Tis Me Michelle

Already my last full day in the Cotswolds. And I made the most of it! Starting off at the Broadway Deli, right next door to my stay. It is of course a deli, as well as a small market with groceries and trinkets. There were a lot of things to choose from. A sausage roll was on my mind. I am convinced if it was warmed up it would have been delicious, but it was rather cold, so it wasn’t my favorite. Before I really started, I walked up to Otis & Belle for a caffeine fix.

With a hot beverage on a chilly day in hand, I explored the area a little bit. There was a little alley I saw the day before and was curious where it led. It opened up to a small children’s park and farm land. Beautiful horses and sheep lounging around, and so much green. So beautiful. Without rushing, I enjoyed taking in the gorgeous country side while I hyped myself up for the trek I was about to go on.

Honestly, I underestimated it, cause I can walk a few miles no problem at home. But I live in flat lands. For some, this would be a breeze. For me, this 1.5 incline hike was a challenge. A wonderful challenge. The entire hike was beautiful and picturesque. I was proud of myself for listening to my body, taking breaks when I needed and continuing forward. And to my body for being so forgiving and giving me so many chances when I don’t do it any favors. Aside from it being on an incline, it was an easy trail. Such a serene walk. It was lovely taking the breaks I needed and taking it all in. A delight to watch sheep getting herded.

There were a few groups of people on the hike along the way. When I was getting closer to the destination, I saw a sweet grandpa and grandson taking a walk together. For years, I wondered if I wanted a family or not. It’s not so much about being a mom, rather to have a caring, loving, close family unit of my own that I can build and build with. It’s not something I had growing up, so it feels so far fetched. In that moment, I realized how much I craved it all.

After the not so long trek, only about an hour, I made it to the Broadway Tower. Quite literally a tower in the middle of the land. Looks medieval from the outside. The inside is absolutely stunning. Each floor had it’s own theme, over the top and welcoming, at the same time. By the tower, along with the horse and sheep nearby, was a group of deer. Couldn’t help but imagining a quiet life, overlooking the goregous land and animals. If there was a tiny bed and a functioning bathroom, I would have moved in immediately.

When I came to terms with the fact that I couldn’t stay, I carried on to the gift shop + cafe they had on the grounds. Should be no surprise to anyone that I had tea, scones, and clotted cream for lunch. Obviously. These scones were a bit more crumbly than I would have liked, aside from that, they were scrumptious.

One of the recommendations I had gotten from the woman at the gallery was a home that was now part of the National Trust and a super charming tiny town. It wasn’t too far, but after the walk, I decided to take a gamble on an Uber. It took a hot minute, but I enjoyed the grounds while waiting, then got picked up to head over to the Snowshill Manor and Garden. As soon as I got there, the woman working at the manor looked at me as my Uber went away and asked if I had a ride back out. Made me a bit nervous. But I carried on, taking my chances.

The home had been owned by a man named Charles Wade, who seemed like a rather quirky person. He accumulated a lot of stuff, so much so, to create a whole museum. It is always crazy to think people just had things like full on samarai armor casually hanging out in their homes. Felt very much like, people with money will spend it one way or another. I enjoyed the architecture and the gardens much more than the collection.

Thankfully, the manor was within the little charming town that was recommended as well. To get to the heart of the town of Snowshill was only a ten minute walk. It is tiny, but another amazing old and quaint, scene-from-a-movie place. Basically, the main town is one big cul-de-sac. There’s a beautiful, medieval looking church right in the center and across the street is a pub, the Snowshill Arms. After checking out the town, I stopped by the pub for a quick drink, while I ordered my next Uber. The woman from the manor would have been surprised at how easy it was for me to find a ride.

I freshened up a bit and rested after all the walking. For dinner, I had a reservation at the newer, hot restaurant in town, Moda at House of George. Similar to the night before, I went a bit early to have a cocktail and journal before my dinner. A more modern, upscale, vibe in a very cozy town. Dinner was a tasting menu, which I opted for the drink pairing, duh. I ended up very full and buzzed. My favorite bite was probably the honey milk bread, so pillowy soft with a touch of sweetness. Everything was good, and beautifully presented. There was simply nothing that was going to stand a chance to the knickerbocker the night before.

I got my buzzed self back to my room, right across the street, for my last sleep in the Cotswolds to close out one of my all time favorite travel days.