Blenheim Palace

A glorious Baroque masterpiece set in Oxfordshire's serene Cotswolds, Blenheim Palace is one of England's most iconic buildings. It's also a place with close ties to some of the most important figures in British history.

Blenheim Palace was a gift from Queen Anne to the first Duke of Marlborough (John Churchill) for beating the French at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704. Almost 200 years later, in 1874, another famous British military leader was born in the palace – Winston Churchill.

There are now two exhibitions at Blenheim Palace featuring Winston Churchill – one in the room of his birth detailing his life and family, and one focusing on the war successes of both Winston and his ancestor, John Churchill.

Winston Churchill is buried just a couple of miles down the road in a peaceful little churchyard in the village of Bladon.

Blenheim Palace's stunning picture-book architecture has seen it grace the silver screen many times, including in Kubrick's Barry Lyndon, Branagh's Hamlet anSpielberg's's Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Wandering the exquisite corridors or strolling through the immaculate gardens, it's easy to see why so many people have fallen in love with this beautiful English palace over the centuries. The 2000 acres of grounds hide plenty of enchanting secrets – from water terraces, rose gardens and the recently restored Italian Garden, to the Marlborough Maze, the Butterfly House and the miniature train (a firm family favourite!).

There is a busy programme of events all year round, from jousting tournaments, to open air concerts. You can even see some of the palace's history brought to life in fun animatronic and digital displays.