I don't generally take much interest in visiting cemeteries or celebrity burial sites. However, when we were visiting Blenheim Palace, we learned that Sir Winston Churchill's grave was located in a nearby town. After seeing the faux-burial site at Westminster Abbey, we wanted to see where he was really buried. Honestly, the trickery at Westerminster stung a bit.
A staff member at Blenheim Palace gave us loose ( turn when you reach the pub) directions to St. Martin's Church in the village of Blandon.
Not realizing that the church was tucked out of sight on a small hill, we drove right past it the first time. St. Martin's Church is buffered by narrow streets and is not exactly an easy place for tourists to visit. It would be impossible for the motor coaches that we saw at the palace to journey here. We found a parking spot and walked to the church gates.
In contrast to his memorial at Westminster Abbey, Churchill's grave in St. Martin's Church is modest. It would be easy to overlook his grave if you didn't realize that he was buried here.
Buried behind Churchill and his beloved wife, Clementine, is Consuelo Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt married the 9th Duke of Marlborough. Vanderbilt was an American heiress to the Vanderbilt Railroad money. The marriage was very unhappy and was seen as an arranged marriage to increase the wealth and social standing of both parties. They raised two sons, but divorced in the early 1920's, both going on to remarry. During their marriage, they put their efforts towards restoring Blenheim Palace, which had fallen into disrepair.
Also buried nearby is Churchill's younger brother, John Strange and Strange's son, Henry and his daughter-in-law, Yvonne.
We did not see the graves, but Churchill's parents are also buried at St. Martin's Church.
I recommend visiting the church in addition to touring Blenheim Palace. They are located in very close proximity. Make sure to obtain clear directions prior to heading out. Our cell reception was spotty, so we couldn't rely on GPS and the church is not in a obvious location.