Saturday 5^th May 2012

This morning in Swindon was grey, cloudy, windy and about 10° but no rain.

Checked out of Jury’s Inn about 9:30AM and braved the Swindon road system to drive to the Great Western Railway Steam Museum. Confirmed that “The City of Truro” locomotive was not there.

Blemheim Castle

Had a look through the designer outlet centre which is located in the old Swindon railway works buildings. Bruce bought 4 Jeffery Banks business shirts for £99.00, very cheap compared to home.

Left Swindon about 11:30AMand headed to Blenheim Palace in Woodstock. The Palace was the gift of Queen Anne & a grateful nation to the 1^st Duke of Marlborough for his great victory at the battle of Blenheim in 1704.  Sir Winston Churchill was also born in Blenheim Palace in 1874. The Grounds of the palace, which are stunning, were landscaped by Capability Brown. Whilst at the Palace we saw a bird of prey demonstration and some jousting, which were special events as it is bank holiday weekend here.

Royal George Hotel Birdlip

Finally drove to the cute little village of Birdlip in the Cotswolds and checked into our gorgeous, typically old English pub, The Royal George Hotel, for the night. Our room is very quaint with a 4-poster bed. Had a drink in the bar before going into the restaurant for a wonderful dinner.