Britain’s Greatest Palace – Re-opens to Visitors

Widely regarded as a masterpiece of 18th century Baroque architecture, ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ houses one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, which includes portraits, furniture, sculpture and tapestries.

To mark its re-opening, the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site is also unveiling two major new exhibitions as part of a major £1.9m investment programme.

The first examines the key role Blenheim played in the life of Winston Churchill, who was born at the Palace.

Churchill returned to Blenheim often throughout his long life; attending parties, painting and spending time with his cousin and close friend ‘Sunny’, 9th Duke of Marlborough.

As well as being his birthplace, and one of his favourite places to relax, its rich military history provided huge inspiration for Churchill’s own career and it was even he proposed to his beloved wife Clementine.

Utilising a mix of historic artefacts and new technology, the interactive exhibition follows the ‘greatest Briton’ from his childhood, through his military service, political career and wartime role into his later life.

In addition to the Churchill exhibition, the Palace’s historic stable block has been transformed into an immersive experience showcasing the importance of horses at Blenheim down through the centuries.

Features include a recreation of the tack room, the stable office and an area where live horse displays can take place, as well as the chance for visitors to dress up and attempt to ride sidesaddle.

The display area also highlights the key role the wider estate – including its ancient woodland, royal hunting lodge and ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland – has played in its continued success.

A new art-themed restaurant and café has been built as part of the new attractions, featuring a touchless ordering app.

Daily visitor numbers are limited and admission is only via online pre-booking.

To book and reserve time slots to visit go to www.blenheimpalace.com/tickets