Evacuees photographed outside Blenheim Palace during World War II. The Palace’s wartime role can be explored further on the new tours

Two new themed tours will be introduced at Blenheim Palace in 2008, exclusively for groups, which will be available throughout February, March, November and December.

Groups visiting the Oxfordshire attraction, best known as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, will be able to arrange guided tours called ‘Blenheim Palace in WW2’ and ‘Domestic Service at Blenheim Palace’, taking in various areas of the site.

‘Blenheim Palace in WW2’ will explore what life was like during WW2 when the Palace was used as a boarding school for 400 Malvern College boys, who were evacuated there between 1939 and 1940. Groups will be able to see pictures of the evacuees and how the Palace was adapted for their use, as well as find out how, after their departure, the Palace was used as a base for MI5.

‘Domestic Service at Blenheim Palace’ will feature a visit to the old Kitchen Courtyard to learn how the kitchen functioned and food was produced. For a larger fee, groups can enjoy an extended outdoor walk, taking in the old kitchen gardens, or visit the Marlborough Room, previously the old kitchen.

As well as the guided tour, prices include full-day entry to the Palace, Park and Gardens, a special talk and coffee and biscuits in the Palace’s Indian Room. Tours will be available for up to 25 people at a time.

For further information telephone 01993 811091