Visiting a palace

My first week in England on this visit was absolutely gorgeous--sunny skies, hot temps (in the 80s), everyone had a smile on their face and most were sporting a sunburn or in the process of trying to get one.  In other words, very UN-typical UK weather and it was a perfect day to visit Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.  Fitting since on the last trip I visited his gravesite, eh?  Yes, I did opt to stand in line and get the annual pass since it was free other than getting my mug-shot and a little bit of time, kinda cool carrying that around in my wallet.

very imposing

side view and the moat depression

intricate ironwork

fearsome! looks like something out of a video game

looking up at the eyes looking down in the main entry

Moi

Doesn't she look so elegant?

lush, I probably overuse it but it so applies to quite a lot of the UK

One of the areas we couldn't enter: the maze

love the ducks

Watching the sunbathers

silly pic of me trying to hug one of the giant trees :-)

More sunbathers

We toured much of the interior also but like most places they wouldn't allow photography on the inside (want you to buy the books from the gift shop). Parts of Blenheim Palace can also be rented out for weddings and other events but honestly I wouldn't want to be married there unless it was out in one of the amazing (and extensive) gardens.  Next visit there will be to run the Blenheim Palace half marathon in the fall and I'm hoping to ride the miniature train and play in the Marlborough Maze afterwards--yes, I am still a kid sometimes, lol.

Churchill, the end and beginning

Talking about history, this little village of Bladon was among one of several that I saw on my first day in England.  It's just a little famous for being the burial place of Sir Winston Churchill.  Most definitely one of the "ahhhhh" catch your breath and pause moments.

Approaching St.Martin's Church

Really frustrated that I didn't get this pic straight

Darn wheelie bins 

Later in my trip there was a stop to take pics of Blenheim Palace near Woodstock from outside the gates (at the end of another long day so didn't tour the site--it's on my list for next time) which is of course the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill

Blenheim Palace from afar

zoomed in but blurry

Wish I'd researched races better before my trip, would've liked to have done this one

zooming past the gates