I was stressed. It felt impossible to see everything before my train left for lunch. “Should we skip the palace?” I asked my friend. After all, it had been centuries since it served as a royal retreat. Now, all that remained was a village nestled on its grounds.
“You’re forgetting the view,” my friend said, sighing. The village perched on a hill, promising stunning urban vistas to the south and southwest.
I proposed skipping the garden suburb instead. I was eager to see its exhibition homes – a blend of Arts and Crafts and modernist styles – but we could always come back another day. “Don’t be ridiculous,” my friend retorted. “It’s only a mile and a half south of the village.”
“Then let’s forget the racetrack,” I suggested. I’ve never been a fan of horse racing. “But it’s not for horses,” he growled, clearly impatient. He went on to explain that one of the horses that had raced there was immortalized in his favorite mid-1990s song. “This is non-negotiable,” he insisted.
In the end, he ordered me to stop dithering and get in the car. He drove me to all three places, determined to see them all, finishing at the racetrack. A rare survivor, it’s located in a large town three miles south-southwest of the village. It’s also conveniently close to the station where I’d catch my train, part of a new service that has revolutionized westbound travel in the region.
For once, I was impressed by his driving. “How on earth did you manage that?” I asked. He shrugged and replied with a grin, “Guess I was born slippy.”
A Parisian Escape: Win a Luxurious Getaway
Calling all travel enthusiasts! Are you ready for a Parisian adventure? The Times is offering a dream getaway to the City of Lights, with a luxurious stay at the Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs and return travel by Eurostar.
The Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs, located in the vibrant 6th arrondissement, is a stunning example of avant-garde design, created by Fabrizio Casiraghi. The hotel boasts an eye-catching art collection, including lithographs by Gustav Klimt and Marc Chagall as well as bas-reliefs by François Gilles.
On the ground floor, the Grands Voyageurs’ restaurant evokes the glamour of ocean liners, offering a distinctly transatlantic menu with highlights like New York steak and mac and cheese. The prize includes a three-course dinner for two, making it a perfect romantic escape.
Eurostar’s high-speed trains whisk you to Paris in just two hours and 16 minutes, providing comfortable travel with spacious seating and a light meal served at your seat.
This unforgettable trip is valid until February 25, 2025, subject to availability. To enter, simply answer the questions and complete the entry form at thetimes.co.uk/travel/where-was-i by the end of Thursday, February 29.
This is your chance to experience Parisian luxury and elegance. Don’t miss out on this incredible prize!
Cumbrian Delights: A Foodie’s Paradise
Congratulations to Brian Rollo from Lancashire! He is the lucky winner of a foodie break in Cumbria, worth up to £1,260 at Farlam Hall.
Farlam Hall is a haven for foodies, offering a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. Immerse yourself in the delicious flavors of Cumbria, with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and exceptional cuisine.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the wonders of Cumbria. Sign up for The Times Travel newsletter and follow them on Instagram and X for more travel inspiration and competitions.
