Happy Thanksgiving!

Check out our latest Newsletter of Alpen fall excitement!

Wishing all a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving weekend!

Mary Dawn & the Alpen Schatzi's

ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS: Victorian Charm in the Heart of Oxford

Click HERE to check out and reserve my Oxford Home

I have recently acquired a beautifully renovated Victorian home in the heart of Oxford, England - my old home town. When not there myself, I will be sharing my home as a unique holiday rental on AirBnB. I hope my Alpen Schatz travel enthusiasts will take advantage of staying there whilst traveling abroad.

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It is light and airy 

 

 with many new furnishings offering modern luxury mixed with old world charm.

A fully equipped kitchen for cooking at home.

 

 I have decorated it with my favourite antiques, such as a Victorian dinner gong, and beautiful classic art to give it that homey feel.

 Some features are its claw foot tub in the master bedroom

 and a beautiful dining room in which to entertain.

 There are three bedrooms, two Kings and one double, all furnished with comfy mattresses and soft luxurious bedding.

 

The third bedroom has a Victorian fire place for extra charm

and french doors leading to a private deck

overlooking my secluded back garden (yard).

 

 My Berner boys adorn the mantle piece.

 Sunset from the Master Bedroom overlooking the rooftops of Oxford.

 My dear English friend, Timothy and I on a visit to Divinity Road in the spring time.

 

Built in 1892, my period property lies a mere 15 minute walk or a 5 minute bus ride to Magdalen Bridge, which is the entrance to historical Oxford City Centre.



Magdalen College - Photo Mary Dawn DeBriae

The dreaming spires of Oxford from South Park

It is in a sought after neighborhood of Oxford, minutes away from the colorful Cowley Road with its myriad of ethnic restaurants, organic cafe's and eclectic shops.


For the nature lover, it is a short walk up to two great parks - perfect for strolling, jogging or taking a lovely picnic whilst overlooking the dreaming spires of Oxford.

Perfect for the solo traveler or couple wanting space or for a family or group of friends needing multiple bedrooms. Divinity Road is available from 2 night minimum rentals up to two months. For its size and what it offers, it is one of the best priced options for a comfortable stay in Oxford.

Book now!



A spring day in Headington Park - just up the road

I hope to welcome you to my new home in the Divinity Road,

Oxford, England, some day!

Mary Dawn DeBriae

Alpen Travel Tips and Picks

Divinity Road at Dusk

Book Divinity Road on

AIRBNB Listing #14981833

ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS: ENGLAND - In Quest of the "Right" Stones

ITINERARY:
In Quest of the "Right" Stones for a
Perfect Wedding Setting
Fall 2015
by Mary Dawn DeBriae

"Life is like a book - those who do not travel have only read one page"

One of my favourite stone circles: Castlerigg in the Lake District



Following two delightful weeks in Ireland to celebrate the cliff top wedding of my good friend Marie, I will fly to England in quest of the perfect location for my own wedding next spring :)

Rollright Stone Circle - Oxfordshire

My fiancé and I have decided to do something a little bit different from the classic church ceremony. Both being lovers of the outdoors and both having Celtic blood running through us from Welsh and Irish heritage, we have decided to get married in some romantic, countryside location in the centre of a Neolithic, late Bronze Age stone circle!

The enigmatic stone circles erected in Great Britain 3-6000 years ago remain places of mysterious beauty and oozing subtle energies - a marriage of nature and ancient mankind's influence upon it to channel energy.

I have narrowed down my search to three of my favourites that I have frequented over the years:

CASTLERIGG - Britains oldest stone circle, located in the Lake District. A bit far for my guests (esp. those coming from Germany and America), but still one of my favourites.

The Merry Maidens engraved by W. & G. Cooke  in 1804

ROLLRIGHT STONES - In the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside - easy to access and close to both the Cotswolds and Oxford - both great locations for the post ceremony celebration for our guests.

