Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987.
The birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace (www.blenheimpalace.com/) near Oxford is a perfectly preserved 18th-century residence set in a 2,100-acre park landscaped by 'Capability' Brown.
Set in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds, many believe Blenheim Palace is the most extravagant house in England. It was a gift from Queen Anne and a grateful nation to the 1st Duke of Marlborough I to thank him for his famous victory over the French at the 1704 Battle of Blenheim.
It's now the home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough who lives there and cares for it with his family. Inside the palace you'll find a superb collection of tapestries, paintings, porcelain and furniture in the magnificent State Rooms.
Sir Winston Churchill was born in the Palace in 1874 and there's a permanent exhibition about him next to his birth room. Churchill loved Blenheim and, as a family member, frequently visited during his long life. He is buried in a simple grave in the nearby church at Bladon.
A state-of-the-art visitor experience open in the heart of the Palace called ‘Blenheim Palace: the Untold Story’, is a new separate tour of the Palace. Dramatic moments from the last 300 years of history at Blenheim are brought to life through animatronic figures and innovative film and projection technology, seen through the eyes of the servants.
Surrounding the Palace are over 2000 acres of beautiful ‘Capability’ Brown parkland, lakes, fountains and formal gardens including the recently restored ‘Secret Garden’, the Italian Garden, the Water Terraces, Rose Garden and Grand Cascade. A miniature train, a great favourite with all ages, connects the Palace to the Pleasure Gardens where a range of fun activities for children are located including the Marlborough Maze, the Butterfly House, the Lavender Garden, Adventure Playground and Blenheim Bygones exhibition.
A full spectrum of events is hosted within the Palace and grounds throughout the year. These include ‘International Horse-Trials, jousting, Craft fairs, the Blenheim Triathlon and a whole host of other changeable events, some of which that focus on the family and children during the school holidays. For more information visit www.blenheimpalace.com
