We slept well last night. We were up at 6:00 am to get ourselves organised to head off to Marylebone Station to catch an early morning train to Oxford. We left the hotel before breakfast started in the dining room. We could have had room service but we weren’t that hungry and we didn’t want to miss the train.

It took a little longer than expected to get a taxi to take us to Marylebone Station. The road closures around the hotel made it pretty tricky for the cab drivers. We eventually got a cab and headed to the station. Once at the station we grappled with the ticket dispensing machines and eventually managed to buy two return tickets to Oxford (although at a purchase price of nearly £150, we think we probably chose a few options we didn’t really need!).

The trip of about 90 minutes to Oxford was very pleasant. Our friend Simon picked us up at the station. We met Simon’s mum, who had also come along for the ride to collect us from the station. We headed off for the short drive to Blenheim Palace for the International Horse Trials. Mags was waiting there to meet us and it was great for us all to catch up again. Simon and Mags had a horse competing in the trials, so that added to the excitement of the day. We kicked off with an early champagne (or two!) and settled in for a fun day.

Blenheim Palace.
Blenheim Palace.

Simon and Mags's horse, Rehy Revelation, competing at the trials.
Simon and Mags's horse, Rehy Revelation, competing at the trials.

After the excitement of the horse competing, we settled down to a lovely lunch in the car park. We were joined by the jockey, Jack, and we chatted to him over a glass of champagne.

Socialising in the car park.
Socialising in the car park.

After lunch we had a walk around and ended up in the Owners Tent for a cup of tea.

Ginny, Andrea, and Milly.
Ginny, Andrea, and Milly.

There was quite the shopping opportunity at the trials and whilst we did come home with a few items, we resisted the opportunity to buy a new Bentley while we were there!

Always time for a spot of shopping!
Always time for a spot of shopping!

Before we knew it the day was nearly over. We stopped for a couple of photos before Simon and Mags took us on a lovely guided tour around Oxford.

Mags and Andrea.
Mags and Andrea.
Simon and Keith.
Simon and Keith.

Simon and Mags dropped us back at Oxford Parkway Station to get the train back into London. We had a pleasant trip back and got back to the hotel around 8:30pm. We had room service for dinner (hamburgers, which were very good), and shortly thereafter collapsed into bed after a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Room service for dinner.
Room service for dinner.

Tomorrow is the Queen’s funeral, so we plan to mostly stay in the hotel for the day since everything is closed and the streets will be filled with millions of people.