Blenheim Palace

 June 4th

Sunshine and showers were forecast for today, waterproofs at the ready then. Arriving at the Palace by 10.30, we were amazed to have to queue to get in. Surely mid-week and a miserable day weather-wise would put people off, but obviously not.

Parking the motorhome was easy; we were shown to a section of the field well away from the main carpark. a bit of a walk to the house, but from the walled garden, much nearer. Anyway, we headed for the house, which was very quiet, surprisingly, considering the number of cars parked in the car park. A bonus in our favour, though, because we could go around at our leisure and take photographs without too many people getting in the way. I was mightily impressed by the rooms, even though restoration was very evident in some places.  It was a magnificent house.

 

The walled garden was about a 10-minute walk from the main house, and on the way,  we took a slight detour to see the formal gardens where a bust of Winston Churchill stood. 

Blenheim Palace was the home of Churchill. Below is an excerpt from this LINK

One of grandest homes in England, Blenheim Palace is the ancestral home of the Churchill family. Built between 1705–1722 for John Churchill, the 1st Duke of Marlborough, and his wife, Sarah, the land was a gift from Queen Anne on behalf of a grateful nation for the duke's victory at the Battle of Blenheim during War of Spanish Succession. 

The walled garden was a massive disappointment. So much could be done to make it stunning, a few beds of wild flowers doesen't hack it in my book. 

 

Toward one end was a maze, we did go in, and yes, we got lost.  Luckily a small bridge showed us a way to the centre and thankfully we made it out before the rain started. We sought refuge in a cafe, a cup of tea and cake just had to be purchased. It was a good way to sit out the storm.

 From the cafe, we made our way to a Butterfly house. Gosh, it was hot and humid in there. Glasses steamed up, and several times I had to wipe the camera lens. Fifteen minutes was all we could tolerate, and it was a relief to get outside into the fresh air again.

 5 hours were spent at Blenheim; no way would I have managed that a year ago. Having a new knee has improved my quality of life no end, I just hope my left knee stays okay too. I certainly won't hesitate to have that one replaced in the future if needs be.

 Off to see Ian's brother Alan and sister-in-law Angela tomorrow at Upton on Severn, and next weekend Stoneleigh is our destination. We will be checking out residential parks and mobile retirement homes at the Park and Leisure Homes show as our plans to come off the water are still a possibility.

And a few more photos

In one of the many old Oaks