Fernando's Logbook
I fly a plane called Saoirse to places most people drive past, and I bring back the thing the view was hiding. Not the postcard. The story underneath it, the one most people walk straight past. Some of it will make you want to go. Some of it will stay with you for reasons you won't expect. You don't need a plane. You just need to wonder what you've been driving past.
Fernando's Logbook
Where to Fly This Christmas
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Join us for a festive flight to Blenheim Palace, where Christmas magic comes to life!
Explore the grandeur of a UNESCO World Heritage Site transformed into a winter wonderland. Wander through the UK's top-rated illuminated trail and soak in the festive cheer at the Christmas Market.
This Christmas special is packed with travel tips, heartwarming moments, and festive fun for the whole family.
Plus, don't miss the chance to win a delicious giveaway!
Photos and videos of this flight and trip
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We believe the best adventures are shared from one human to another. That’s why everything in Fernando’s Logbook is created entirely by talented people and artists. We do not use Generative AI at any stage.
Hi there and Merry Christmas. Or at least Merry almost Christmas. Now, I had a plan for this episode. A good plan. I wasn't going to fly as to one of my absolute favorite Christmas events here in UK. I had the plane ready, the microphones packed, and I was generally excited to get going. But as you know, in aviation and in life, the weather, or in these case, the reality of the test doesn't always care about your plans. So here's what happened. I recently took my instrument rating test. And well, let's call it uh partial success. I flew a solid test. But there was one section that needed uh do over. So instead of flying off to record a festive podcast special, I found myself in the cockpit with my instructor to revise a particular aspect of the flight. The good news is that I passed. Uh as of last week, I am officially raided. No. The bad news is I completely missed my window to travel to record the new episode. So does that mean that I leave you empty-handed for Christmas? Absolutely not. I'm taking you back to a place that left a huge impact on me last year, Blenheim Palace. This is a place you can fly directly to. I recorded a full episode about this in 2024, and while they tweak the light trails and the scenes every year, the core of the event, the magic, the atmosphere, and the sheer scale of it, it's exactly the same. So if you are looking for a place that feels like stepping into a nano movie, this is it. And instead of a rushed episode from a stressed pilot, here's my honest recommendation from a Christmas trip that actually went into plan. And spoiler alert, it's fantastic. Just as a quick heads-up, this episode is from our sister podcast, Travel Plans. So if you hear me refer to travel plans instead of the pilot log book, don't worry, you are still on the right frequency. Enjoy.
Intro
SPEAKER_08Join pilot and accidental adventurer Fernando Pino as he takes you on captivating journeys to discover exciting destinations across the UK and Europe. In this immersive podcast, you'll fly with him to find your next travel adventure. Uncover off-the-beaten path locals and elevate your travel plans. In this episode, we're taking you on an unforgettable Christmas experience. Get ready for festive lights, enchanting trails, and Christmas markets.
SPEAKER_04Welcome on board for a Christmas special episode of Travel Plans with me, Remember PQ. Today we are flying to Oxford to witness one of the most spectacular Christmas events in England. Christmas and Blenheim Palace. Blenheim Palace is a magnificent 18th-century house surrounded by over 2,000 acres of parkland. We will start our adventure by visiting the Pallas' State Room, transformed into Peter Pan's Neverland. Then we will walk through the aftermath spectacular and UK's leading illuminated trail. This dazzling trail is filled with 1 million festive lights and enchanting displays of color and water, promising an unforgettable experience for everyone. All of these experiences are located on the grounds of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning country houses I've ever visited. We'll be taking off in the next couple of minutes, and I'll talk to you again before we reach our destination. But for now, sit back, relax, and check out our newsletter, which is packed with photos and videos from this trip. The website for the newsletter is travelplanspodcast.com and the link is in the episode notes.
Taking off
SPEAKER_04November to six two dots. Today we are flying to Oxford Airport, which is just five minutes away from Llenheim Palace. It couldn't be closer. Every year, cities and towns around the UK put together Christmas muskets and events for the whole family. Over the years I visit the few, but most likely the most spectacular one is Christmas at Blenheim Palace. And today we are going to find out why it's considered the most popular Christmas trail in the country. It holds centuries of mystery and stories within its walls. Here's Nathan with our In-Flight Entertainment to fill you in on some fascinating facts about this iconic landmark.
