Downton Abbey ...ish!

Eynsham Hall

In spite of not sleeping in the main hall we were able to have breakfast there. The old library was a perfect place to start the day.

Eynsham Hall breakfast

On our way to Manchester we stopped at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace and ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill.

Blenheim Palace

Actually we planned to visit Highclere Castle also known as Downton Abbey but it was closed for visitors. To still get some Downton feel we took the downstairs tour of Blenheim Palace.

Blenheim Palace Great Hall

A nice old lady showed us the hidden side of the palace, the area where the palace was and still is kept running.

Blenheim Palace Green Drawing Room

Blenheim Palace Long Library

Not all of the site is accessible, but it was possible for me to explore the lower level of the palace with an audio guide. Afterwards we took a walk through the summer heat in the gardens.

Blenheim Palace Park and Gardens

We left Blenheim Palace and hit the road, or bad traffic, to arrive in Manchester in the late afternoon. Our hotel was the Premier Inn in Old Trafford, located next to Old Trafford Stadium. With a tram station in walking distance you can reach the city centre within 30 minutes.

Manchester Metrolink accessible boarding point

Manchester Metrolink

Perfect for some shopping and... Lebanese cheese cake! (Read the whole story about this delicious cheesecake here.) I was devastated to find out that Bakchich was closed due to renovation. No need to be sad. We switched plans and had a delicious dinner at Mowgli's, a place that serves Indian street food. Don't miss both places when in Manchester! Continue here.

Mowgli Street Food Manchester