Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire is marking 150 years since the birth of Sir Winston Churchill by celebrating his extraordinary life with an exciting line-up of events.

'Winston Churchill' (played by Stan Streather) at Blenheim Palace

As well as being the place of his birth, Blenheim was where Churchill proposed to his beloved future wife, Clementine Hozier, at the Temple of Diana, located near the Water Terraces of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Throughout 2024, visitors can embark on a captivating journey through the living history of this iconic figure as Blenheim Palace celebrates his enduring legacy with VIP Churchill Tours.

Blenheim Palace

Visitors can immerse themselves in a private tour of the Palace State Rooms, Churchill exhibition and Private Apartments, a guided buggy tour to Churchill’s grave and a delightful Champagne Afternoon Tea.

Alternatively, visitors can join one of the weekly ‘Churchill at Blenheim’ tours, which run every Wednesday until October. 

‘Winstan’, an impersonation created by Stan Streather as a tribute to the great wartime leader, will help to bring Winston Churchill to a new generation. On specific dates during the year, there will be the opportunity to meet ‘Winstan’ and Clementine.

To commemorate the anniversary, there will also be specially-themed Churchill Afternoon Teas where ‘Winstan’ will make a special appearance, for diners to immerse themselves in the anniversary celebrations. 

Blenheim Palace parkland, landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland and designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style, it was Sir Winston Churchill’s father who described the vista, on entering the Estate from the village of Woodstock, as the ‘finest view in England’.

Blenheim has also worked closely with some of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of its own fashion icon, Sir Winston Churchill. The Icons of British Fashion exhibition, which runs until the end of June, includes one of the Churchill’s original Siren Suits, on loan from Turnbull & Asser, as well as a new take on the iconic boiler suit and a specially designed smoking cap by Stephen Jones. The velvet cap features Churchill's hand-embroidered initials as well as a clementine - in honour of his wife - within the lining.

The Icons of Fashion exhibition at Blenheim Palace

Antonia Keaney, Social Historian at Blenheim Palace said: “We are thrilled to be taking part in the national celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of this great man.

“Blenheim Palace - and the Marlborough family - were tremendously important to Sir Winston at every stage of his life; not only was he born here, but he continued to spend periods of time at Blenheim until he was well into his late 80s. It speaks volumes that he chose to be buried at Bladon, amongst members of his family and within sight of his beloved Blenheim Palace.”

Blenheim Palace

Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, added: “Blenheim is a very special place to visit at any time, but this year it will be extra special as celebrations take place throughout the year to mark the 150th anniversary of Churchill’s birth. We look forward to bringing many of our tours to Blenheim in 2024.”

And for those who can’t make it this year, a regular podcast about the life of Churchill is being released by Blenheim Palace on the 30th of each month. For more information visit www.blenheimpalace.com.

If you or your group would like to enjoy a visit to Blenheim in the 150th year since his birth, as part of a tailor-made tour of England, please do contact our friendly team today. Or perhaps you would like to experience one of our dedicated Churchill Tours, exploring the many sites and places of interest associated with him.