Today was another unforgettable day on our journey, as we met up with the amazing Tim again for some more fun tours! We began the morning at Blenheim Palace, and from the moment we stepped through the gates, it felt like we had entered a world of grandeur and history. The palace is absolutely massive and breathtaking, with its sweeping architecture, grand interiors, and manicured gardens stretching out in every direction.
Inside, we toured the State Rooms, each one more ornate and historically rich than the last. The detail in the ceilings, the artwork on the walls, and the furniture all spoke to the palace’s royal lineage and its role in British history. One of the most striking moments was standing in Winston Churchill’s birth room. It was crazy to think one of the most iconic leaders of the 20th century was born there and it made history feel incredibly close and real.
We also visited the palace chapel, a ornate and elegant space that added to the sense of reverence and tradition that the estate carries. It definitely stood out from most chapel’s that I’ve seen previously and clearly matched the grandeur of the palace.The formal gardens were another highlight with its immaculately kept and bursting with color, with elegant fountains and carefully trimmed hedges. Walking through them felt like stepping into a dream, the kind of place you only see in movies or period dramas. While we were there, It was very interesting to learn about the Marlborough family and their rich history. I didn’t really know much detail about them previously so it was great getting to hear about it!
After soaking in the beauty of Blenheim, we hopped back on the bus and made our way to Oxford, where we had a quick but much-needed lunch break. Refueled and ready to explore, we began with a visit to New College, one of the oldest and most beautiful colleges in the university. We got to walk through the chapel, which was serene and stunning with its stained-glass windows and intricate woodwork. The dining hall was also amazing with long wooden tables, portraits on the walls, lamp lighting, and an atmosphere steeped in centuries of tradition. It was cool to think that the students actually get to eat and live in such a historical-seeming place. The gardens there were lush and peaceful, tucked away like a hidden oasis within the college walls. It was relaxing to get to explore them and lay out a bit to soak in some sun.
After exploring New College, Tim led us on a guided walking tour through Oxford. As we walked along the cobblestone streets, he pointed out significant buildings such as the Radcliffe Camera, Christ Chirch, Examination Schools, and the Christ Chruch dining hall, the buidling that Hogwarts’s Great Hall is based on. For each stop he explained their history, architecture, and the famous scholars who once studied there for the different colleges we saw. It was fascinating to learn about the city’s deep academic roots and to see how history and modern student life coexist so naturally in this vibrant town.
We ended the trip with some shopping and then enjoyed a relaxing dinner at a cozy local café. Sitting down with good food after a full day of walking and learning was the perfect way to wrap things up.
From royal estates to ancient colleges, today was a perfect blend of English history, natural beauty, and academic charm. It’s days like these that remind me how lucky I am to be on this journey.
