VISITORS are being given the chance to go behind the scenes at Blenheim Palace in a series of guided tours.

The stately home in Woodstock is running restoration and conservation tours from tomorrow, until February 10.

The tours - staged twice daily - tie in with the annual deep clean of the palace, which will be on full view to visitors.

Kate Ballenger, house manager at Blenheim Palace: “Each year the operations team, accompanied by various specialists, complete the deep clean.

“This process is much more than just cleaning, it is the careful review of the entire collection followed by a thorough cleaning programme alongside the ongoing conservation and restoration work.

“The tours of the palace give insights into both the deep clean and the conservation and restoration that is happening at present and has happened in the past.”

Visitors will be able to learn about the preservation and repair of the historical site and its artefacts.

From clocks to paintings, each piece of work often requires specialist attention.

One of the recent renovations is the Bouchain Tapestry, which is is 25ft wide and almost 15 feet high. The giant wall hanging is made of wool and silk and was woven in Brussels.

For more visit blenheimpalace.com