In-Flight Entertainment
SPEAKER_06And now, for your In-Flight Entertainment, we turn our attention to Blenham Palace, the magnificent Oxfordshire estate that awaits our arrival. This architectural marvel, constructed in the early years of the 18th century, was bestowed upon John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough, as a token of gratitude from a nation rejoicing in his military triumphs. The Duke, a masterful strategist, led his troops to a resounding victory at the Battle of Blenheim in 1704, safeguarding England's prominence on the European stage. And what a reward he received. But Blenheim's significance extends far beyond its stately facade. It stands as a living testament to the passage of history. Within its very wars, in the year 1874, a son was born to Lord Randolph Churchill and his American wife, Jenny Jerome. That son, christened Winston, would one day rise to become the indomitable Prime Minister who steered Britain through the tumultuous years of World War II. And let us not forget the palace's breathtaking grounds. Lenin boasts a landscaped garden, considered by many to be the pinnacle of English garden design. Masterfully crafted by the celebrated Lancelot capability brand. These gardens are a symphony of nature's artistry where rolling hills, serene lakes, and verb and grove converge in perfect harmony. So, as we descend upon our destination, prepare to be installed by the splendor and heritage of Blenheim Palace. A true national treasure. And now back to your pilot, Fernando.
SPEAKER_04And
Landing at Oxford
SPEAKER_04there you have it, a brief history of Blenheim Palace. We should be landing in just a few minutes. 500. And here we are at uh London Oxford Airport. I never know how to get out of this of these airports. This is the right exit for me. Alright. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. This friendly airport is the perfect way to Oxford, the Cotwills, and of course Glenn Palace. They offer such an excellent service from air traffic to the handling teams. Now, we've flown to Oxford, but if you are taking a train from the station in town, you can catch bus S3. Here's a little known fact. If you arrive at Glenn Palace by bus, bike, or electric car, you are in for a treat. 20% discount on tickets for the palace and gardens. Now, sadly the discount doesn't apply to the Christmas events, but nevertheless, I brought my folding bike on the plane, and I'll be arriving at the palace by bicycle. I'm quite looking forward for the cynic ride, which should only take around 10 to 15 minutes. However, there is a dedicated cycle lane parallel to the road. And let me tell you, this place is enormous. The estate covers a whopping 12,000 acres with everything from the palace itself to farmland, rivers, lakes and over 2,000 acres of parkland. It's a far cry from my little neighborhood. You might have seen Blenheim Palace on TV or in the movies. It has been featured in over 70 productions, including Harry Potter, James Bond, and Mission Impossible. And as I cycle closer, the first thing I spot is the observation wheel standing tall, like a beacon guiding us towards our Christmas adventure!
Arriving at Blenheim Palace
SPEAKER_04Wow, this is impressive. The Great Court is the first thing you see when you arrive, and it's designed to take your breath away. This huge courtyard is surrounded by the main palace building and two wings. And right in the center, there's a Christmas market with over 60 wooden chalets selling all sorts of goodies. I see plenty of food, lots of gifts and festive treats. And uh oh look, there's a stall selling chocolate foam kisses. Oh my god. I have to try one, please. Bear with me or skip forward 30 seconds. Hello. Can I have a milk chocolate one please? Thank you very much.
unknownThank you.
SPEAKER_04I'm sorry I couldn't resist. These are delicious and they take me back to my childhood in Portugal. But there is so much to explore. For example, in the middle of the Grand Court, there is also a covered ice ring where families can go skating. This has to be one of the most iconic settings in the UK. I am surrounded by this majestic palace, all lit up with festive projections, and there's a fantastic atmosphere with music filming the air and the aroma of delicious treats. You absolutely have to see this for yourself. I'll be uploading photos and videos to our website, so check these episodes description for the link or go to travelplanspodcast.com.
Neverland
SPEAKER_04Christmas at Blenheim Palace offers two main attractions. The first event is a Peter Pan-inspired experience called Neverland in the Palace. And our adventure begins here with a journey through Neverland, following Tinkerbell's trail of fairy dust as he enchants the palace staterooms. I've been handed a map of the 12 rooms we'll visit, and which one of them tells a part of the story of Neverland? And the first room is the Great Hall. It's 67 feet high or just over 20 meters. The ceiling is the highest point of the entire palace. And right in the middle of it, there's a giant Christmas tree. And I guess it will be the first of many.
