Exploring The Cotswolds (Part Two)

Day six began with a drive to Burford. We walked up and down the entire main row of shops and found some really great antiques! Our very favorite was Antiques at The George where I found a Royal Crown Derby English Bone China cat (small enough to actually get home)! Our second stop of the day was Cirencester where we came across a huge hall filled with antiques vendors. There was also a cafe where we had a wonderful lunch (complete with Cream Tea). After exploring the town for a bit we then drove to Bibury to see Arlington Row. On our way back to the cottage we returned to Burton-on-the-Water for take away fish and chips before heading home to pack up!

Exploring The Cotswolds (Part One)

We woke up in our magical cottage the morning of day five and had delicious tomato and brie on bread for breakfast before heading out to explore! Our first stop was Bourton-on-the-Water where tons of people were picnicking by the water in celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee. After enjoying the sights and shops we got back in the car and meandered over to Sudeley Castle!

There is a long history to this castle – Queen Katherine Parr, the last and surviving wife of King Henry VIII, is buried there and you can tour the stunning gardens and parts of the inside structure. I would highly recommend visiting if you are in the area! After several hours enjoying the grounds we drove to Stow-on-the-Wold to visit St. Edward’s church (which local lore says inspired J.R.R. Tolkien’s Doors of Durin). Our first full day in the Cotswolds was magical and we ended with another dinner at The Wild Rabbit before some relaxation time back at our Airbnb to rest up for another full day ahead of us!

Broadway and Kingham, Oxfordshire

Day four began with a train ride to Cheltenham to pick up our rental car. We definitely overpacked for our trip and luckily were able to take a cab to the train station and board the train with only a few issues. When we arrived, we were also lucky to get a large cab to the rental car pickup. Once all our luggage was in the car we were on our way! Driving was an adventure (it took awhile to get used to keeping left!) but we made it safely to Broadway for lunch at the Crown & Trumpet Inn. After eating we walked around the Broadway shops!

It was lovely to see everything decorated for the Queen’s Jubilee! Early evening we drove to Kingham and checked into our cottage which was by far our best Airbnb in the UK. There were so many thoughtful details and unique combinations that made it truly special. That night we walked to The Wild Rabbit for dinner and then took a short walk to explore the tiny village we would call home the next few days.

Kensington

On day three Sophie and I got up early to visit Kensington Palace. We knew it wouldn’t be open but wanted to walk around the gardens and at least see it from the outside. Afterwards, we headed back to meet my mom and Grace to get a black cab to The Ritz. Our afternoon tea was a highlight of the trip! After tea we changed and then did some shopping. We walked through Harrods and stopped in Zara to get Grace and Sophie some warmer clothes before visiting the Victoria & Albert. Visiting the museum was one of my favorite parts of London when I studied abroad and was so grateful to get to visit again! It was another quintessential, rainy London day complete with seeing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella in the West End!

Hampton Court Palace (Part Two)

After touring the inside of Hampton Court Palace (both the Tudor and Baroque parts) we headed to lunch. The food in the restaurant was great, I would definitely recommend taking a break to have lunch before exploring the stunning gardens. We walked all around the grounds, taking a ton of photos, and even hopped on a carriage ride when we were getting tired. I’m so grateful I was able to experience all the blooms with my sisters and mom!