Visitors are invited to take a privileged peek into the Blenheim Palace Private Apartments which have been lived in by the Dukes and Duchesses of Marlborough for 300 years.
The behind-the-scenes guided tours of some of the Palace’s most opulent and luxurious rooms provide an exclusive look at family life at the Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site with their mix of precious antiques, tapestries and artworks amongst modern living items and family photos.
The intimate tour begins with climbing the main stairs, peeking into the dressing room and through the Duke’s Corridor with its views into the Master Bedroom, to the Dining Room, laid with Winston Churchill’s own private china set. The tour also takes in the Sitting Room where the Duke of Marlborough and his family relax, mixing priceless heirlooms with modern technology.
Walking through the ornate corridors, visitors will be led to the Smoking Room which contains full size tapestries from the Alexander the Great series which were commissioned by the 1st Duke. The Smoking Room is also home to the famous Stubbs Tiger painting, which is based on a real tiger that lived at Blenheim Palace from 1763 and was gifted to the 4th Duke by Lord Clive, Governor of Bengal.
Visitors will also be shown around the Grand Cabinet* – a room full of unique historical artefacts and family heirlooms. The Visitor’s Book will also be on display, and visitors can see the list of illustrious guests who have stayed at the Palace, from royalty to celebrities.
Tickets are now available to book at blenheimpalace.com.
*Grand Cabinet tours are available twice per day and not on every tour – please check with staff for details.