MERRY MAIDENS - near Lands End in the most remote , romantic western part of Cornwall (and the UK) - where legend has it, "the last bloody battle between the Celts and the Crusaders was fought and the river ran red for weeks with the last dying Celtic tribe's blood in the country".


This post features my ITINERARY around this quest and the wonderful places in which I have selected to stay during my journey and the exciting things I have planned to do during my visit.


We might have some
 "extra" guests at our Wedding!

Previous posted Tips and Picks to the UK, Ireland and Europe can be found in my formerly posted Alpen Travel Tips and Pics HERE and HERE (my Fiance's first trip with me abroad in this posting!). 

ITINERARY  ENGLAND
(in order of appearance):

OXFORDSHIRE | CORNWALL

PART I:  OXFORDSHIRE

Aaaah. It is always so refreshing coming "home" to my beloved Oxfordshire, where I lived, worked and loved for a good part of my life. My stay in Oxford will be filled with seeing old friends, checking out the Rollright Stone Circle as a location for our ceremony and scouting out local hotels and B&B's for our wedding guests and post wedding party.

Exciting news! In addition, I will be establishing Alpen Schatz UK Ltd (yes, due to high demand from the European market, my little Alpine Treasures import company, Alpen Schatz, will soon have a European Web-site and distribution center based in the UK!)

ACCOMMODATION TIP:  Gables Guesthouse

When I return to Oxford, it is always important to me that I find a peaceful place to reside, offering me that "home away from home" feeling. As I am often inspired to write and reflect on my trips back to England, it is important that my accommodation choice offers me that quietude.



For this trip, I have chosen the GABLES GUESTHOUSE, as it is situated in the quiet neighbourhood of Botley, which although quiet, is not far by bus, car or foot from the bustling centre of Oxford proper. 

The Gables Guesthouse boasts beautifully appointed rooms, gourmet breakfasts, a magnificent garden and cozy nooks and conservatories, offering me a peaceful retreat in which to escape, write and reflect, when not busy meeting my friends, shopping and exploring the countryside. 

They have an Award of Excellence from Trip Advisor and stellar reviews from its many guests. Indeed, Hostess, Sally Tompkin, has been named Landlady of the Year so with all of these stellar reviews, I am sure I am in for a wonderful stay at the Gables Guest House!

The Gables Guesthouse
6 Cumnor Hill, Oxford
England
PART II:  CORNWALL

Oh, the rugged, romantic beauty of the rough and tumbling coast of Cornwall is calling my name. Having not been down to this most remote part of the UK for many a year now, I felt compelled to include a visit on this trip on my Alpen Tips & Picks, as well as consider the Merry Maidens Stone Circle as a potential setting for our wedding.

Picturesque Cadgwith Harbour

Surrounded by 300 miles of dramatic coastline, boasting cliffs, captivating fishing harbours and pristine beaches, and not to forget to mention a surfing mecca, Cornwall also holds some of the most romantic stone ruins from Celtic civilizations long gone. It also hosts some of the most historical locations and castle ruins thought to have been associated with King Arthur legends.

What better setting to celebrate our wedding vows for eternity!

ACCOMMODATION TIP:  Mount Haven Hotel

Room with a view. Spectacular!

To explore the magical mysteries of Cornwall, I have chosen the Mount Haven Hotel near the uncrowded, unspoilt western most tip of Cornwall.

The Mount Haven Hotel overlooks the Atlantic sea, with unrivalled views of St. Michael's Mount - one of the legendary Arthurian castles perched on a rock in the bay. It is situated in the tiny, artsy village of Marazion which is known for enjoying more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the UK!



Sunny view of St Michael's Mount
 from the village of Marazion - near Penzance

The area is also known for their exceptionally spectacular sunsets behind the Mount. Indeed, on the weekend that I will be staying at the Mount Haven, there will be a photographic workshop going on, hosted by a local famed photographer, Baxtor Bradford, who has photographed the area's sunrises and sunsets for years - in addition to many other of Cornwall's natural beauty. I hope to meet him and see some of his work!

