We were lucky to stay in an old country Manor, while we were away. It was such a beautiful area, in the little village of Stratton-on-the-Fosse, near Radstock. The surrounding fields were brilliant greens, dotted with trees that are trying so hard to get their leaves back. Whenever we drove, we would either come over or around a bend, to find fields of yellow shining brighter than the sun. We have been in desperate need to see a badger ever since we moved to the UK, and we were lucky enough to see them on this trip. They may have been squished badgers but I can now imagine what they look like when they are alive.
 |
|
There were two options for food near where we were staying: the local pub or a pub that has recently been fandangled and fancified, meaning you pay more for a smaller portion. We chose the local pub called '
The Wagon Wheel'. It was completely packed. It had such an excellent vibe as soon as we walked in; friends gathering, families laughing, pints being guzzled faster than a disappearing act. The ladies behind the bar were kind and helpful. Even though my pork burger did not come with any coleslaw - like it said it would - I let it slide.
Bradford upon Avon
On our way from Bath to Radstock we drove through a tiny town called Bradford Upon Avon. I know that there are many model towns in this area and I felt as if we had somehow ended up in one. If you happen to be crossing the bridge the same time as a bus, you better be quick or you'll end up like the badgers! All the buildings were tiny and stuck together, there wasn't any structure or plan to where the buildings were, you will be walking on a footpath and then all of a sudden you are in the middle of the road, I loved it. It was like a whole town based on The Shambles in York, there even was a street called the Shambles. Of course, we found ourselves the sweetest little tea shop. In search of an ATM we found many second hand stores, a shop full of New Zealand Memorabilia, plenty of Bridal rooms but no ATM.
The Tea Room was tiny, Lars had to bend in half to get through the doorway. Inside it looked the same as what it has been since the Victorian times. All the gals were dressed in black dresses with white aprons and hats. Tea seemed to be running on tap and Scones with Jam and Cream were more sought after than teens looking for Wifi. It felt like we had stepped through a time machine. It was closing time and we overheard the waitress giving advice to other tourists about what to do in the area. Our next day was planned for us.
Glastonbury
We turned up in our festival gear, ready for all the music. But turns out the festival is not there all year round, who would have thought. What is there all year round is '
The Tor' which means 'The Tower'. Up on a very high hill, over looking land for miles and miles. As we started to ascend this hill we, as it turns out, were on the sheltered side. As soon as we came over a ridge, the wind nearly knocked us over. Children were being held on to to stop from flying away. After a battle with the elements, we made it to the top. All that is left from an old monastery is the tall stone feature. I feel that people go there more for the view of the land, rather than The Tor.
Seeing as The Rolling Stones weren't headlining that evening, we continued on our travels to Wells.
Wells
Well... this little town has been the scenery for many a film. The most well known being
Hot Fuzz. As we drove in, we weren't blown away. We had just been driving through many precious towns and villages and it looked quite similar. But no, this wasn't a village; it was a city. The smallest city in the U.K. A city is classified a city if it has a cathedral. Wells has your village charm yet with a city statement. It was nice to see a group of boys in their Sunday best, all playing football in the field outside the cathedral. The town twists and sways, showing new paths at every turn. The town square has many cute cafes and shops, sadly it was Sunday and everything either closes early or doesn't open at all! Not one single new piece of concrete, the whole place was made out of cobble stones. Wells is Swell, just try and visit on a Saturday.
A new area of the UK explored, a whole kettle of new accents to try and understand. Thank you for welcoming us Somerset, next time, can we see some Badgers who are still moving?
Labels: UK 2017
