Blenheim Palace

Walking, Historic Houses & Building, Museums & Galleries, Historic Sites & Monuments, Gardens

See the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill

BLENHEIM PALACE, home of the 11th Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, was built between 1705-1722 for John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, in grateful recognition of his magnificent victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. One of England's largest private houses, it was built in the baroque style by Sir John Vanbrugh and is considered his masterpiece. The land and œ240,000 were given by Queen Anne and a grateful nation. Blenheim's wonderful interior reveals striking contrasts - from the lofty Great Hall to gilded state rooms and the majestic Long Library. The superb collection includes fine paintings, furniture, bronzes and the famous Marlborough Victories tapestries. The five-room Churchill Exhibition includes his birth room. gardens The Palace grounds reflect the evolution of grand garden design. Of the original work by Queen Anne's gardener, Henry Wise, only the Walled Garden remains; but dominating all is the superb landscaping of `Capability' Brown. Dating from 1764, his work includes the lake, park and gardens. Achille Duchˆne, employed by the 9th Duke, subsequently recreated the Great Court and built the Italian Garden on the east and the Water Terraces on the west of the Palace. Recently the Pleasure Gardens complex has been developed. This includes the Marlborough Maze, Herb Garden, Adventure Playground, Butterfly House and Putting Greens. Historic Houses Association Member. OPENING TIMES Summer: Palace - Mid March - 31 October Daily: 10.30am-5.30pm Last admission 4.45pm. Winter: Park only - 1 November - Mid March. The Duke of Marlborough reserves the right to close the Palace or Park or to amend admission prices without notice