Up early, showered, dressed, and ready to go to Blenheim, Winston Churchill's birthplace. Whilst waiting for Joe and Eli, we grabbed a coffee downstairs at the Whitton Cafe. Bad mistake! By the time we arrived at Blenheim Palace, I was beyond busting! To add to my distress we had to park miles away! The cool wind was blowing straight through me as I scurried across the palace grounds to find the loo. I was tempted to ease my pain by using the nearest tree except the grounds were buzzing with people- nowhere to hide! Arrggghhh!
We started the tour with the State Rooms, which have some beautiful porcelain collections. I loved the Chinese collections- they'd be worth a pretty penny and are very pretty as well- but was entranced by the book collection in the Great Hall. Almost every book looked like first editions, with a preponderance of history books. Scattered amongst them, I spied a few classics; Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Sadly, the huge room wasn't very conducive to curling up with a good book as most of the lounge chairs looked to be extremely uncomfortable ( not that I actually dared to sit on one!)
We wandered out to the Water Gardens overlooking the beautiful lake. It was here that we enjoyed "morning tea" of coffee and cake, even though it was past noon. I wanted to walk along the lakeside as apparently it's a beautiful walk, but alas, if I wanted to get to Lacock, there wouldn't be time. You can't do everything, although you can try! There was also an Arboretum, Rose Garden and Cascades which we didn't get to see. We did walk down to the Butterfly House, which was hot and humid but very pretty. Most of the flowers are common in Australia, but were much healthier specimens than my potted variety. The walk to the Butterfly House had knackered me, so Joe walked back to get the car while we stayed with Eli. We pushed him down to the Marlborough Maze, but the recommended time was 25 minutes so we didn't venture in to try to solve it.
We all piled back into the car and everyone nodded off to sleep except Joe ( thank goodness, as he was driving!) We arrived at Lacock at 4pm just in time for lunch! I wasn't hungry until I read the menu, and suddenly I was starving! Ross and I ordered the broccoli and stilton soup, which was indescribably delicious and then I ordered beef and ale pie with chips and peas, while Ross had moroccan lamb pie, and Joe had fish- all served with chips as they're supposed to be. I was actually full after the soup as it came with fresh crusty bread and butter and I should have stopped there. I really have to learn to stop eating so much!
Ross and I then headed off to the Abbey actually called St Cyriac's Church. I really enjoyed its simple beauty. Built in 1271 ( I think) it has survived through the centuries uncelebrated and still serves as a church to the village. I love places like this! Then it was time to head back to London. We were thoroughly exhausted (again!) but had enjoyed a wonderful day exploring the countryside with Joe and Eli, who is the best, most uncomplaining baby you will ever hope to meet.
We started the tour with the State Rooms, which have some beautiful porcelain collections. I loved the Chinese collections- they'd be worth a pretty penny and are very pretty as well- but was entranced by the book collection in the Great Hall. Almost every book looked like first editions, with a preponderance of history books. Scattered amongst them, I spied a few classics; Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. Sadly, the huge room wasn't very conducive to curling up with a good book as most of the lounge chairs looked to be extremely uncomfortable ( not that I actually dared to sit on one!)
We wandered out to the Water Gardens overlooking the beautiful lake. It was here that we enjoyed "morning tea" of coffee and cake, even though it was past noon. I wanted to walk along the lakeside as apparently it's a beautiful walk, but alas, if I wanted to get to Lacock, there wouldn't be time. You can't do everything, although you can try! There was also an Arboretum, Rose Garden and Cascades which we didn't get to see. We did walk down to the Butterfly House, which was hot and humid but very pretty. Most of the flowers are common in Australia, but were much healthier specimens than my potted variety. The walk to the Butterfly House had knackered me, so Joe walked back to get the car while we stayed with Eli. We pushed him down to the Marlborough Maze, but the recommended time was 25 minutes so we didn't venture in to try to solve it.
We all piled back into the car and everyone nodded off to sleep except Joe ( thank goodness, as he was driving!) We arrived at Lacock at 4pm just in time for lunch! I wasn't hungry until I read the menu, and suddenly I was starving! Ross and I ordered the broccoli and stilton soup, which was indescribably delicious and then I ordered beef and ale pie with chips and peas, while Ross had moroccan lamb pie, and Joe had fish- all served with chips as they're supposed to be. I was actually full after the soup as it came with fresh crusty bread and butter and I should have stopped there. I really have to learn to stop eating so much!
Ross and I then headed off to the Abbey actually called St Cyriac's Church. I really enjoyed its simple beauty. Built in 1271 ( I think) it has survived through the centuries uncelebrated and still serves as a church to the village. I love places like this! Then it was time to head back to London. We were thoroughly exhausted (again!) but had enjoyed a wonderful day exploring the countryside with Joe and Eli, who is the best, most uncomplaining baby you will ever hope to meet.
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