Visitors have the opportunity to discover much more about Blenheim Palace in a series of Specialist Tours which run on various days throughout the year.

The tours offer an in-depth look at chosen themes as guests are guided around the Palace. Beginning in one of the many beautiful rooms to set the scene, each tour is led by Blenheim Palace's expert guides and historians. Visitors can learn about the rich heritage along with stories and facts before embarking on a private tour of the Palace.

From an insightful look at the people of Blenheim Palace to what it takes to run the estate, a unique look at the baroque architecture to the paintings that line the walls of the Palace rooms; there is lots to learn and enjoy during a Specialist Tour.

Upcoming Specialist Tours include:

Paintings & Portraiture 

An opportunity to look at the impressive group portraits of the Marlborough family by notable artists; such as Joshua Reynolds, Hudson, Closterman and Singer-Sargent. This talk will enable visitors to examine in detail Thornhill's spectacular painted ceiling, and to consider the unrivalled murals and ceiling paintings of Louis Laguerre.

Date: 22nd April, Time: 14:30 

The Battle of Blenheim

Blenheim Palace was built as a gift to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough after his victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. This talk & tour explains the importance of the battle and those who fought in it. 

Date: 21st May, Time: 14:30 

Consuelo Vanderbilt 

From the 1870s to the 1900s, some 300 British aristocrats married American heiresses for their wealth and they became known as the Dollar Princesses. They crossed the Atlantic equipped with extremely generous dowries, which helped save numerous stately homes from ruin. Blenheim Palace was no exception to this. In 1895, the 9th Duke of Marlborough married heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt. This talk offers an insight into Consuelo's life as a child of the Gilded Age and as a new member of the English aristocracy and provides an overview of some members of the Spencer-Churchill family who have married American ladies.

Date: 5th June, Time: 14:30 

A Closer Look at Baroque 

Baroque was the first style to have a significant global impact, changing as it crossed the world, adapting to local tastes. A sense of drama and a love of the ornate characterise the Baroque style. This talk and tour explores in depth the many aspects of the Baroque style that employed Architecture, Ceramics, Furniture, Interior Decoration, Garden Design, Painting, Music and the Applied Arts, and its influence on the Baroque collection at Blenheim Palace.

Date: 7th July, Time: 14:30 

Running a Great Estate

Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into daily life at Blenheim Palace, and learn what it takes to run an Estate of such great proportions. This talk & tour highlights the small army of people who help run, restore, preserve and maintain the Palace, Parkland and Formal Gardens, and gives you an insight into their roles and routines.

Date: 15th August, Time: 10:30 

Sarah the Indomitable Duchess – a Lesson in Love…and Hate 

The first Duchess was a passionate woman who at times favoured or alienated all around her; those closest to her were often the object of her irrational and damaging emotions.  Sarah was once described as 'a good hater,' this talk will help you to decide whether this description was well deserved.

Date: 16th September, Time: 14:30 

The Blenheim Tapestries

The Blenheim tapestries are outstanding works of art, commissioned by the 1st Duke of Marlborough to illustrate his significant victories. This talk and tour will include additional textiles such as carpets and captured standards, also in the Blenheim Palace collection.

Date: 8th October, Time: 14:30

Blenheim Palace in WWI 

Join us on Armistice Day for a poignant talk & tour on how the people who lived and worked at Blenheim Palace played their part during this time of immense change and sacrifice. Explore the role of the Palace, the family and the people that worked here on both the front line and the home front, and hear of the moments of humour amidst all the hard work and bad news and the 'near misses' that left all involved with a determination to live life to the full. 

Date: 11th November, Time: 14:30 

Christmas at Blenheim Palace

Throughout the 300 year history of the Palace, Christmas has always been a time of celebration and giving but particularly so in the Victorian era. The 7th Duke and Duchess followed the lead of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in making Christmas a family time and a time to give gifts to those that worked here. The traditions established by the 7th Duke and Duchess are in many ways still continued to this day. This talk looks at how Christmas has been celebrated over the years and how the present staff transform the Palace each November into a Christmas feast for the eyes.

Date: 10th December, Time: 14:30

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01209 822194 or 07815 709548

Notes to editors

Specialist talks & tours are available on selected dates only and incur an additional fee of £7.50 per person as well as a Palace, Park & Gardens ticket.

Themed Tours for groups of 15+ people are available to book any day on request, subject to availability.

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.