We spent most of our second day in the Cotswolds at Hidcote Manor, touring the house and gardens, eating cake for lunch, and plein air painting.  It was late afternoon by the time we headed to our second destination – Broadway.  After visiting several villages the day before, I started to understand that while each village is comprised of historic buildings, made from the same honey-colored Cotswold stone, they each have their own feel and flavor.  Broadway was mostly flat, with just a gentle hill on one side of the main street.  The street was wide, which might be the reason for the village name.  It was lined with shops and houses, stone walls, and hedges, similar to other Cotswold villages.

We walked up one side of the street and down the other, lingering at shop windows to comment on the displays and wares.

It was a beautiful time for photos.  The light was warm, and the stones glowed wherever they were touched by it.

We strolled by a fine art gallery and decided to step inside.  It was just the kind of art gallery you hope to trip across.  It felt like a small museum, with a collection of contemporary artists as well as vintage and antique drawings and paintings.

When we first arrived, we asked the host about the collection, and he shared some information about his favorite works.  I asked if it was okay to take pictures, and he said it was.  He then straightened up in his chair, combed his hair to the side with his fingers, smiled, and said, “Okay, I’m ready.”  I love British humor.  He feigned disappointment that I wasn’t asking to take a picture of him, but of the gallery and art.

As we looked around the small gallery, I swore I recognized the artist behind a piece leaning against the back of a sofa.  It hadn’t been hung and wasn’t labeled, so I figured I was imagining a likeness.  The host walked around through the doorway, “Those just came in!  They are by Jenny Aitken.“

Without thinking, I exclaimed, “Oh, I know her!”

In actuality, I don’t know her, but I follow her on Instagram and have her book.  I’ve left comments and engaged with her, so I feel like she is an acquaintance.  At the very least, I was proud that I was able to recognize her style and work in an unexpected setting.

There were also several antique dog paintings featured in the gallery’s collection, and I enjoyed studying those.

On the way back to the car, I took some pictures of this little garden area.  I love the combination of textures and the repetition.  I saw garden inspiration everywhere in the Cotswolds!

With the sun getting lower on the horizon, I requested we drive some more so I could take pictures of the long light over the countryside.  Julia decided to take us to Broadway Tower, another National Trust property, where there was a fantastic vista.

We arrived at the tower just minutes after they closed the gates to the public!  We couldn’t even get near the edge of the hill to see and photograph the view.

So, Julia shifted gears.  She drove us to Dover’s Hill.  Even though we were racing against the fading light, she still pulled over so I could take pictures along the way.

Dover’s Hill was even better than Broadway Tower.  Well, since I only saw it from the road, this was definitely better.  Not only was the view spectacular, but there were sheep grazing all along the hillside.  After a few minutes of admiring the view, I realized I was standing in the fenced area where the sheep were grazing.  That meant I could get closer.  My mom and Julia did not want to walk to get closer to the sheep, but I couldn’t resist.

While most of the flock was a good hike away, there was a little group that wasn’t too far.

I was able to get within feet of them to get some great pictures.  I didn’t bring the best lens on this trip, so some of the photos aren’t as crisp as I would like, but they are still perfect to use as references for paintings.

I also enjoyed the moment for what it was.  I was in the English countryside, on a beautiful hilltop, sitting in the grass surrounded by grazing sheep, all in the golden light of a beautiful early fall evening.  While I know Julia and my mom would’ve been good company, I was glad I had those moments to myself.  Just me and the sheep and the sound of their hooves and teeth ripping grass.  It was magical.

In case you were unaware, as I was, Dover’s Hill is not just a place to take in a pretty view and get close to some Cotswold sheep.  It is the home of the Cotswold Olimpick games featuring Shin Kicking.  I was laughing so hard when Julia told us about it and then showed us a video of the sport.  Two people lock arms and kick each other in the shins until someone either gives up or is declared the victor by the judge.

But not to be outdone, there is also a cheese rolling game where a large cheese wheel is hurled down the hill, and people follow.  They roll and stumble through the brambles, thorns, and rocks in the hopes of being the first to catch the cheese.  We watched a video of that spectacle, too.  Imagine the scene where Buttercup tumbles down the hill after Wesley in The Princess Bride, and you have a pretty good sense of what the cheese rolling game looks like.

I started to wonder about the collective IQ of this area…

In actuality, I found it hysterical and love the fact that they have kept these games going for over 400 years.

After striking out on finding classic English pub food the first night, we decided to ask for some suggestions on night two.  We came upon an American who lives in Chipping Campden and, without hesitation, she pointed us to the Noel Arms Hotel.  “They are the best.  Eat at the bar.  You’ll get faster service, and it has a better vibe.”

She was right about the vibe.  Only one small round table with two chairs was available, so Julia asked if she could pull an unused chair from another table over.  As we were shuffling the furniture, a larger table with a bench and two chairs was vacated.  Before it was even cleaned off, we started moving over to it.  A young man behind the bar walked over with a rag and joked, “Oh, so you’re stealing my table?”

We all ordered Beef Pie, and it was the proper British dinner we’d been hoping for.  It came with a side of gravy, a spoonful of mashed potatoes, and a few mixed green veggies.

The gravy was rich and flavorful, the pie crust was tender, and the beef chunks in the pie had just the right amount of chew.  I ate everything except a few pieces of wilted kale, which the waiter ribbed me about.  “What happened here?  I can’t take this plate until you finish your greens.”

We went back to our thatched cottage and repeated our day one tradition of having a small glass of port and dark chocolate chips before going to bed.

Next up, we meander our way to a rare breed farm so I can get my fill of animal pictures.  You can read that blog post HERE.

You can read more about our Cotswold trip here…

Arrival & Burford | “gateway to the Cotswolds”

Bibury, Barnsley, & The Pig

Cirencester, Seasalt Cornwall, and Bourton-on-the-Water

The Thatched Cottage in Chipping Campden

Hidcote Manor | National Trust Home & Garden

Plein Air Painting at Hidcote Manor

Cotswold Farm Park | rare breed farm