SPEAKER_07So I ran away to Kensington and lived a long, long time among the fairies. Where's Neville? It's there where all the arrows are pointing. Come on, follow me.
SPEAKER_04From that moment we went on an adventure through the corridors of the palace. Lighting, stunning projections, and sound effects brought each room to life, creating a truly merciful experience. Hundreds of theatrical props and sets transformed each room, making us feel like we had stepped right into the pages of Peter Pan. But one room held a particularly special meaning. A room dedicated to Great Ormond Street Hospital or Gosh, as it is most commonly known. And here's a story you might never have heard. The author of Peter Pan, James Matthew Barry, supported Gosh for many years. In 1929, he was asked to sit on a committee to help the hospital buy land to build a new wing. Barry declined but said he hoped to find another way to help. A few months later, the hospital was surprised to learn that Barry had donated all his rights for Peter Pan to Gosh. Many decades later, in 1988, the House of Lords voted in favor of a special clause in the UK's Copyright Act. This amendment gives the hospital the right to a royalty from Peter Pan forever, not the usual 70 years. And that's why even our visit to Glenheim Palace helps Great Ormond Street Hospital offer life-saving treatment to thousands of children. One of the most incredible rooms of the whole Neverland experience was the great library transformed into a pirate ship. The attention to the tale was superb, with cannons, treasure chests, and even Captain Hook lurking in the shadows. Actually, he asked me to send you a message.
SPEAKER_02Thank you, sir. Now be on your way.
SPEAKER_04This is probably the best Christmas display I've ever seen. And what makes it truly special is that it takes you through what are already quite incredible staterooms. But layering on top Peter Pan's story takes it to a whole different level. And I bet there isn't a child or adult who won't like it. Please check our website for all the photos and videos. Words can hardly describe it. And after this experience, I need a pause and a steaming mug of hot chocolate. Let's go back to the Christmas market.
Where to Eat
SPEAKER_04You can experience a steamed Neverland afternoon tea in the restaurant or enjoy street food in one of the many chalets in the Grand Court. Today I'm going for that traditional Christmas dish: a pizza and a hot chocolate. I know, I know. Please
Illuminated Trail
SPEAKER_04let me do it. Now for the main event, the renowned Christmas Illuminations trail. This experience is considered one of the best in the country. So, what is all about? The trail takes us through the gardens, lakes, and parkland around the palace. There are over 20 attractions to discover, including light installations, water fountain shows, and even a fire pit where you can roast marshmallows. And of course, we might catch a glimpse of Father Christmas himself. Oh dear! Each lighting installation was created by a different British or international artist. It will take us around 90 minutes to walk the trail, so to keep this segment short, I'll give you some of the highlights. All the photos and videos are on the episode's website. Let's go. As you join the trail, the only lights to guide your way are those from the art installations. At points it gets pretty dark, which is probably why there are plenty of signs asking you to keep your children close by. But walking in low light makes those installations even more mesmerizing when you reach them. Each display was unique and creative, blending art and technology in a way that was like stepping into a different world. The water fountain show was the highlight. Imagine water jets shooting up and down in time to the music, with colorful lights making it even more dramatic. It was like a water ballet. Halfway through the trail, there is a place to rest and roast marshmallows. We crossed illuminated waterfalls and a full-scale gingerbread house. We also walked through powerful light beams projecting into the sky to the soundtrack of Love actually. Some installations were truly inspiring. Like Flock by the artist Geraldine Pilgrim. She placed hundreds of illuminated doves across several trees, celebrating how simplicity can bring so much joy. And then at the very end, the dreaded sorry, I mean the expected encounter with Father Christmas.
SPEAKER_05Ho ho ho ho! Merry Christmas everybody! I hope you're all being good. Not many more sleeps to go now. I'll be keeping an eye, but I'm sure I can rely on you. Ho ho ho ho ho!
