Today is here…Surreal yet unbelievably fun moments were aplenty throughout our recent sojourn in London, thanks to Visit Britain in collaboration with Malaysia Airlines (MAB) and Dorsett Hospitality International.
After a fitful night’s rest and hearty English breakfast at Dorsett Shepherd’s Bush, Pilot Parker from MAB together with Visit Britain Blue Badge guide Henrietta Ferguson (the gorgeous gal beside yours truly) showed us a jolly good time in London and its surrounds. Our carefully curated itinerary covered five distinct locations and experiences designed to ensure we #LoveGreatBritain.
BLENHEIM PALACE
Built in the 18th century, Blenheim Palace is Britain’s only non-royal palace and the current home of the 12th Duke of Marlborough. The formidable buildings along with its rolling, windswept grounds and parkland is a World Heritage Site.
![]()
Take the Lights, Camera, Action tour to learn whichscenes in the latest James Bond and Mission Impossible flicks, Spectre and Rogue Nation were filmed. It was also the location of choice for the period movie ‘A Little Chaos’ starring Kate Winslet.
Walking through the warren of rooms provided plenty of jaw-dropping momentsthanks to its ornate, gilded interior décor and priceless collection of antiques, wall-size tapestries and precious objects d'art including a 300 year old table clock that still chimes on the hour. We also visited the guest room where Sir Winston Churchill was born in and a memorial room dedicated to the great leader.
A shutterbug’s paradise, practically every nook and corner of its palatial surrounds is fair game. Suffice to say our knowledgeable guides had a hard time keeping us in line as we sneaked away frequently to snap endless photos.
After the whirlwind tour, we were treated to a simple but delicious lunch at the Oxfordshire Pantry. The fresh salad with pine nuts and ham, carrot cake, salmon sandwiches and scones among others featured locally sourced ingredients. The East Courtyard Shop left us spoiled for choice with its exclusive Blenheim Palace memorabilia, homemade preserves and jams, books and souvenirs.
For information on Blenheim Palace, visit: http://www.blenheimpalace.com/
CHARLIE & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
No self-respecting foodie or performing arts fan should miss out on this soul-satisfying musical which is based on Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Make your way to The Theatre Royal Drury Lane – a three and a half centuries old theatrical hub with two Royal boxes in London’s West End.
Marble sculptures in the foyer, detailed ornamental plasterwork on the walls and ceiling and the multiple tiers of royal boxes made the Theatre Royal an impressive sight to behold.
Right from the get-go, the musical had us spellbound like kids trapped in a candy store. The entertaining song and dance about Charlie Bucket and his fantastical Golden Ticket passage into Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory was choc-full of dark humour, sweet whimsical tunes and enchanting scenes.
One cannot help but be impressed by the talented cast performing in that glorious song and dance. Augmented by cutting-edge lighting and stage props, no wonder most visitors make time for a night out to a musical or theatre performance at London’s West End. Thank you Visit Britain for hosting us to this spectacular show.
For more information, visit this link: http://www.charlieandthechocolatefactory.com
To be continued...Chelsea FC Stamford Bridge, The View at The Shard & Shrek's Adventure