Two minibuses set off from Padworth College with Year 9 EAL students to Lacock Abbey and Marlborough.
At Lacock students enjoyed seeing some of the locations in the Harry Potter films. The cauldron and the cloisters were firm favourites. After a tour of the abbey and a visit to the Fox Talbot photography museum they enjoyed a wander around the village of Lacock, which is also a popular set for period dramas such as Pride and Prejudice, and Downton Abbey.
Just after midday they boarded the buses again and followed Cathryn on the ‘scenic’ route to Marlborough, passing thatched cottages, the White Horse at Cherhill and Silbury Hill near Avebury.
In Marlborough they met Ian, their guide for the Merchant’s House – a 17th Century silk merchant’s home that has many of the original features. The uneven oak floorboards of the main room, the original paintwork and the large dining room with table and ‘turkeywoorke’ chairs were of particular interest. Ismail enjoyed sitting at the head of the table and entertaining his classmates!
After twenty minutes of free time in England’s widest high street they jumped back on the bus and were home in time for tea!
