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The Palace State Rooms & Exhibitions

The Palace State Rooms &
Exhibitions

More Summer, less spend. Save when you visit between 25th June -1st September!

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Over three centuries of history, treasures and stories - all in one extraordinary place

At Blenheim Palace we are proud to welcome you to Britain's Greatest Palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705 and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, the Palace was a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, in thanks for his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704.

Set within more than 2,000 acres of 'Capability' Brown landscaped parkland, it holds over 300 years of history and one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe.

Step inside to explore our magnificent State Rooms, discover treasures gathered across the centuries, and enjoy our permanent exhibitions, such as Life Below Stairs, The Churchill Exhibition, the Stables Exhibition and The Blenheim Story Exhibition. 

The State Rooms

Your visit begins in the Great Hall, rising almost 20 metres to Sir James Thornhill's ceiling of the 1st Duke presenting his Battle of Blenheim plans to Britannia. Explore the State Rooms, including the Saloon, with its Louis Laguerre ceiling. See the Blenheim Tapestries, woven in Brussels to mark the 1st Duke's victories. The route ends in the Long Library - more than 55 metres long, with over 10,000 books and a grand Willis organ. Explore the State Rooms freely using our Archie App or join a free guided tour.

Find out more

Discover our Exhibitions

The Churchill Exhibition
 OPEN 

The Churchill Exhibition

Our Churchill Exhibition features a mix of historic artefacts and new technology, documenting key aspects of the adventurous life of Sir Winston Churchill, the famous wartime leader and writer.

The Blenheim Story Exhibition
 OPEN 

The Blenheim Story Exhibition

Blenheim Palace has stood for more than 300 years, but why was it first built and who were the first residents of this stunning example of Baroque architecture on the grandest scale?

Life Below Stairs
 OPEN 

Life Below Stairs

Delve into the stories below stairs and explore the immersive hidden world of Blenheim Palace’s servants.

The Stables Exhibition
 OPEN 

The Stables Exhibition

Explore our immersive and interactive family exhibition in the Palace’s historic stable block showcasing the importance of horses at Blenheim through the centuries.

Treasures of the Palace

Within its walls the Palace cares for one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe. Among the highlights are the celebrated Blenheim Tapestries, woven to record the 1st Duke's campaigns, and a wealth of fine paintings by masters such as Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir Anthony van Dyck and John Singer Sargent. The rooms are filled with exquisite carvings by Grinling Gibbons, sumptuous 'Boulle' furniture, rare bronzes and a fine collection of porcelain, including Meissen. A new addition to our visitor route, our Family Treasures Collection opens the doors to the family's private apartments, where the Grand Cabinet displays a rare 1750 Savonnerie carpet alongside generations of Marlborough portraits.

The Birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill

Blenheim Palace holds a special place in the story of Sir Winston Churchill. He was born here on 30th November 1874, the grandson of the 7th Duke of Marlborough, arriving unexpectedly while his parents were guests at the Palace. His ties to Blenheim Palace endured throughout his life: it was in the grounds, at the Temple of Diana, that he proposed to Clementine Hozier in 1908, and he was laid to rest a short distance away at St Martin's Church in Bladon. Today you can stand in the very room where he was born and follow his remarkable life through our dedicated Churchill Exhibition.

Discover more here

Currently on display

Until 27th September, our State Rooms feature a collection of royal artefacts alongside Life Through a Royal Lens. Showcasing over 100 iconic photographs and rare off‑duty portraits, the exhibition offers a unique glimpse into royal life. First launched at Kensington Palace, it now begins its UK‑wide tour and is on display at Blenheim Palace for a limited time.

Find out more here

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