Today was Day 8, and honestly, it might be one of my favorite days so far (I’ve said that for pretty much every day, so you can tell I am loving it here lol). We started the morning by taking a bus out to Blenheim Palace, and the second we pulled up, I felt like I was stepping into a movie set. The place is massive, but not in an overwhelming way, it’s more like the kind of grand that makes you stop for a second just to take it all in.
Walking inside was even better. Every room felt like it had a personality. The ceilings were covered in these huge paintings that looked like they belonged in a museum, and the walls were lined with portraits that made you wonder what everyone’s life was like back then. I kept catching myself slowing down just to look at the tiny details like the carved wood, the gold trim, the way the light hit the marble floors. It was one of those tours where you don’t even realize how much time has passed because you’re so wrapped up in everything around you.
When we stepped out into the gardens, it honestly felt like the air changed. Everything was so open and green, and the water terraces were sparkling in the sun. We walked along the paths, and it was just peaceful in a way I didn’t expect. My friend’s and I had so much fun taking pictures around these gardens, and they felt endless with little bridges, quiet corners, and views that looked straight out of a postcard. I could’ve stayed there for hours.
But we had more to see, so we hopped back on the bus and headed to Oxford with our tour guide, Tim, who amazed me with how much he knew about the palace history and Oxford’s history. We walked through the streets, and of course, we had to stop for pistachio gelato. I swear it was the best gelato I’ve ever had. It hit the spot after rushing around all morning. Oxford has this really cool mix of old and lively, like every building has a story, but the town still feels young and busy. There were so many people walking the streets.
We visited New College, and it was honestly stunning. The stone buildings, the quiet courtyards, the way everything felt tucked away from the busy streets, and it was one of those places where you feel like you’re walking through history.
And then came the fun part: seeing the spots where Harry Potter was filmed! I never imagined I’d actually stand there and witness these amazing buildings in my entire life. It made the whole experience feel a little magical, and I couldn’t wait to tell my brother who is a big Harry Potter fan!
After that, we wandered around town, did a little shopping, and learned a ton of history from Tim. Oxford is one of those places where you feel smarter just being there. By the end of the day, I was pretty tired, so I took a nap the whole bus ride back, but yet another amazing experience!