Blenheim Palace

Credit: Chris Guise

Set in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, many believe Blenheim Palace is the most extravagant house in Britain. It was a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to the 1st Duke of Marlborough I to thank him for his famous victory over the French at the 1704 Battle of Blenheim.

It's now the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough who lives there and cares for it with his family. Inside the palace you'll find 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 there's a permanent exhibition about him next to his birth room. Churchill loved Blenheim and, as a family member, frequently visited during his long life. He is buried in a simple grave in the nearby church at Bladon.

Another huge treat during your visit is the surrounding gardens landscaped by the famous Capability Brown, known as 'England's greatest gardener'. Discover over 2,000 acres of beautiful parkland, lakes, fountains and formal gardens, including the recently restored 'Secret Garden', the Italian Garden, the Water Terraces, Rose Garden and Cascade.

Must see & do:

Miniature train ride - a great favourite with all ages, the train connects the Palace to the Pleasure Gardens, where, amongst a range of fun activities for children, you'll find the Marlborough Maze, Butterfly House, Lavender Garden and 'Blenheim Bygones' exhibition.

Jousting tournaments - Check their website for details of elaborately recreated jousting tournaments on the South Lawn in front of the palace. Falconry displays, a barbeque and a Pimms tent complete the day.

Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story - in an area of the palace previously not open to the public, you'll find an exciting new installation depicting the untold stories of Blenheim Palace using state-of the-art film projection and screen technology.

Garden tours - Many consider the gardens at Blenheim Palace to be 'Capability' Brown's greatest achievement. As you wander round with your experienced garden tour guide, you'll discover every garden tells a story.