Our walking tour began at the New College of Oxford, one of the 38 colleges that make up the university. Each college has its own dining hall, church, dormitories and library which creates the academic community for the students at that college. It was amazing. It felt like you entered a Harry Potter movie set which makes sense since the movies were filmed for the most part at this college. It was"Open Day" which is when the colleges are open to prospective stud...

Change of plans due to weather. Decided to do a palace today and the walking tour of Oxford tomorrow when it may be drier. Took the public bus to Blenheim Palace. Hard to believe we've been here a week and this is our first palace experience. This is the only residence of non-royals allowed to be called a palace. The first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, received the royal land from Queen Anne, hence, a palace. Not only beautiful, but famous for its associat...

Our journey to explore the Cotswolds began in Painswick, a small, not very touristy village. Lovely cemetery and topiary. From there to the most touristy village of Bourton-on-the-Water. Very crowded but cute village with canals. Last stop, Stow-on-the-Wold. Charming. On to Oxford and rain! Small hotel tucked in an alley next to an old pub. Walked around the city, umbrella in hand. Dinner at our pub and early evening. Walking tour tomorrow. Hopefully without umb...