Channel logo

Blenheim: Behind the Grandeur

Season 1
It’s Springtime in the Oxfordshire countryside and 300-year-old Blenheim Palace is preparing for another busy season. Blenheim is the only non-royal palace in England opening its doors to the public in 1950 in order to raise funds to maintain the estate. This documentary gains privileged access, following the staff who welcome nearly a million visitors a year.
20244 episodesTV-PG
Free trial of BBC Select

Terms apply

Prime membership required

Episodes

  1. S1 E1 - Unwanted Visitors

    October 11, 2024
    45min
    TV-PG
    There’s a problem at the palace as an intruder, a pigeon, has decided to visit. The staff need to evict it before the visitors arrive. The events team are preparing for a series of music concerts but are worried that vibrations from the music could threaten the priceless china collection. And there are plans to celebrate Winston Churchill’s birthday with an afternoon tea and a surprise lookalike.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  2. S1 E2 - Lambs and Robot Dogs

    October 18, 2024
    45min
    TV-PG
    It’s lambing season at Blenheim, and shepherd Shaun is monitoring 1500 lambs due to be born. But a difficult birth causes problems. Meanwhile, apprentice George is set the task of cleaning some of the 10,000 books in the Long Library, a space once used as a military hospital. And a robot dog called Spot is helping map the palace for the conservation team, much to the delight of guests.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  3. S1 E3 - The Great Joust

    October 25, 2024
    45min
    7+
    The events team have a busy weekend ahead as a jousting event is held on the South Lawn, but hot weather is causing an unexpected drama. Meanwhile, in the Palace, the guides are getting into costume to create living re-enactments in the house and gardens. And Keeper of the Palace Kate is excited to receive some paintings by Winston Churchill, while the day ends with a celebration of D-Day.
    Free trial of BBC Select
  4. S1 E4 - The Mystery Tour

    November 1, 2024
    45min
    7+
    There’s a clash as the events team have a food festival and a flower show to organize, but changeable weather conditions means there are big challenges to overcome. Palace host Ian takes some visitors on a magical mystery tour around the grounds, and Keeper of Palace, Kate, looks forward to the return of a priceless sculpture. Finally, a roof restoration project could change Blenheim forever.
    Free trial of BBC Select

Details

More info

Subtitles

None available

Producers

Heidi Gomes

Studio

Bowled Over Media
By clicking play, you agree to our Terms of Use.