Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has announced a collaboration with Heritage Interpreters and City Lit College to create a pioneering training programme for deaf-led heritage tours in British Sign Language (BSL). This initiative aims to address the lack of formal training pathways for BSL tour guides in the English heritage sector.

Following the success of four pilot BSL tours in 2025 and 2026, led by John Wilson, Blenheim Palace is championing the movement to share the nation's history authentically and inclusively. The programme will equip deaf individuals with the necessary skills to lead tours at major historical sites. Applications will open in April 2026, with the course commencing at Blenheim Palace in September 2026.

Heather Carter, Managing Director of Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, "At Blenheim Palace, we are committed to making our attraction and its history as accessible as possible." She highlighted the demand for BSL guide training and the potential for other heritage attractions to benefit from this resource.

John Wilson, a deaf BSL Guide and Lecturer, noted the current success of deaf-led BSL tours across the UK, which include stories of deaf history, culture, and art. He expressed enthusiasm for increasing deaf participation and access in the heritage sector through this partnership.

This collaboration underscores Blenheim Palace's commitment to social responsibility and leadership in cultural heritage, ensuring that shared history is accessible to all. For more information, visit Heritage Interpreters and City Lit's websites

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