Blenheim Palace marks World Heritage Day with unveiling of landmark restoration project

In celebration of World Heritage Day on April 18th, Blenheim Palace is proud to spotlight its most ambitious conservation initiative to date- the groundbreaking £12 million roof restoration project designed to protect and preserve the UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.

As Britain’s Greatest Palace, Blenheim stands as an enduring symbol of history, culture, and architectural excellence. The monumental restoration, which began in January 2025, aims to repair critical sections of the Palace roof, ensuring the longevity of this historic landmark. In conjunction with the project, Blenheim Palace will offer exclusive new visitor experiences, giving access to never before seen areas and an immersive glimpse into its past.

Kelly O’Driscoll, Head of Built Heritage at Blenheim Palace, said: “World Heritage Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the incredible legacy of Blenheim Palace and the tireless efforts dedicated to its ongoing  conservation. This restoration project is not just about protecting a building; it’s about safeguarding a vital piece of history for future generations. By embracing both traditional heritage skills and innovation, we are ensuring that Blenheim continues to inspire and educate for centuries to come.

“At Blenheim, we choose not to apologise for scaffolding and ongoing restoration works but to use this monumental project as an opportunity to bring our guests on our journey, to showcase incredible design and craftsmanship and the passion that goes into repairing a building with such significant heritage and importance.”

The project is a response to structural challenges, including water penetration that threatens irreplaceable artworks such as Sir James Thornhill’s fresco in the Great Hall. The works will also address damp, decay, and other conservation concerns across the Palace’s historic fabric, led by architects Donald Insall Associates and delivered by heritage specialists DBR Ltd.

Thanks to the Roof Project, a highly-anticipated Rooftop View platform will open to the public in May and is only available for a limited time during the restoration works. This one-of-a-kind experience enables visitors for the first time ever to enjoy unbeatable panoramic views of the iconic Capability Brown landscape. The first of its kind in the 75 year history of the attraction, visitors will get 360 degree access to marvel at breathtaking views beyond Woodstock.

Blenheim Palace first opened to the public 75 years ago in 1950, in order to fund extensive spot repairs to the central roof areas; primarily above the Great Hall and Saloon. These repairs are now at the end of their life. This latest vital project is expected to be completed in 2026, ensuring the Palace’s legacy for future generations.

To learn more about the restoration project, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/restoration. For details on the upcoming visitor experiences, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/new-for-2025.

 

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Blenheim Palace. For more information please contact the Blenheim Palace PR team at Cab Campaign – blenheim@cabcampaign.co.uk

About Blenheim Palace

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 park and gardens, it was designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style and is also the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.

With over 300 years of history to share and one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, the magnificent stately home has a rich variety of cultural highlights and an extensive programme of special events and exhibitions.

The total Estate expands into a further 10,000 acres outside of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and focuses on care for the land through sustainable means, pursuing net zero, the growth of the local economy, the provision of affordable homes, apprenticeship training and supported community groups as part of its ambition to make this part of Oxfordshire a fairer and better place.

About DBR

DBR is a specialist conservation company that deals with the cleaning and repair of historic fabric and the regeneration of historic buildings.

High-quality workmanship, expertise, and a dedicated and sensitive approach to the care of buildings are the foundation of its thriving business. Well known for its exemplary in-house craft trades, DBR is one of the leading conservation specialists in the UK, working on some of the country’s most notable landmarks, including Grade listed buildings, scheduled monuments and World Heritage Sites, as well as parochial churches, country estates and modest memorials.

Every project DBR undertakes is treated with passion and enthusiasm that is unrivalled in its industry, leaving a lasting impression on its clients and the buildings it cares for. In 2022 DBR was awarded a prestigious Royal Warrant, recognising the contractor’s long standing provision of historic building conservation to the Royal Household.

Image credit: Carmel Jane