Stowe Gardens & Cambridge, A Weekend With Ricky & Claire

My time in London feels like it is disappearing much too quickly, like water down the drain without a plug, I am helpless to slow it down. Work is busy and demanding and just trying to keep up with everything some days (like today!) feels like a strain. My heart isn’t in it. So a little weekend country pick me up should act as a tonic. Bring on a country weekend discovering Stowe Gardens and Cambridge.

Ricky & Claire, now having moved into their own house, both seem much happier for the move. Ricky picks me up from the station on Friday night and although I’m running late from work and don’t get in until later than expected, he is waiting for me and Claire has cooked a roast so the house smells amazing as we arrive home. The delicious meal and cosy home are already working as the tonic that I need.

Stowe Gardens

Come Saturday morning and unfortunately Ricky has to work so I join Claire whilst she gives her morning horse riding lessons and take a stroll in the historic Stowe Gardens.

Remember that really straight road leading up to big arch that looks through to a mansion that was the Duke’s house? Our entrance is not so grand but perhaps more beautiful for arriving at the arresting view of the house across the water on (with!) horses. Still, I’m skipping ahead.

Stowe Stables

Before this, I have neither the experience nor the requisite dress required for helping around the stables, so unfortunately all I can do is watch the horses being prepared before we set off for the first round leading two children on their morning ride. The walk is an hour circuit skirting around the outside of these very picturesque gardens.

It is so romantic here. Although construction of the house started around 1677, the sprawling gardens are largely 18th Century, covering an area of 250 acres. The property has several lakes and fields as well as a number of notable structures, apart from Stowe House itself.

We enter from the direction of the Farm House and stables, located near the striking Corinthian Arch. The memorial arch, while impressive, was built in 1765 by the Lord Camelford, Thomas Pitt and acts more as a frame for the view than an approach to the house.

Having passed the arch on the way in to the stables, we head out along Bell Gate Drive and through the Bell Gate into the gardens proper. The walk takes us along Pegg’s Terrace and up to the Temple of Venus, before turning and following the path back to the stables to prepare the horses for the second round of riders.

Diversions

At the beginning of the next walk I depart from the group to explore more of the gardens on foot, where horses are not allowed. There are all manner of temples, bridges, monuments and even a church scattered around the grounds and it is a pleasant walk although the icy February weather eventually drives me back to the shelter of the stables.

Luckily the rain has mostly held off and I’m not particularly wet, despite being frozen through. Claire and I are welcomed inside the cosy farmhouse by the owners of the stables for lunch. After another round of horses in the afternoon Ricky picks me up and we manage a spot of other sightseeing, however the weather has turned nasty and we head home for another cosy evening in the warm.

Cambridge

Thankfully, Sunday brings clearer skies, and we set off for Cambridge around 9:30 a.m. I’m genuinely excited to visit this historic city and the prestigious University of Cambridge, founded in 1209 along the River Cam. The weight of its history is astounding. The university consists of 31 colleges, including the renowned King’s College, Trinity College, and St John’s College.

King’s College stands out for its magnificent Gothic Chapel, one of the finest examples of late Gothic architecture in the world. Inside, its immense fan-vaulted ceiling, the largest of its kind, soars above intricate stained-glass windows and a beautifully carved wooden chancel screen. The famous King’s College Choir fills the space with music that feels almost divine. Statistics and accolades aside, the chapel is nothing short of breathtaking: majestic, timeless and utterly unforgettable.

Trinity College was founded in 1546 by Henry VIII. Its members boast a total of 34 Nobel Prize winners out of 116 won by members of the University¹.

St John’s College stands out for its striking crenelated Great Gate. Built in the 16th century, it proudly displays the arms of its foundress, Lady Margaret Beaufort. The college also features the picturesque and romantically named Bridge of Sighs, one of Cambridge’s most photographed landmarks. Established by royal charter on 9 April 1511, St John’s remains a charitable corporation. After all these years, it’s still dedicated to education, religion, learning and research. As someone familiar with legal history, it’s remarkable to think that this original charter still holds force and recognition more than five centuries later.

High Street

After exploring the colleges, we wander down the High Street, taking in the charm of the local markets. We stop for lunch at a cozy little café before continuing to explore more of the town’s historic buildings and churches. Cambridge feels a bit smaller than Oxford but every bit as beautiful, perhaps even more so. The cobbled streets, lush parks and landscaped gardens that wind alongside the river create the perfect picture of an English town – graceful, timeless, and steeped in history.

After exploring the colleges we take a walk down the High Street and enjoy the pretty markets. We have lunch in a little cafe and look into some more buildings and churches, wandering and enjoying the atmosphere. The town is a bit smaller than Oxford but just as beautiful, perhaps even more so. The cobbled streets, parks and landscaped gardens with the river running through are just what you expect a perfect English town, especially one of this historic significance, to deliver.

Around 4 p.m., it’s time to head back, and Ricky and Claire kindly drop me at the train station for my journey to London. Another workweek awaits. A return to routine and a few chores left behind in favor of the weekend escape. Midweek brings some social balance, with work drinks on Wednesday to meet the tax team from RBS. On Thursday, we say goodbye to our flatmate Alessandro. He’s off to Glasgow for an exciting new job – and to reunite with his partner, something he’s clearly thrilled about.

As for me, I’m excited about next weekend and perhaps another escape to the countryside.

Good To Know

Cambridge is easy to reach by train from London, making it perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Beyond the famous university sights, the city offers a wealth of museums, historic churches and charming streets to explore.

Stowe House and Gardens however, is a little less accessible and best reached by car. The estate lies about nine miles from Bicester and 14 miles from Milton Keynes Central, both of which have taxi ranks. Buses also run to the nearby town of Buckingham, about 1.5 miles from Stowe. For opening hours and visitor details, check the National Trust website for opening hours and further information.

Would I Return?

Yes. Hopefully I’ll make it into the house at Stowe next time. And an extra day in Cambridge wouldn’t go astray either.