Britain’s Greatest Palace like you’ve never seen it before

Blenheim Palace has announced a series of once-in-a-lifetime views and visitor experiences which will only be available for a limited time due to the launch of its most ambitious restoration project to date. 

Designed to showcase the UNESCO World Heritage Site like never before, the historic roof project is a monumental restoration that aims to preserve the architecture and safeguard the heritage of Blenheim Palace for generations to come.

Alongside the revolutionary restoration work commencing next year, three exclusive new experiences at Blenheim Palace will be live at the landmark from Spring 2025.

Roof Top View

Blenheim Palace is set to raise its roof with an all-new ticketed viewing platform experience providing visitors with never seen before breathtaking views over the Estate including the famous Column of Victory as well as the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside; an entirely unique perspective from above the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Life Below Stairs

For the first time, visitors will get to go below the Palace and step back in history to explore the hidden world of Blenheim Palace’s servants. The new Life Below Stairs experience will provide the opportunity to see the historically significant original palace kitchens where visitors can immerse themselves in the spaces and hear the sounds of the staff working  as they prepare for an important royal visit.

During the visit, the day-to-day life, stories and experiences of the kitchen staff, butler, household team and the gardens team, all of whom served the Marlborough family and were an incredibly important part of Blenheim Palace’s operations, will be revealed. Life Below Stairs will give the sense of the Blenheim team of the 1890s.

Family Treasures 

Unlock never before seen treasures of the private apartments and follow in the footsteps of dukes, duchesses and their illustrious guests. For a deeper insight into the history of Blenheim Palace, the extended State Room Tours will offer a journey through some of the grandest rooms. 

Walk the new route through the family Dining Room; the Smoking Room where George Stubbs’ famous portrait of a tigress can be seen and the Duchess’s Sitting Room, where visitors can spot an unusual clock, designed by Benjamin Vulliamy (George III, 1787), which features a Derby biscuit porcelain figure of Andromache mourning over the ashes of Hector at Troy. 

Step through the doors into the Drawing Rooms, a route walked by royalty and the most important visitors to the Palace. The final room is the stunning Grand Cabinet, featuring Savonnerie Carpet (c1750) from the famous Parisian carpet manufacturer and the finest collection of family portraits in the Palace. Normally reserved for special family occasions, explore the most opulent room in the Palace and its treasure trove of priceless artifacts.

2025 will also see Blenheim’s renowned gardens undergo a stunning transformation with new features to be explored every season. 

Blenheim Palace first opened its doors to the public 75 years ago to raise funds for essential roof conservation work. This pivotal £10.4M project is centred on restoring a significant section of the roof of Britain’s Greatest Palace, ensuring it remains resilient against the elements that threaten its historical integrity. Every penny of visitor funds will contribute directly to this vital conservation effort, ensuring the project’s completion by 2026.

Heather Carter, Managing Director of Blenheim Palace, said, “This is a truly historic moment for Blenheim Palace and a chance for everyone to see it from a whole new perspective. The restoration project is not just about preserving our past; it’s about creating new ways for visitors to engage with our history now and well into the future. 

“Alongside the monumental restoration, to be able to offer these unique, immersive experiences that showcase Blenheim Palace like never before is a dream. We’re grateful for the continued support of our visitors, whose contributions are vital to the success of the initiative. “

Buy one day and get 12 months free with the Blenheim Palace Annual Pass. With so many exciting new events, exhibitions and experiences happening in the year ahead, there has never been a better time to start planning your visit. 

More details about the upcoming experiences will be revealed soon. 

For information on Blenheim Palace as you’ve never seen it before and the new visitor experiences for 2025, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/new-for-2025

To find out more about this historic roof restoration project, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/restoration