The Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace

Driving through a kaleidoscope of sceneries, we were brought to a pretty little village called Bourton-on-the-Water. Located in Gloucestershire, England, it is also known as the “Venice of the Cotswolds.” Arriving at a place that could have been taken from a postcard, it was lovely to sit under a tree, take the pleasure of enjoying the view and breathing the fresh air. I was amazed that a village such as this still exists today!

After spending some laid-back time at Bourton-on-the-Water, we drove into another village called Burford in Oxfordshire, a slightly bigger village popular for antiques, art works, food and retail selections found along the main street. Being perfectly situated, it gave me so much time to explore the rest of the side streets, one that brought me to the Burton church, the village’s prettiest asset. As I walked down the road, surprisingly, an English man in his late 60s said hello to me, making me feel so welcome! At Burton, I have to admit that people are extra friendly and food is of top quality! The local people know their food very well and take all the time in the world for perfection, but it was well worth it! Lunch was a portion of cottage pie served with a baguette at an old English pub, which I enjoyed very much!

What makes the Cotswolds so special is its age and how everything is so well preserved. It was a different world out there! If the people only dressed in Medieval clothes, spoke Shakespeare English and rode horses, you would even forget that it was the 21st century. I reckon that if there was a competition on the best looking villages in the UK, the Cotswolds is definitely the winner! Our tour guide also shared that beer in these villages used to be served even before Italian navigator, Christopher Columbus’ grandmother was born! That’s how old these villages are!

An added new experience was a trip to Blenheim Palace, situated in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, the historic home of Sir Winston Churchill. Set within inspiring surroundings, I was pleased to know that many areas within the palace grounds are open for the public to explore or to rent for personal use. I was also thrilled to learn that Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone got married at Blenheim Palace years ago.

Inside the palace, the tour I joined was called the Untold Story, a visitor experience that introduces dramatic stories brought to life by animated figures and talking portraits. It gave me a better understanding of how people during the early days lived. It was brilliant!

Other areas of interest in Blenheim Palace are the State Rooms, the many palace gardens; the miniature train rides, the massive parks, the Marlborough Maze (world’s second largest maze) and the butterfly house. All the touring made me hungry and, for afternoon tea, I enjoyed a typical raisin scone served with clotted cream and jam with tea on the side at the café facing one of the exquisite palace gardens. Blenheim Palace is no doubt one of the most beautiful palaces, making it truly a masterpiece!

Overall, the trip was absolutely fantastic! The tour, arranged by Colin Miller and Paul Hockley of Redwing Coaches, compliments of Evan Evans, was beyond my expectations.