We set off for Woodstock in glorious sunshine, stopping in Leamington Spa. We found a suitable place to park the car and stepped out in search of a suitable place for lunch. Café Royal with its Mexican twist tempted us inside. It was popular so we had to wait outside for a few minutes until a table became available. Mr C chose a panini which when it arrived was quite different to what is usually served. I chose cherry pancakes which turned out to be sweeter than I was expecting.

Before leaving Leamington Spa, we enjoyed browsing around the books in Waterstones, which had a refreshingly different selection of books than usual. I also dealt with a missed call about a problem with a hospital appointment that mum was supposed to have attended that morning. It hadn’t happened, hospital transport had left without her! I missed the person I needed to speak to and needed to call back later in the week to speak to him.

We continued on our journey to Woodstock and booked into the King’s Head, a Fullers Inn. I unpacked my bag whilst Mr C went on a recce of the town. He wasn’t gone long even though he went round the town twice.

Our room was up in the eves with a small window light and a fan that wasn’t working properly. It didn’t rotate so the air in the room was static and warm reflecting the humidity and heat of the air outside. There was nothing for it, we had to ’slum it’ in the bar downstairs with a cool refreshing drink, although much to Mr C’s disgust London Pride (in a Fullers pub) was off the menu. Whilst chilling in the bar I enjoyed colouring in one of my colouring books.

We went back to our room to freshen up, which was difficult in the heat, before dining in the Inn’s restaurant. I chose salmon with orzo, samphire and tomatoes and Mr C elected for pie and chips. Both dishes were delicious. After chatting at the table for a while, we took the remaining wine and sat outside in the warm, refreshing air.