Road Trip for my Mum's birthday

Geo and I are already a few months into placement, and while working life is tired we seem to be both enjoying our jobs. Training is over and the real thing has begun! No idea how we will go back to studying and uni life but that is still a while away.

Last week my parents have come to visit me and to see London. During their last weekend here and for my mother's birthday, Geo and I decided to take them on a three day road trip around South England.

Day 1
Our first stop was Milton Keynes, mainly to visit my dad's Open University so that he could see the place that he received his degree from. It was interesting to see a different type of campus and my dad's excitement was definitely worth it!

From there we drove to Bletchley Park, a World War II territory, most known for code breaking and the place where Alan Turing and his team broke the German Enigma code. My research had failed me with this one, as I just expected it to be a house in a park that we could quickly see, but ended up being a massive territory with many small museums inside it. We ended up spending longer than planned but worked our way through it quite quickly as everyone was craving lunch.

1.5 chickens and a massive sandwich later we continued our journey and arrived in Stratford Upon Avon, Shakespeare's birthplace. Unfortunately, by the time we arrived the house itself was closed, but we had a lovely walk around the town and looked at the sights from afar.

Our day finished with another drive, which took us to a beautiful hotel in the countryside. Billesley Manor Hotel, was hosting a wedding that same evening, so while our dinner was a bit prolonged, it gave the hotel another flair and some pretty groovy songs to vibrate our guestroom walls.


Day 2
The second day started with an extensive photos shoot on the ground of the hotel, making use of its beautiful facade, garden and abstract hedge art. This was followed by my mum opening her birthday presents and some time to explore them.

From there we drove to Blenheim Palace only to discover it was closed... for a private wedding of the Lord's son. It was bold on the website... once again my research had failed me... (a pattern is emerging isn't it) on the bright side, on the way there we had discovered a wonderful pub and stopped there for lunch.

Next stop was Oxford, where we wandered the streets, enjoying the feel of the town and the beautiful and extraordinary campus of the University of Oxford.

Lastly, we finished the evening off with a tasty dinner and some Gin and tonics/lemonades by the hotel.

Day 3
The last day had the most touristy programme as we spend the morning in Blenheim Palace (home of Churchill and his family) and the afternoon at Windsor Castle (main residence of the Queen and her family). Both were fascinating in their own way, and I couldn't say which one I enjoyed more.

Geo drove us back to Welwyn, where we had dinner (sooo much foood) and finally let Geo go home, ready for work Monday morning. (Thank you for driving us! I hope you enjoyed yourself too!)

 -KK