London II and into the Cotswolds

Last Thursday we had our second family trip to London which was very different from the first trip a month ago. Our destination was the Tower of London. I had been once before, 16 years ago. Alex never. We got to see the exquisite Crown Jewels without too much queuing and the central, fairytale White Tower was impressive with its Line of Kings (armoury exhibition of kings past).

However, what is likely to be as memorable as the Crown Jewels are the traffic disruptions of the day. When functioning properly, public transport in London is an extremely efficient means of getting around but when it’s not, can be incredibly inconvenient. While the day was fine enough for us, a huge downpour during the night had caused some surface flooding affecting some Underground lines, including the one providing our most direct route. The 30 minute journey therefore took over an hour. All precious time when you only have a few hours!

At the end of the day we experienced another public transport hiccup where the train back to Oxford was filled to maximum capacity- if not more! Where we were, in between the carriages at least, there was no air-con and it made for a “tropical” journey home. I’ll never forget the poor man near us whose shirt was absolutely saturated!

All part of the experience and a realistic one of the public transport system in the busy city of London.

Going back to last weekend, we hired a car and vetured further afield to explore north of Oxford and then into the Cotswolds on a couple of day trips. Not necessarily in the correct order, the photos show-

Worton Organic Garden with a delightful cafe and farm shop where we walked around the gardens to look at the animals and use the loo! All true to the natural way of life!

Cogges Manor Farm on the Sunday was a great place to celebrate Father's Day (UK), with it's vintage machinery themed day. As well as the manor house, stables and farm yard, the large property also had an adventure playground and wooded area where you could pick up a kit and make a den - William's favourite and he was quite upset when he realised we wouldn't be spending the night in it!

Chastleton House- a stately house that until it was bought by the National Trust in 1991 was in the same family for 400 years. With the family unable to maintain the house it has held most historic features and furnishings and entering it really feels like a step back in time. Alex and I visited here 11 years ago. One new fact I learnt this visit

was that it is the home of the game croquet which meant we had to have a game on the lawn (our own rules applied). Having read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland recently it felt fitting to imagine the flamingoes and deck of cards as company.

With the car for another day and the weather not suitable for a visit to the Cotswold Wildlife Park we drove back into the picturesque Cotswolds to two more National Trust properties-

Chedworth Roman Villa and it's amazing mosaic flooring which is being preserved within a modern conservation buidling. The ruins were only discovered 150 years ago and have only been in the hands of the NT for a few years. The property even has it's own Roman snails that were a delicacy in Roman times.

Snowshill Manor and it's house purchased in 1919 by collector of unusual curiosities, Charles Wade. His motto, "to let nothing perish" is well expressed through this eclectic collection of items from around the world, crammed into every nook and cranny of this historic house.

In summary, a FULL weekend while we had use of the car. Felt very special to revisit the Cotswolds where Alex and I spent our 1st wedding anniversary and retrace steps, albeit in quite a different way with four kids in tow!

Finally, I have to mention the star event- Gifford Circus. I had been anticipating this evening since hearing about the circus soon after our arrival and eagerly booked tickets a few weeks ago. It far exceeded expectations.

The creators are locals and started this travelling circus in 2000. Each summer they bring a different themed circus to Oxford (amongst other towns) and set up on a park or village green for the week. A story is told through song, humour and the most amazing gymnastics and acrobatics I have ever seen with horses being central to the performance. We had a magical night out. If you ever encounter Gifford Circus, book tickets and GO!