I love London! In 2016 while visiting Holly and I had tea at The Goring Hotel-I was besotted with where Princess Kate stayed before marrying Prince William. And I resolved to stay there asap.
A year ago after visiting Scotland, Mike and I did an extension to London and we checked-in. It was also the Queen Mum's favorite spot for tea.
The service is divine and it is located in Belgravia just around the corner from Buckingham Palace.
My sister-in-law Ann who lives in Austin and could write a book on antiques accompanied me.
Day 1 we took the train to Marlborough House, otherwise known as Blenheim Palace. It took about an hour and a half to get there and then we enjoyed a brisk walk. Each day found us walking under five miles.
Winston Churchill said he made his two most important decisions at Blenheim, "To be born and to get married."
Saturday we incurred some rain but it posed no threat to shopping for antiques for the store.
Truly was excited to find these pulls. Won't they look great on a piece covered in milk paint?
I fell in love with these antique boxes. I have kept all the letters that we used to write to one another which make a winning combo and Ann suggested keeping Christmas cards in them during the holidays. They will be up in the Shoppe soon.
This little shop of Militariana was closed but be assured I will be there on the next trip across the pond.
I am still working on our order for Sterling Silver photo frames. I feature mine atop the piano with the treasured photos from grandchildren, weddings and special occasions.
Next stop was Althorp, ancestral home and burial place of Princess Diana. If you follow me on Instagram you will know this journey was not without a hiccup. FYI...there is more than one Althorp in England. Do not, repeat, do not go to the one with an E, Althorpe. You've been warned!
All was made right when Earl Spencer signed my books at the Althorp Literary Festival held each October. I highly recommend that you attend.
On our last full day we hired a driver and went to Cliveden. Here you see the water tower.
This over 400 year old home has twice been destroyed by fire and rebuilt.
The most recent owners were Nancy and Waldorf Astor. This pool was the scene of the infamous "Profumo Affair."
The grounds are gorgeous and it is currently operated as a Relais & Chateau hotel. We had tea and then toured the grounds. This arcaded wall is all that remains of the original home. You can read all about it in "The Mistresses of Cliveden."
This is John our concierge at The Goring, what can I say, he attended to every detail of our trip. Cannot wait to see him again!
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