SPEAKER_04Well that was truly magical. The Blenham Palace Eliminity Trail is an experience unlike any other. I've seen many trails before, but to be honest, not at this scale. It's a feast for the senses with stunning lighting displays and captivating music. It's wonderful and reminds me. That even in the darkest of times, there is always light to be found. I wrote that one, I know it's bad, but but I mean it. And we arrived right back at the Christmas market. I don't know about you, but all these walking has made me hungry. Again, I know. Uh let's get one of those chocolate kisses.
SPEAKER_08Next, we'll crunch the numbers and find out how much tickets for this Christmas Wonderland cost. Plus, don't miss your chance to win a special giveaway: a box of those delicious chocolate marshmallow foam kisses that Fernando couldn't resist.
How much?!
SPEAKER_04Okay, we have explored the palace and wandered through the illuminated trail. It's time to take a breath and enjoy the atmosphere here at the Christmas market. As I stand here surrounded by twinkling lights and festive music and the aroma of mold wine, I can't help but feel the joy we associate with Christmas. From the grandeur of the palace to the enchantment of Neverland and the dazzling lights of the trail, this Christmas experience has been nothing short of spectacular. Now, you might be thinking all this magic must come at a hefty cost. And you are right, it could be more budget-friendly to be honest, but let's break it down. Here's something to keep in mind. The ticket prices vary depending on what time of the day you visit. You can also buy tickets for the whole experience or opt for individual events. For a family of four, a standard ticket for the whole experience will cost £197. If you can come later in the day, the cost is slightly cheaper at £171. It's still a significant expense, and that's before you factor in all the extras like the fanfare rides, the food, drinks, transport, and parking. The good news is that your ticket includes an annual pass that gives you free entry to Glenham Palace all year round. So from that perspective, it can be good value assuming you can return here frequently. You can also get tickets for just one attraction. For example, family tickets for the Illuminated Trail start at £72. Also, bear in mind that if the weather isn't great, they operate a the show must-go-on approach. I made up this term, but it means that rain won't stop the show. So please come prepared with a jacket, a raincoat, gloves, and a good pair of walking shoes or even boots. Also, there is a lot of walk to be done. So if you come with your children, be prepared to carry them for a while. It has been a very long day, and I think it's time to call it a night. But before we cycle back to the airport, let's take one last look at this magical place, but from a different perspective. Let's tap into the observation wheel!
Observation Wheel
SPEAKER_04From up here, you can truly appreciate the scale of Christmas at Blenheim Palace. It's splendid and a great way to end our visit here today. We came to Blenhe Palace for this episode, but you can find Christmas joy all over the UK. There are lots of ways to celebrate from big cities to small towns. I've put a list of some amazing Christmas experiences on this episode's website. You can even fly to some of them. There are ideas for everyone, no matter what you like or how much you can spend. And I guess for most of us, Christmas isn't just about fancy decorations or big events. It's about something more important. It's about spending time with the people we love. It's about those happy moments we share with family and friends, making memories we'll always cherish. And now it's time to cycle back to the airport.
SPEAKER_00Go for something merry, something bright, something cheery, something nice. Fill my cup with a little bit of spice. I'll be doing alright, I'll be doing alright. We need all year. Fill my plate, raise and glass these holidays. Yeah, on the fireplace.
Journey home
SPEAKER_04What's a great experience? I hope you enjoyed this Christmas special episode. And if you did, please share it with your friends. It will help me immensely in growing these podcasts. If you want to see more from our Christmas adventure at London Palace, please visit our website at TravelPlance Podcast.com. There you'll find photos, videos, ticket links, and a list of places to eat and stay. And remember to join our live monthly QA. It's an opportunity to ask me questions about any of the trips we take from these podcasts and even get personalized travel suggestions. All the details are on the website. Now, for a special treat, I am giving away a box of those delicious chocolate marshmallow punk kisses to the first listener who emailed me as hello and fernando done today. Hello and Fernando Dot Today before December the 10th. Please write the word giveaway in the subject line, and you could be the lucky winner. Trust me, they are deep behind him. I'll be back next month with another exciting episode ready to take you on a journey to a new destination. From all of us here with Clover Plans, we wish you a joyous Christmas season and the new year filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable cover adventure.
SPEAKER_08I think I found a loophole. Since I'm technically the first day of the finished episode, does that mean I win the chocolates? Okay. In that case, what are you waiting for? Happy Christmas.