Dining at the Mount Haven

The Mount Haven Hotel also boasts an award winning restaurant - of course with views! I look forward to sampling their local fare, especially their freshly caught seafood dishes.

I am greatly looking forward to my stay at the Mount Haven and finding out more about their wedding packages and exploring the local area!

The Mount Haven Hotel
Marazion, near Penzance
Cornwall


OUTING TIPS:  Southwest Cornwall

There are so many beautiful places to explore in the remote regions of south west Cornwall.

My number one draw has always been the most ancient remnants and development of mankind  - and yes, I should have become an anthropologist...but never knew I had it in me until discovering and feeling the various ages of antiquity going back thousands of years in Ireland, the UK and in Europe when I first moved there three decades ago!

So my tips and picks for my exciting outings in Cornwall include:

1) A visit to the ancient Neolithic Stone Circles and Ritualistic Monuments erected 3-6000 years ago in Cornwall

The Merry Maidens

The Merry Maidens - the best preserved complete stone circle in Cornwall and heart of ancient ceremonial grounds and features.

Mên-an-Tol

Mên-an-Tol  One of the best megalithic pieces in Great Britain, Mên-an-Tol is a unique stone formation believed to have been used for ancient betrothal and fertility ritualistics. It is believed that ancient man held hands through the hole for matrimonial ceremonies and that if a woman passed through the stone she would soon become pregnant!

2) An outing to St Michael's Mount

Ancient cobbled pathway to St Michael's Mount

Michael's Mount is a tidal island off the north coast of Cornwall (with fantastic views across the bay from the Mount Haven Hotel. 

Once surrounded by vast forests thousands of years ago, there are remnants of Neolithic man on the rocky outcrop overlooking the turbulent sea. By the time of the Norman conquest in 1066, St Michael's Mount had come into the possession of the monks of its sister isle, Mont St Michel in Normandy, France. These French monks built the church and priory with their own hands in the 12th Century. These edifices still stand at the heart of the 16th century castle built (and still owned!) by the St Aubyn family.

I plan on timing my visit with the tides, so as to be able to walk the ancient cobbled path to explore this fascinating island and its rich history.


3) A visit to the Minack Theatre

Built into the cliffs above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea, the Minack Theatre is touted as the 9th Wonder of the World. Overlooking mediterranean blue waters, it is supposedly a great place to spot seals and basking sharks!

Unfortunately, its season for performances will be over, however I look forward to seeing one on a future visit. It must be a spectacular setting to see a play!



**********************************************************************
Also check out...

PART I of this ITINERARY:  IRELAND

*******************************************************

ME! In a pre-historic
Irish Bee Hive Hut

  ABOUT

ALPEN TIPS & PICKS 
European Travel Adventures

Enjoy your next trip to England. Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions when planning your own trip to England, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria or Bavaria! After living in and travelling to Europe for almost 30 years, I love to help plan and recommend as and when I can! I can even assist in bookings and being a personal guide if one likes! My trips offer a different and much more personal perspective to traveling in Europe.

Read a little bit more about me and my travel style and services in my BIO HERE

Enjoy the adventure!

Mary Dawn DeBriae

European Tips and Picks -

Alpen Schatz Style

www.AlpenSchatz.com

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and our super cool Euro Alpine style website:

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ALPEN TRAVEL TIPS & PICKS: OXFORD, ENGLAND



Ready to go out dancing at Fat Lil's 
with best friend Katharine

 

 PART 1: ENGLAND-Oxford

This post is part of my Travel Picks and Tips from my recent visit to England, Ireland, Switzerland, Austria and Bavaria in April/May 2013. To simplify things, I have divided up my posts into areas in each of these countries. This post is about Oxford, England. Click on any of the following links to take you to other regions/countries of your interest. I hope to enlighten and share with those who wish to travel to these areas with some of the highlights of my adventures in these beautiful parts of the world.
Enjoy!

