Blenheim Palace, home of the Duke of Marlborough and birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, will mark the 40th anniversary of Britain’s wartime Prime Minister’s death in 2005. The year also represents the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II and the exhibition, “Churchills’ Destiny” (May 28 – September 11), tells the story of two great war leaders. Sir Winston’s hero and ancestor, John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, led an historic victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704.

Sir Winston proposed to his wife beside the lake at Blenheim and is buried at nearby Bladon Church. The palace will open for an extended period in 2005 (February 12 – December 11). Other special events include a jousting tournament (April 30 – May 2); the Living Heritage Oxfordshire craft fair (May 28-30) and a jazz and pop music festival in the Great Court (June 30 – July 3). Britain’s biggest cheese festival is held in the autumn (Sept. 24-25).

The palace, at Woodstock near Oxford, 62 miles north-west of London, is surrounded by ornate gardens - and is known for its cream teas. Tel: 08700 602080.

Website: www.blenheimpalace.com