On our drive to Oxford, we spent most of the day at Blenheim Palace, the current home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough. The palace was built in the 18th century and was the site where Winston Churchill was born. The palace and its grounds are very expansive and beautifully maintained. Besides touring the impressive richly appointed state rooms, we also toured the private apartment area of the current Duke and his family (only two of the four floors). There was also a special exhibit honoring the 50th year since the passing of Winston Churchill. What is Winston Churchill's tie to Blenheim? He was related to the family (first cousin to 9th Duke of Marlborough) and spent his time as a youth visiting his relatives in Blenheim. Winston Churchill also proposed to his future wife while visiting Blenheim Palace.
We arrived late into Oxford and, thus, had only one full day in Oxford. As it was a rainy morning, we decided to focus on an indooor tourist site, hence our visit to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Located in a neo-gothic building with steel girder posts and glass ceiling panels, we enjoyed the exhibits focusing on birds, dinosaurs, Lewis Carrol and Charles Darwin. We wanted to see Oxford's Ashmolean Museum and Museum of the History of Science, but both were closed on Mondays. As it was, trying to squeeze three museum visits into a single day would have been a challenge.
With the rain taking a break, we left the museum, and toured the Bodleian Library , Bridge of Sighs and Sheldonian Theater. The 30 minute guided tour of the Bodleian Divinity Library was excellent and recommended. One of the first major libraries, books from the 14th century can be found in this library.
Continuing our walk through Oxford, we visited the Covered Market (quite a few touristy shops there) and the grounds of Trinity College. Since school was still in session for most colleges, we were unable to enter many of them. For those unfamiliar with Oxford, there are 38 independent colleges that are loosely affiliated and all are referred to as Oxford University. Looking into the dining hall of Trinity College, we could see how the concept of Harry Potter's dining hall came to be.
Other than a quick visit to the city rail center to pick up our train tickets for a subsequent trip to London, we found ourselves at day end. Dinner was at the Oxford Kitchen. This dinner was exceptional, from appetizer, main, sides and dessert. The food selections were very creative and delicious. Service was attentive throughout dinner. The Oxford Kitchen is located in Summertown, only two miles from the city center of Oxford.
The Remont House: We stayed at the very modern appearing Remont House, also in Summertown. The room was furnished with a large king bed, sofa bed, armoire, dual nightstands and desk. Tea and coffee service was provided in the room and a daily hot and cold breakfast served from 7:30am to 9:30am.
Turning in our rental car in Oxford, we are on our the last leg of our UK land trip. We'll be taking the train from Oxford to London and, after a few days in London, leave London by private car.
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| © 2015, R. Ono |
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| © 2015, R. Ono |
We arrived late into Oxford and, thus, had only one full day in Oxford. As it was a rainy morning, we decided to focus on an indooor tourist site, hence our visit to the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. Located in a neo-gothic building with steel girder posts and glass ceiling panels, we enjoyed the exhibits focusing on birds, dinosaurs, Lewis Carrol and Charles Darwin. We wanted to see Oxford's Ashmolean Museum and Museum of the History of Science, but both were closed on Mondays. As it was, trying to squeeze three museum visits into a single day would have been a challenge.
With the rain taking a break, we left the museum, and toured the Bodleian Library , Bridge of Sighs and Sheldonian Theater. The 30 minute guided tour of the Bodleian Divinity Library was excellent and recommended. One of the first major libraries, books from the 14th century can be found in this library.
Continuing our walk through Oxford, we visited the Covered Market (quite a few touristy shops there) and the grounds of Trinity College. Since school was still in session for most colleges, we were unable to enter many of them. For those unfamiliar with Oxford, there are 38 independent colleges that are loosely affiliated and all are referred to as Oxford University. Looking into the dining hall of Trinity College, we could see how the concept of Harry Potter's dining hall came to be.
Other than a quick visit to the city rail center to pick up our train tickets for a subsequent trip to London, we found ourselves at day end. Dinner was at the Oxford Kitchen. This dinner was exceptional, from appetizer, main, sides and dessert. The food selections were very creative and delicious. Service was attentive throughout dinner. The Oxford Kitchen is located in Summertown, only two miles from the city center of Oxford.
The Remont House: We stayed at the very modern appearing Remont House, also in Summertown. The room was furnished with a large king bed, sofa bed, armoire, dual nightstands and desk. Tea and coffee service was provided in the room and a daily hot and cold breakfast served from 7:30am to 9:30am.
Turning in our rental car in Oxford, we are on our the last leg of our UK land trip. We'll be taking the train from Oxford to London and, after a few days in London, leave London by private car.
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