 This post: OXFORD

Also see  London & Chester, ENGLAND/ Dingle & Galway, IRELAND
Coming soon: SWITZERLAND / AUSTRIA & BAVARIA

As a preface, see my bio and full Itinerary  for this trip in the post:

"A Spring Trip to Europe, April 2013"

WITNEY/OXFORD



Dreaming Spires of Oxford from South Park, St Clements

Once leaving London, I drove the short scenic drive through the green rolling hills of the English countryside. Up the M40 and less than an hours drive from the heart of London, I found myself in my old home stomping grounds of lovely Oxfordshire.

WITNEY

 

The Buttercross and Old Market Stalls in Witney

I was planning on spending a full week in Oxford, however decided to take up one of my best friend, Katharine's offer to stay at her 15th century flat in the neighboring Medieval Cotswold market town of Witney for the night. It was Saturday night, and she was anxious to show me "a night out on the town with the locals" of this a classic, non-touristy, working man's town.

 

 DINING & LATE NIGHT PICKS 

THE HORSESHOES PUB & FAT LIL'S

 

We decided to dine in one of the many Old World Pub's in Witney called The Horseshoes. We had a lovely meal, a great bottle of Italian wine and got caught-up on a year and a half of our lives since we had last seen each other. Note that the sister pub  of the Horseshoes is also a very popular pub to dine in. It is called The Hollybush and reservations are HIGHLY recommended!

Following dinner, we joined some of her friend's who happened to be having a drink at the Horseshoe Pub's bar and then followed them out to the LATE night scene of Fat Lil's - one of the town's dancing/music venues. We danced the night away, as if we were in our 20's again and I had forgotten how much I used to love the English dancing scene. The cool thing about Witney, is that it is a nice mix of 20-60 year olds...all of whom were having an equally wonderful time at 'Lil's that night. I was quite impressed with Fat Lil's venue and line-up of music and comedy events - so much that I came back the following weekend to Witney, just to go dancing again!

 

The Horseshoes 78 Corn St, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6BS  Tel. 01993-703086

Fat Lil's 64 Corn St, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6BS  Tel. 01993 703385

 

OXFORD

 

ACCOMMODATION PICK Victorian Charm in the Heart of Oxford

 

 

When visiting Oxford, London or the English countryside, why not stay in my very own Victorian home in the heart of this beautiful city!

 

 

I've added lots of my own antiques and artwork to make my home that much more comfortable and special!

Check it out in more detail HERE

 

Or to book, go to our listing on AIRBNB

Hope to see you in Oxford some day!
 

CAFE/RESTAURANT PICK KAZBAR

 

My good friend
Katharine

Giggling at the Kaz

After depositing my bags at the Belles, we decided to meander over to the Cowley Road and find ourselves a café for a Sunday afternoon "cuppa". On such a lovely day, we could not resist the outdoor seating area of the Kazbar.


Check out the "wanted"
sign at the Kazbar

 The Kazbar is touted not just a cool Spanish/Morrocan style café, but one of the best Tapas Bars in Britain. We had struck a gem. We giggled and chatted over our coffees that afternoon, however came back for the dining experience later on that week. We had one of the best Spanish/MorrocanTapas meals I have had, not to mention the amazing unexpected enternainment of a REAL Flamingo act, including a real Gypsy singer, captivating guitarist and dancer who whirled through out the restaurant in fine and proud Flaminco style.






Flamenco at the Kazbar



 Kazbar 25-27 Cowley Rd, Pxford, OX4 1HP Tel. 01865-202920

Pet Friendly Seating Outdoors

 

HAIRDRESSER PICK ANNE VECK

Emmanuel Esteban - amazing hair stylist

The next day I took my chances in getting an appointment with probably the most acclaimed hairdresser I have ever had work on my hair: Emmanuel Esteban of the acclaimed Anne Veck Salon. As a background, I truly prefer European hairdressers, especially the French ones and when I travel back to Europe, always look forward to getting an amazing cut by the classically trained experts.

