Blenheim Palace
After breakfast we’re off to Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill and Britain’s largest private home. As we drove into the Palace grounds, there was a car show going on with many cool (expensive) roadsters.
In 1764 Capability Brown was commissioned to create a new landscape for the 2000 acres surrounding the Palace.
Today Blenheim Palace is home to the 11th Duke and Duchess of Marlborough. Inside the Palace the elegant furnishings remain as well as several references to Winston Churchill~ it was a place he adored.
Following lunch we head to Hidcote Garden, which is generally recognized as one of the worlds great gardens and has been very influential in many garden designs. The rain decided to make an appearance as we arrived, so out came the umbrellas until our visit was finished. Despite the rain, the gardens proved to be inspiring! Hidcote is considered an arts and crafts garden. In 1907 Major Lawrence Johnson began his remarkable gardens and continued to expand and improve the gardens over the next 40 years.
Just 380 yards from Hidcote are the lovely gardens of Kiftsgate. 2019 marks 100 years since its creation. The sunken garden, down a steep hillside was a bit treturous to climb down to with the wet stone steps from the rain, but once there was a spectacular viewpoint. Kiftsgate was created by three generations of women gardeners!
Our hotel this evening in the Cotswold area is at the Ellenborough Park outside of Cheltenham. This 14th century castle was converted into a luxury hotel with wonderful rooms and dining options. We were thankful to have 2 nights here.