Discover a world of intrigue and glamour, both upstairs and downstairs, with possibly more excitement than Downton Abbey.

Blenheim Palace is inviting a limited number of visitors the chance to take a privileged peek behind closed doors at one of the country's most historic and spectacular stately homes.

From Sir Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin to generations of royalty and 'Rocky' himself, Sylvester Stallone, Blenheim Palace has been hosting the rich and famous for more than three centuries.

Visitors will have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps and venture into the hitherto private world of the Dukes of Marlborough.

Designed by Vanbrugh in the 18th century, the Baroque World Heritage Site has always remained a family home for the Dukes & Duchesses of Marlborough. 

Gifted to Sir John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough by Queen Anne, Blenheim Palace holds centuries of treasures, antique collections and sentimental objects that only a Palace can boast.

Karen Wiseman, Head of Education, says: “It took the team three months to further research the family stories and go back through the archives to piece together the secret history of the household.

“We made delightful discoveries about the people who lived and served at Blenheim Palace, from scandalous stories about parties in the Palace to the butchery bill for keeping a tiger in the grounds!”

Upstairs Tour

The 'Upstairs' Tour takes visitors on an exclusive tour of the Blenheim Palace Guest Rooms, none of which have been open to the public before. Previous guests have included Queen Mary, King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, as well as Cecil Beaton and Yves Saint Lauren.

Visitors will also see family rooms such as the Blandford Bedroom, the Sunderland Dressing Room and Bachelors' Row in the tour which includes secret corridors, interlinking doors and spiral staircases.

Downstairs Tour

Servants were essential to the aristocratic way of life. It would have been completely impossible for the family to take care of themselves, to manage the house, look after the children and let alone host a fancy dinner party, without the help of servants.

The 4th Duke had the largest retinue of servants and the number increased each time his wife had a baby. At its largest there were 102 servants to look after the family. However during times of austerity, and particularly during World War I, a handful of staff valiantly managed the Palace, Estate and a temporary convalescence hospital.

Visitors will wander through the network of corridors, see the iconic bell system and learn the gossip and perks of the job from the staff's point of view.

WHAT:            Upstairs & Downstairs at Blenheim Palace: Two new behind the scenes tours

WHEN:            Daily until September

WHY VISIT:    A fascinating guided experience exploring the private side of Blenheim Palace across 300 years of history and heritage.

WEBSITE:       blenheimpalace.com

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379 or 07815 709548

Notes to Editors

The guided tours each last approximately 45 minutes and will run daily at regular intervals between 10:30-17:00. Guests must book at the Welcome Desk or Great Hall on the day. Palace, Park and      Gardens ticket is required and additional charges per tour do apply. Please note that Upstairs and Downstairs routes may be subject to change.

Upstairs Tour

Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for young children and is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Downstairs Tour

An accessible Tour with a slightly amended route is available for wheelchair users at limited times during the day.

Please note all dates and times are subject to change.

• Opening times and ticket pricing applies
• Blenheim Palace is a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme.
• Blenheim Palace is a member of the Treasure Houses of England, 10 of the most magnificent palaces, stately homes and castles in England www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Annual Pass

BUY ONE DAY, GET 12 MONTHS FREE*

Blenheim Palace offers an amazing annual pass ticket deal. When you buy a single day ticket to the Palace, Park and Gardens, you can convert it into an annual pass for free and gain unlimited entry for 12 months.

Annual Pass Privilege Card - 15% discount on dining and shopping*

Blenheim Palace is offering a special Privilege Card upgrade option with the Annual Pass. For an extra £5 you can receive a 15% discount in all Blenheim Palace Shops and Cafés!

*Terms and conditions apply.