On this occasion, I booked in at the Anne Veck Salon, just a block away from the Belles. Anne Veck is a popular French hairdresser who set up two salons in Britain about 20 years ago. She has put together a team of top creative hair genius' to work for her and whom she encourages to expand their talent and creativity.

An Emmanuel Esteban Creation

As Emmanuel worked on my hair, he told me in his lovely, thick French accent, that following 6 years of serious Hairdresser school in Toulouse, France, he had sought out Anne Veck to work with, as she is best known in Europe for her team of avant-garde, creative hairdressers who are winning awards at many of the major events world-wide. He continues to work on his own reputation in creative hairdressing for innovative and commercial work through his involvement in the National Hairdressers Federation Inspire Artistic Team and the International Visionary Awards respectively.

So, if you are in Oxford, be sure to book an appointment with Emmanuel or another of Anne Veck's amazing creative team. I was delighted with the results...albeit, my hair was nothing in the shadow of his "professional" work with the experimental doos he is known for on models in the big time fashion world.

Anne Veck 33 St Clements Oxford OX4 1AB Tel. 01865 727077

BRUNCH PICK GRAND CAFE

 

Feeling like a "new woman" with my professionally sculpted "doo", I walked up to the Oxford high street where I entered into a grandiose cafe, quite appropriately named The Grand Café. It was Brunch time...and as I had not yet had breakfast, treated myself to a mouth watering Smoked Salmon plate complete with chives, rye toast and scrambled eggs. It was delicious as was the fine cup of Earl Grey Tea I sipped on whilst admiring the Parisian style décor and the lively crowd. The Grand Café is an Oxford café institution, being touted as the site of Oxford's first coffee house, dating back to 1650! A great place to meet friends, or just relax and read the paper.

Grand Café 84 The High Street, Oxford OX1 4BG Tel. 01865 - 204463

 

BOOK SHOP PICK BLACKWELLS

 

I actually began this post sitting in the lovely coffee shop of Blackwells bookshop. Blackwells is an academic haven, doubling as Oxford's finest book shop and serving both students and scholars for over a century. What  finer an establishment to inspire and nurture my creative writing whilst posting my adventures, tips and recommendations on the first leg (England) of my European Spring Trip 2013?

Blackwells can be found on Broadstreet in the Oxford City Centre, across the street from Christopher Wren's 17th century work of art, the Sheldonian Theatre and up the road from my favourite downtown, pub, The Turf Tavern. If you like book stores, Blackwells is a must to visit on your trip.


Sheldonian Theatre

 DOWNTOWN PUB PICK
THE TURF TAVERN

 

 Hidden down a narrow passage, the 13th Century Turf Tavern sprang up in the area just outside of the Old City Wall due to the illegal activities of its original patrons to escape the jurisdiction of the governing bodies of the local colleges. It has seen many famous faces over the centuries, including William Shakespeare who frequently drank at the pub and once  (reputedly) shared a pint of Royal Ale with King Henry VIII (the 8th)!

They serve good Pub grub, including vegetarian, and of course, a good Pint. If anything, the atmosphere of sitting in an area which has been a traditional drinking establishment from students to kings, for over 800 years, is well worth the visit.


Turf Tavern 4-5 Bath Place, Oxford OX1 3SU Tel. 01865 243 235 
 

Pet Friendly Seating Outdoors

OLD WORLD HOTEL PICK
THE BATH PLACE HOTEL

 

 Whilst winding your way down the narrow passage to the Turf Tavern, you will pass a very old and historic hotel hidden down the same passage.


The Bath Place Hotel, in which I have also stayed "for the experience" a number of times, is VERY Old World, with sloping floors, low ceilings, winding stairs, charming antiques, etc. The Hotel  was originally a row of early 17th Century Flemish weaver cottages built on the remains of the original Medieval  defenses situated just outside the old city wall - the remains, some of which, can still be seen!

