When asked about plans to quit she says: "And do what? Nothing? What would I do? I'm not compar...
When asked about plans to quit she says: "And do what? Nothing? What would I do? I'm not comparing myself but (it's like) if someone said, 'Oh Picasso, you've painted so many pictures, get some frames and go home.'
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Since Winston Churchill 'won' the Great Britain vote(television program for best of Britain), I thought it was fitting to write about Woodstock, just outside Oxford. Since this is where he was born.
As a transplanted North American, old enough to remember Woodstock (the FIRST time), here is a place right out of a storybook.
On the way to the Cotswolds, just northwest of Oxford, and 55 miles northwest of London, is the town of Woodstock and through the arches, is Blenheim Palace with its awesome view of the Palace and the Lake.
I
don't want to spoil the surprise, but I guarantee you will have a sharp intake of breath when you first see this view. WinstonChurchill called it the most beautiful view in England. And he should know. In fact, he was born at Blenheim Palace, unexpectedly whilst his mother(an American) was visiting the Palace. And he chose to be buried in the next town, Bladon.
The Palace grounds are a lovely place for a walk and picnic. Also, if you love antiques and ornateness, there are guided tours of the palace. It is open from May to September (10 or 11 am until 5 pm) and if you go in the 'Front' way it costs about 10 pounds sterling, per person, BUT do what I did, and visit the parkland, for free! You can go for a walk year round, in the grounds, even if the Palace is closed, even in the Winter.
To fortify yourself for your walk, you could start with some proper Fish and Chips from the Chip Shop.
If this doesn't appeal to you, suggest you don't eat in the palace coffee shop (boring), there are many other options in the town of Woodstock, for example:
I started at the Star, for food, tho there are plenty of other choices in the centre of town. Then for dessert (or pudding - I can never figure out which is which -- is it regional?), I wandered down to the King's ArmsHotel which had a friendly bar and the best chocolate desserts you can imagine. (And you can browse in gift shops and antique stores, etc. inbetween the two).
Along the way, you might see someone famous in Woodstock, too, if you are a celebrity watcher, as it is a popular area for entertainers and actors who live nearby.
Take a left out of the King's Arms, and go down the hill. You will get a great view of the Pillar on the hill which is a monument to the original Duke of Marlborough.
Sadly, the Queen's Own (Tuppeny Tube) is no more! But, if you are POSH and like Champagne, You can stop at TREACLE = a new wine bar.
Or continue past another pub, The Black Prince. (Alright, so I stopped there for a beverage too!) If you are a fan of the Inspector Morse books/series, you may remember The Last Bus to Woodstock which featured this pub. But in name only, as the location was wrong!
Cross over to the Left side of the road and continue up the hill, past the houses set above a high stone wall. You will see a sign for Residents parking only and a green Public Footpath sign pointing Left. It looks like a private driveway, however, you may go into the park by heading straight ahead to a gate which you have to siddle around, the Kissing Gate. Voila - into the parklands, cost = Zero. This is because the land belongs to the people of England, though it is not advertised. There are no security guards at this entrance, either! This is handy to know when there is an event on in the park, as well! (Recently I heard rumours that part of the parkland was being closed off and that the park-only fee had increased to 6 pounds, oh dear!)
If you miss this turn, you will be at the bus stop, so you know you have gone too far. However, the locals park in the layby on the weekends, so it may be a place to leave your car if you cannot find a place in town.
If you want to stay there is a variety of choices. Mine was the room at the front above the Star, but the post office trucks can be a bit noisy in the morning. The Kings Arms had some nice rooms, not cheap, but pleasantly decorated.
One word of caution, the Traffic warden will give you a parking ticket, so read the signs, and don't overstay the limits!
Alternately you can catch a train or bus from London to Oxford, then a bus from Oxford, which allows you to look at the villages along the way.
If you have a car, you might want also to head north 7 miles to Charlbury, and have a stroll around Cornbury Park, with a stop for a bite and a brew at The Bell Hotel (say hi to Martin) or The Bull (friendly new owners)CHEERS Y'ALL!
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we Visit oXford quite freQently ... to see relaTives. We are always aT a loss for what to do ... theY know little oF the area, desPite living there !!! This revieW wiLL prove helPful!
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Advantages: A few minutes away from M4 and A34, busy market town, very central for touring the area Disadvantages: Good accommodation may be hard to find unless you book ahead
jonathan-wild 08.09.2000 ·
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