What to see and do
There is so much to see and enjoy at Blenheim Palace whether you have an hour or the whole day. Suggested itineraries are listed on your Welcome leaflet which you will receive when you arrive, and are also listed on the right.
Inside the Palace
The State Rooms
Guided tours of the magnificent State Rooms are available daily (except Sundays and Bank Holidays when a free-flow system is in place) reveal the exquisite collection of portraits, furniture, tapestries and porcelain. Music is played in the Long Library on Sunday afternoons and at seasonal periods such as Christmas.
Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story
This fascinating visitor experience upstairs in the Palace brings dramatic events of the last 300 years at Blenheim Palace to life, through the eyes of the household staff.
The Churchill Exhibition
This exhibition is set around the room where Sir Winston Churchill was born. It gives a fascinating insight into the ‘Greatest Briton’ including personal letters, photographs and paintings.
The Park and Formal Gardens
The beautiful Formal Gardens received the 2008 Historic Houses Association/Christies Garden of the Year Award. They include the majestic Water Terraces, the ornate Italian Gardens, the Secret Garden, the Rose Garden, the Cascade and Arboretum.
There are over 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped Park to explore, and a number of delightful Park walks are available on the Welcome map which you receive when you visit.
The Pleasure Gardens
This is the perfect place for families to let off steam. Hop on the miniature train from the Palace for family fun in the Pleasure Gardens including the giant Marlborough Hedge Maze, Adventure Play Area, the Butterfly House and the Gardens Cafe.
'Churchills' Destiny - The Story Of Two Great War Leaders'
This exhibition is open in the stables highlighting the fascinating parallel lives of Sir Winston Churchill and his much admired ancestor the 1st Duke of Marlborough.
Indoor Cinema
Next door, the Indoor Cinema shows films and documentaries filmed at Blenheim Palace.
"It is so beautiful that I’ll come next year and bring my friends."
Visitor, November 2010
Suggested Itineraries
These suggested itineraries will help you make the most of your visit to Blenheim Palace whether you have an hour or the whole day.
Up to 2 hours
Join a guided tour of the State Rooms including the Churchill Exhibition, and visit ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’. Walk through the entrance to the gardens to see the majestic Water Terraces and the Italian Garden.
Up to 4 hours
Take a tour of Blenheim Palace as above, then visit the Formal Gardens further afield, including the Secret Garden and the Rose Garden, which lead to the newly restored Blenheim Dam and Cascade. View Parks and Walks.
Over 4 hours
Take a tour of Blenheim Palace, then visit the Indoor Cinema and ‘Churchill’s Destiny’ Exhibition in the Stables Courtyard. Stop for lunch in the Water Terrace cafe then visit the Formal Gardens. Catch the Miniature Train to the Pleasure Gardens including the giant Marlborough Maze, Butterfly House, ‘Blenheim Bygones’ Exhibition, the Lavender Garden and Adventure Play Area.
