Set amongst 2,000 acres of Capability Brown landscaped parkland in Oxfordshire lies the magnificent Blenheim Palace, constructed between 1705 and 1724 as a national gift to John Churchill the 1^st Duke of Marlborough by Queen Anne after his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704.

The Palace was designed by the English Baroque architect Sir John Vanbrugh who also designed Castle Howard in North Yorkshire, and houses some of the finest antique collections in Europe. The state rooms are lavishly decorated with fine tapestries, portraits, and exquisite furniture. Today the house is the residence of the 12^th Duke of Marlborough.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 the house and gardens attract visitors from across the world. The Palace is also the birthplace of the English politician and statesman Sir Winston Churchill in 1874. 

The grounds have been used as a backdrop for various film locations, including the most recent James Bond “Spectre.” The Formal Gardens, including the Rose Garden, Water Terrace, and Secret Garden, are well worth a visit as is the bronze statue of Sir Winston Churchill at his easel. A short ride away on the miniature railway is the walled garden, housing a café, Butterfly house, lavender beds, and adventure centre.

There are plenty of places to eat in the onsite cafés or restaurants serving everything from coffee and cake to luxury afternoon teas and fine dining. The Courtyard shop sell lots of locally produced products all exclusive to Blenheim Palace.

At the time of our visit in June 2025, the house was covered in Scaffolding as part of a £12 million restoration project.