From the 1960's-'80's it was run as a B&B by the former Turf Tavern owner and its most famous guests were Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor who used Bath Place on more than one occasion as a secret rendezvous during Burton’s appearances at the Oxford Playhouse.

AFTERNOON OUTING PICK  
PUNTING ON THE CHERWELL



Punting on the Cherwell, under Magdalen Bridge

There can be nothing more romantic, fun or quintessentially Oxford, than punting up the Cherwell on a sunny afternoon. One of the most well known spots for setting off on a punting adventure is the Magdalen College Boat House next to Magdalen Bridge, a mere few minute walk from the Belles, where I was staying.

 

Whether expert or novice, one can spend a splendid hour or full day on the dreamy Cherwell river.

Blue Skies above Magdalen College

 

One option is to take a picnic and dock up somewhere in the Oxfordshire countryside or the Christchurch Meadows...OR to punt north along the river to the Victoria Arms Pub, which is where my friend Jim and I had lunch one day. So, if you have the time and the weather was like it was when I was in Oxford, do not hesitate to go on your own punting adventure!

COUNTRY PUB PICK  
THE VICTORIA ARMS
 

Situated only a few miles up the road from Oxford in a classic English countryside setting on the River Cherwell, the Victoria Arms makes for a great afternoon outing or dinner excursion. Whether punting or driving to the quint village of Old Marsden, the pub offers GREAT food, with a VERY creative menu, including amazing vegetarian dishes which both Jim and I decided to sample.

Dogs get to dine, too!

Upon entry, I was intrigued to see that the Pub was completely Pet Friendly, as there was a rather large hound stationed quite happily with his people on a neighboring table.

My friend Jim and I about to feast

 

 

 

 

And feast we did, on Sweet Chillie Falafal on a bed of Tabouli and an amazing Polenta Veggie Tower that was to die for. Of course, we had to order the traditional side of chips (large cut English fries) with malt vinegar to boot.








Victoria Arms Pub Mill Lane, Old Marston, Oxfordshire, OX3 0QA Tel. 01865 241382

Pet Friendly Inside and Out

MARKET PICK   OXFORD COVERED MARKET

 

Oxford Covered Market

No trip to Oxford would be complete without a stroll around the 200 year old Covered Market in the City Centre. Here one can find the finest of cheeses through to freshly hung braces of Pheasants, complete with feathers and all. When I lived in Oxford, we would go shopping on a Saturday for gourmet olives for that dinner party we were hosting that night through to delicious but sinful lardy cakes for Sunday breakfast.

My savoury pie at PIEMINISTER

On my visit to the Market on this trip, I decided to grab lunch at one of the amazing old world English pie shops. This pie shop, cleverly named the Pieminister- take on the Prime Minister :), offers award winning "wholesome" savoury pies.

 

They have many mouthwatering meaty versions, however on this occasion, I chose one of their top award winning Vegetarian pies appropriately named the HEIDI Pie. I had them put a dollop of mushy peas on the top which made it even more delicious. MMM it was good! Notice my view of the butcher across the way chopping up meat...possibly for the next meaty pie to be baked at this amazing pie shop!

ENTERTAINMENT PICK   OPEN MIKE AT THE HALF MOON

The Half Moon -
Englands finest Irish Pub

So, in all of the years that I have both lived in and visited Oxford, the Half Moon pub has always been a place I love to go and to bring visiting friends. My dear friend Timothy, swears that it is the only  pub in England with Guiness just like in Ireland. It is a basic, true Irish pub, down to what used to be sawdust on the floor and barrels to sit on. It has now lost the sawdust and the barrels, however still gives that feeling of being in Ireland.

 

Gypsy playing at Open Mic
at the Half Moon Pub

I happened into the pub one Thursday night and  found to my great surprise that it was their Open Mic night. I attend Open Mic regularly in Telluride, and love the talent these evenings bring.

 

 

 

This one is MC'd by a fervent poet called "Sparky - the Dangerous Poet" who is quite the character himself. See a couple of his poems that he also performed on that night on YouTube here and here.

