History Lovers
To Do List

Blenheim Palace has over 300 years of history for you to soak up during your visit, we'll be impressed if you can fit it all into one day...

Blenheim Palace has a long and interesting history...

Home to the 12th Duke of Marlborough and his family and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a long and diverse history. Blenheim Palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, from Queen Anne and a grateful nation in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim on 13th August 1704.

We've mapped out the perfect day for all of the history lovers out there, to give you inspiration and our top recommendations. You may find that you can't fit this all into one day!

10.00

Arrive at
Blenheim Palace

Your day is about to begin! Why not pop into the Oxfordshire Pantry café and grab a warm coffee to fuel yourself up for a busy day.

10.30

Enjoy a tour of the Palace State Rooms

Wander around the Palace and listen to an audio tour, full of facts about the collection of portraits, tapestries and furniture. You could also take an Upstairs or Downstairs tour and discover how the two halves of society lived at Blenheim Palace years ago.

12.00

Spend some time in the Churchill Exhibition

Discover the stories and details behind Sir Winston Churchill’s adventurous life. Blenheim Palace was an important part of Churchill's life, as not only was he born here, but he chose to propose to his wife here too.

12.30

Take a Tea Break

After a morning of soaking up the history, visit our cosy Stables café, for a delicious lunch or warming tea or coffee. Choose from a selection of fresh and comforting dishes or pick your favourite cake.

14.00

Catch a buggy tour of the Formal Gardens

Take a leisurely ride and find out about the history of the Formal Gardens and how our Gardens Team care for them. Highlights include the Rose Garden, the Secret Garden, the Cascades and Churchill's memorial garden.

15.00

Pop into the Stables Exhibition

We have created an immersive and interactive experience in the Palace’s historic stable block showcasing the importance of horses at Blenheim through the centuries. Explore the original tack room and learn how Blenheim’s ancient woodland, its royal hunting lodge and ‘Capability’ Brown’s landscaped parkland have contributed to the wider Estate’s continued success.

16.00

Still got time to spare?

Finish off your day by having a browse in our shop. We partner with renowned British companies to produce exclusive ranges of exceptional quality, many of which showcase artwork and interiors from inside the Palace.