Blenheim Palace Open Private Apartments

Blenheim Palace open their Private Apartments to the public for 2015, offering visitors an intimate look at Marlborough family life.

Until September, visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to explore the East Side of the Palace; the Duke of Marlborough's Private Apartments. Discover the opulence of the rooms in which the Marlborough family have lived for generations, and learn about family life at Blenheim Palace.

Entering the apartments is much less grand than the usual visitor entrance. The rooms have a mix of precious antiques, tapestries and artworks amongst modern living items and family photos. 

The tour, maximum of 16 people at a time begins in the Entrance Corridor and takes visitors on an intimate tour of family life. The Billiard Room currently features a full size snooker table sat within deer heads (antique taxidermy) etc. Visitors will enjoy seeing the China Room, stacked from floor to ceiling with the Blenheim Palace services over the years.

Visitors will get to experience the unseen-before upstairs/ downstairs features with a look into the behind-the-scenes staff area including the Cold Room and the Flower Room as well as the Servants Bells and climbing the Back Stairs.

Walking through the Bar Area, visitors will be led to the Smoking Room which contains full size tapestries from the Alexandra the Great series which were commissioned by the 1st Duke. The Smoking Room is also home to the Stubbs Tiger, which is of the tiger which lived at Blenheim Palace from 1763 gifted to the 4th Duke by Lord Clive, Governor of Bengal.

Another room to enjoy will be the private Dining Room, with its Mahogany George III dining table set for dinner and the 'Arts of War' set of tapestries surrounding. The Visitor's Book will also be on display, turned to the page of Clementine Hozier and Sir Winston Churchill. The signatures are dated directly after the meal that followed their engagement at the Temple of Diana in Blenheim Palace's parkland. On the same page visitors can see Clementine's signature from the first time that she returned to the palace after her marriage.

Guests must book at the Welcome Desk, Flagstaff Visitor Information Point, or Great Hall on the day, Palace, Park and Gardens ticket is also required. 

www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/tours

WHAT:            Private Apartment Tours at Blenheim Palace

WHEN:            Daily until September

WHY VISIT:    See the East Wing of Blenheim Palace, learn about the 300 years of history in the rooms.

ADMISSION:  Palace, Park & Gardens ticket required: Adult £22.50 / Child £12.30 (Age 5-16) /

Concession £18.00 / Family £59.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children)

WEBSITE:       www.blenheimpalace.com for more information

ENDS

For more information please contact:

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

Notes to Editors

This tour lasts approximately 30 minutes and will run daily at regular intervals between 10:30-17:00. This tour incurs a small charge of £6.50 per adult and £5.00 per child. Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for young children and is not accessible for wheelchair users.

Please note all dates and times are subject to change.

To book your place, visit the Flagstaff Visitor Information Point, Welcome Desk or Great Hall on your visit.