Themed Tours for Groups

While guided tours continue to be a highlight of a visit to Blenheim Palace, an extended series of themed talks and tours are being offered for organised groups during 2010. Over the last 300 years, the famous and infamous, have visited and lived in this masterpiece of English baroque architecture, set within glorious parkland and award winning Formal Gardens. The fascinating themed tours look at some these personalities, periods and significant developments in more detail including five brand new themes available in 2010.

NEW

The Gentlemen of Blenheim Palace

Led by Karen Wiseman/Antonia Keaney
Eleven Dukes of Marlborough - all of them with a fascinating story to tell. This tour will give you a personal, and sometimes surprising glimpse into the fortunes of the Gentlemen of Blenheim Palace. Saints and sinners, soldiers and scientists, Blenheim Palace has been home to them all and each has found a unique way to protect and maintain their beloved Palace.

NEW

Behind the Scenes at Blenheim Palace

Led by Karen Wiseman/Antonia Keaney
This talk will give a glimpse into the life and work at Britain's Greatest Palace. Behind the scenes there is a small army of people all of whom help run, restore, preserve and maintain the Palace. On any day you may find in some corner of the Undercroft Chris, Head of Maintenance with Paul the Palace electrician. Elsewhere you may find Mick the carpenter or John the horologist. Outside you may meet Chris the butterfly man or Harry the Palace Exterminator, who is always accompanied by his four very enthusiastic Jack Russell's. Keeping an eye on everything is Heather the Head of Operations who last year became an expert on marriage proposals!

NEW

A Neglected Duchess, Churchill’s Grandmama

Led by John Forster
In line with the launch of a brand new book*, “Churchill’s Grandmama: Frances, 7th Duchess of Marlborough”, by Margaret Forster, this tour reveals the fascinating story of a remarkable Duchess, great grandmother of the present Duke. Until now history has dismissed the Duchess as little more than a Victorian martinet – “at the rustle of whose silk dress the household trembled” (Lady Randolph Churchill). This tour reveals for the first time the quality and achievement of a remarkable woman: on the one hand motherly, compassionate, sensitive – on the other, highly intelligent, confident and forceful with outstanding leadership and organisational skills. Her powerful story begins in her local community and in her family, not least in the vital part she played in the shaping of the young Winston. It continues in her national and international years as Vicereine to her husband, the 7th Duke, Viceroy of Ireland 1877 – 81. Throughout it all runs a moving vein of tragedy and pathos.

* “Churchill’s Grandmama: Frances, 7th Duchess of Marlborough, by Margaret Forster. To be published by the History Press, 10th March, 2010.>

A Walk in the Past - The Park and Gardens at Blenheim Palace

Led by Karen Wiseman, Palace Historian
This historical garden tour will take you our and about around the Palace grounds. The tour will concentrate on the way the Park and Formal Gardens have changed over time and give insights into the colourful characters that shaped the Palace landscape. The talk will start with the medieval landscape and then move onto endeavours of Henry Wise and 'Capability' Brown. The tour continues into the 20th Century with the Water Terraces of Archille Ducheme and then finishes with the delights of the Secret Garden. Bring comfortable shoes, an umbrella and a water proof jacket to ensure the sun shines!!

A Palace at War - Evacuees and Espionage

Led by Karen Wiseman/Antonia Keaney
The Marlborough family, Estate staff and the Palace itself played a full and energetic part in the war effort. This talk and tour tells the story of how the Palace prepared for the worst, survived the onslaught of 400 boys evacuated to Blenheim and kept the secrets of MI5. The talk will introduce visitors to such characters as the 10th Duchess, Mr. Sacre (land agent, ARP Warden and member of the Home Guard), and the PE teacher who was a conscientious objector. Photographs of Malvern College at Blenheim will be on display throughout the Palace during the tour so visitors can see and hear how the boys lived and learned.

The Unknown Winston

Led by Karen Wiseman/Antonia Keaney
The private resources of Blenheim are drawn upon to afford very new and refreshing insights this remarkable man. A talk followed by a special tour creates a fresh understanding of Churchill, ranging informatively, entertainingly and often movingly over incidents throughout his life. We will examine the breadth of talent, achievement and personality of the "Greatest Briton": soldier, politician, statesman, painter, writer, orator, family man - and bricklayer!

The Ladies of Blenheim Palace

Led by Karen Wiseman/Antonia Keaney
A fascinating and entertaining look at the ladies of the Marlborough/Churchill family usually overlooked in favour of the men. The story of the Marlborough/Churchill family at Blenheim has normally been told entirely through the men. Over three centuries the ladies have had little chance to catch the public eye. This talk and tour redresses the balance in an entertaining and informative way. They register the achievement of some, the thwarted talents and potential of others and the degrees of humour, eccentricity, pathos, interest and difficult circumstances of "The Ladies of Blenheim"

Details and booking procedure

Each day begins at 10.30am with coffee and biscuits in the Palace followed by a talk and Palace Tour - ending at approximately at 12.30pm. You are then free to spend the rest of the day in the Palace and grounds. Please contact the Groups' Coordinator on 01993 811091 to book or email operations@blenheimpalace.com for further information.

Booking information

Tours must be pre-booked through the Groups Co-ordinator (non-refundable).

The price includes full day entry to the Palace, Park and gardens, special talk, tour and morning refreshment.