There was much talent  that night, from Oxford students through to business men. One of my favourites was a true to form gypsy looking chap who played a mean accordion.

 

The Half Moon is in St. Clements - well worth a visit, however do check to see what their entertainment program is, as the dates might change from time to time.

 

Sláinte! Enjoy your Guiness!

 

Half Moon 17 St Clement's St  Oxford OX4 1AB Tel. 01865 247808 



 

Blenheim Palace

DAY OUT PICK   BLENHEIM PALACE

Gate into the courtyard

Oxford is situated in Oxfordshire which is part of the gentle rolling hills and stunning villages of the Cotswolds. There are many things to do a short drive away from Oxford, such as visit some of the beautiful Medieval villages of Burford, Stowe-on-the-Wold, and Woodstock. There are romantic ruins tucked into pockets of stunning scenery such as Minster Lovell and grand palaces overlooking sweeping gardens such as Blenheim Palace. On this occasion, I chose pay a visit to Blenheim Palace, where my dear friend Katharine works and which I had never visited in all the years I had lived in and visited Oxford.

Lucky

As I drove my car through the stately entrance gates, past the guard house and down the perfectly manicured lane towards the car park, I felt I was entering Versailles, France, the Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria,  or the Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, Germany.  I strolled through yet another magnificent gate into the inner courtyard where Blenheim Palace and its breathtaking gardens are located,  I was greeted by a most friendly pup called Lucky.
Lucky's was a very special pup in deed. He had been rescued the South of France from horrible conditions, and he now gets to live with his loving owners in the beautiful Cotswolds! They went on to tell me how often they drive over an hour from their home to enjoy a day out in the extensive gardens of Blenheim Palace where Lucky loves to romp and play.

After getting my "doggie fix" and envisioning the day when my own two Bernese would get to travel with me to Britain and get to romp on these same beautiful lawns, I thought it time to explore what treasures the Imperial walls of Blenheim had to disclose.

Dinner anyone?

One of the many
clocks

Upon entry, my breath was taken away at the grandeur of the place.  I found out that there was a complimentary tour that would start in just a few minutes, which I gratefully joined. There is SO MUCH history housed in this magnificent property! I could write novels on it,  but to put it in a brief summary:

Blenheim Palace was a gift from Queen Anne to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough following his famous victory at the Battle of Blindheim against the French 1704 - which took place in Bavaria, Germany! The English could not pronounce or did not care for the proper German name of "Blindheim", so changed the name to Blenheim - after which the palace was named. The gilded State Rooms, house one of the finest collections in Europe, including Europe's largest organ, Coronation Garments, a collection of old Clocks, statues, fine paintings, tapestries, and valuable antiques from Florence to Paris, collected by the Churchills since 1705.

Coronation robes and crowns

Blenheim is where Churchill was born in 1874 and where he later proposed to his wife in the gardens. ‘Blenheim Palace: The Untold Story’ is a great extra exhibit telling 300 years of "Tales" and there is a special Churchill Exhibit well worth a walk through.

After my journey into 300 years of captivating history, I joined Katharine after she got off of work for a stroll around their extensive gardens to a romantic weir where Katharine admitted she and her boyfriend would often frequent on a Sunday afternoon.

1920's designed gardens - by French designer Achille Duchene commissioned
by the 9th Duke of Marlborough

Highly recommended for a day or afternoon out!

Blenheim Palace Woodstock, Oxfordshire, England

Pet Friendly Gardens

Check out pictures of my trip on

Flickr

 

Also see London / Chester

Part of ENGLAND PART I

Spring Euro Trip 2013

Sitting on Romantic Ruin
Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire

Enjoy your visit to the Oxford area and please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions when planning your own trip to England, Ireland or Europe! I love to help and recommend when I can!

 Mary Dawn DeBriae

 European Tips and Picks
Alpen Schatz Style
 

www.AlpenSchatz.com