Scandals and supernatural: Blenheim Palace unveils all-new Servants’ Tales: Ghosts, Gossip and Secrets Tour

This winter, the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oxfordshire invites visitors to explore the unseen work of those who lived and worked at Blenheim Palace with the launch of its all-new Servants’ Tales: Ghosts, Gossip and Secrets Tour, which will run from 7th January to 14th February 2026.

The behind-the-scenes tour takes place daily at 12pm, starting at the Life Below Stairs exhibition. Visitors will have access to the former Kitchen Courtyard and laundry rooms, hidden corridors, staff quarters, the Chapel and Crypt in Britain’s Greatest Palace. Along the way, guides reveal the real stories of servants at the 300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the hardships, hierarchy, and hauntings for the first time.

Visitors to the attraction will also learn all about chilling legends such as the Dusting Nanny, rumoured to still dust the corridors long after her death and stack the linens the night before a Duke’s funeral. These tales are told alongside stories of scandals, bribery, and romances that happened within the servants’ lives.

Heather Carter, Managing Director Visitor Attraction, said: “We’re thrilled to offer guests a unique glimpse into the lives of the people who once kept Blenheim Palace running. The Servants’ Tales: Ghosts, Gossip and Secrets Tour reveals stories of scandal and the supernatural that will intrigue visitors and give everyone a whole new perspective of events that have unfolded in our 300-year history.”

The new experience ends in the Chapel and Crypt, resting place of the Dukes and Duchesses of Marlborough, where centuries of family history and mystery come together.

Admission to the Servants’ Tales: Ghosts, Gossip and Secrets Tour is included with a valid Palace & Gardens Ticket or Palace and Play Pass, which grants access to both Blenheim Palace and Adventure Play for a full year, giving visitors more fun, more discovery, more history, more history at Britain’s Greatest Palace.

For opening times, ticketing and more information, please visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/servants-tales/.

ENDS

For more information, contact Campaign, A Cab Studio – [email protected]

About Blenheim Palace 

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace is set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland and is 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, Blenheim Palace is not only an iconic part of history, but also a living, changing experience with a wealth of sporting and cultural events, themed exhibitions and tours all year around.

A short miniature train ride away from the Palace is the Walled Garden, which boasts interactive areas entirely dedicated for families to explore including Adventure Play and the Rowse Honey Hive, The Marlborough Maze and Butterfly House. With curated events, an exciting programme of annual activities, entertainment and dedicated eateries for families, these areas guarantee a memorable family day out.

Beyond the grounds and an array of Formal Gardens, the total Estate expands into a further 10,000 acres 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.

Blenheim Palace is Britain’s Greatest Palace.