After the disaster of Bicester and the success of ‘going for a walk’, our second full day in the Cotswolds greeted us with pouring rain. Undeterred, we donned sturdy footwear and raincoats and drove off to Blenheim Palace. These places are always pretty expensive when you just turn up. As Dougie handed over fistfuls of notes to the man in the booth, I bemoaned the fact that we have a drawer full of Tesco vouchers which could have paid for the whole day in full, if only I’d had the nous to plan in advance. Knowing me, they’ll be out of date before I have a chance to spend them.
It was still tipping it down as we trudged from the car park to the Palace but, once inside, it was warm, welcoming and there was a free guided tour (ok, after the amount we paid, let’s say ‘included’). We were escorted by a wonderfully enthusiastic chap; part Ronnie Corbett, part Brendan from Coach Trip. We learned a considerable amount about the Marlborough family,Winston Churchill and the relevance of specific items in the State Rooms. Hands up everyone who goes round these rooms in stately homes on their own and can only really comment, “Nice tapestry”? That’s usually us and we never learn very much.
This tour was followed by a computerised presentation about the history of the house and its family. It’s quite a laugh actually, with moving dummies, one of whom was the King’s mistress sitting up in bed while her lover was supposedly in the wardrobe. Can’t imagine how parents might answer a child’s question on that little vignette. There were a few educational computer screens where, let’s be honest, most adults and children just press the buttons for a few seconds then move on to something else. But, overall, rather entertaining and again it was free (included).
We found the cafeteria. Busy, noisy and with staff whose method of cleaning tables was to use a cloth to sweep everything onto the floor. Dougie wanted to make a quick exit but I knew we’d get tetchy without food so we persevered though we wished we’d found a Tesco as we seem to do most lunchtimes on this holiday.
Back outside, hoods up, we walked through the grounds and, despite the rain, we were still able to appreciate the Autumn colours, the pheasants, the lake, the waterfall. Best of all, we were virtually alone.
Eventually we conceded defeat and, pretty well soaked through and sniffling, we plodded back to the car. The log fire of the Old Swan and Minster Mill cheered us up, together with the fun we had listening to a dad trying to teach his two young children how to play snooker in the gallery above us:
“Come along now, Toby, that’s not the way to hold the cue….No…No…further down…ah well that wasn’t very good was it?….should have aimed the cue ball at the bottom of the red ball….ah Daddy won again”
Competitive Dad or what! (see sketch from The Fast Show, below)
Blenheim Palace – yet somewhere else on my doorstep that I have never got round to visiting!
Steve – Not another one! Are you sure you live where you say you do? Get your Tesco vouchers exchanged and get over there.
How annoying about the Tesco vouchers. It's so easy to forget to use these things, like with Groupon too. Groupon won't even reimburse for coupons not used. At least with Tescos you haven't spent extra money to get them.
It all adds to life's complicatedness though, doesn't it. So many things to keep tabs on and remember to use.
I love Belnheim, and Woodstock the village. Haven't been for donkeys mind, but I can't imagine they'd let it change much.
Poor you and Rory – you look a bit miz and wet.
Blenheim even!
I visited Blenheim on a school trip over 35 years ago…blimey I feel old! and then answered a quiz question incorrectly by stating that the Grand Bridge there was designed by Inigo Jones, and the whole time I called him Indigo! I am still embarrassed about that to this day…….as for Tesco vouchers….well as you say Trish, we all have a drawer full of the things and never seem to use them…love your raincoat by the way!
Love Blenheim, went to some work do there once. Sounds like they have to do a better job on the tucker though, maybe Toby's dad could tell them how! (Also randomly….funny to see you son so much taller than you!)
It's years since I went to Blenheim but remember it as really lovely. Sounds as though you had a good day despite the weather!
Oops think I just deleted my comment – never mind – was the usual drivel!
Keep on keeping on Toby boy!!!
Sarah – I used to use my vouchers to go to a local pizza restaurant but the family started to get bored of going to the same place. May have to just use them to reduce the shopping bill, but it's not as good value and not half as much fun.
Expat Mum – I think we were getting fed up of Dougie fiddling about with the camera in the rain.
Libby – I think I used to believe he was called Indigo too. Always seemed to be linked to Capability Brown so the colour theme seemed reasonable to me!
About last weekend – Toby's dad would certainly have put the frighteners on them. Food was okay but the floor was disgusting to walk through.
Curry Queen – It was a great day. Once you're dressed for the weather it doesn't matter too much…for an hour or two anyway!!
Madame Smoking Gun – Oh and I look forward to your drivel. it hasn't even appeared in my email.
Blenheim is just beautiful this time of year, glad you cold enjoy it.
Looks fabulous despite the dreadful weather!
PS: what are you going to do with these Tesco vouchers now?!
@Susanna – I didn't think Rory would enjoy doing the stately home thing but he was very happy just wandering around. And if he's happy, I'm happy!
@Funky – I'm looking at the Tesco brochure now. I could trade them in for some restaurant meals although we don't have a lot of the chains they mention around here. Tempted by Goldsmiths jewellers, even if it's for Christmas presents. Ooh there is also Thorntons chocolates. Decisions, decisions.
Loving your mac in the photo although Rory doesn't look overly pleased to be there!
I loved competitive dad…
x
Very Bored – the mac is nice, isn't it. Rather jolly for a miserable day. It's by SOS Jensen, a Scandinavian company. Tk Maxx bargain!
Rory doesn't like his photo being taken, especially by Dougie who takes too long and loses any spontaneity.