision is made for general interest and leisure visits or any combination of these. A well targeted National Curriculum visit can be attractively complemented by use of our leisure facilties. Full information is provided on our web site www.blenheimpalace.com and in our attractive six page colour brochure on the Education Service.

Groups and special visitsBack to top

Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Conceived in 1705 by Sir John Vanbrugh, the Palace is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture.

Wedding FacilitiesBack to top

Civil Ceremony and Wedding Reception

Exuding an air of striking elegance from the moment you reach its pillared entrance, The Orangery can accommodate up to 230 guests for a wedding breakfast. The wedding ceremony would take place in the Marlborough Room which can accommodate up to 120 guests. Alternatively, the Orangery is also licenced for civil ceremonies with the reception taking place in the Palace itself for up to 300 guests.

Corporate FunctionsBack to top

Blenheim Palace Hospitality services extend from conference and marquee events to an elegant dinner in the Palace and State Apartments. In particular, the Long Library boasts one of the longest private rooms in any stately home, dining up to 300 guests. In addition, the Orangery can dine up to 228 guests after a champagne reception on the Orangery Terrace. We also have 6 conference rooms available for 10-180 delegates and the Campaign Rooms have been recently refurbished offering our guests private meeting and syndicate rooms. For larger events, Blenheim Palace is set in 2,100 acres of beautiful parkland, where we can a variety of company days, family fun days and outdoor concerts.