Culture

Snowshill Manor, Broadway

Snowshill Manor, Broadway

This incredible manor house is tucked away in the rolling Cotswold countryside. Behind closed doors is an astonishing collection of artefacts collected by its owner over a lifetime of exploring the world, whilst the delightful garden is beautifully maintained.

Snowshill Manor is home to one of the most incredible collections accumulated by one man, namely Charles Wade. This lovely house has been filled to the brim with the most interesting curios, from musical instruments and vases to Samurai armour and toys. His collection grew so large during his lifetime that he actually had to move out and live above the garage for the remainder of his life!

What makes Snowshill differ to a normal museum is the lack of organised displays – there are no signs or display boxes – things are laid and arranged as if they have just been put there. ‘Let nothing perish’ was Wades’ motto, and the National Trust have certainly followed this, leaving the visitor feeling as if nothing has changed since he lived there.

There are literally thousands of things to see, and as the house is quite small, visits are at set times only. When you turn up you will be allocated a time to go in. Whilst you wait, you can explore the gorgeous gardens (see if you can spot the incredible sun dial) or pop into the tea room or tea garden.

Please note that Snowshill Manor and gardens is only open at weekends in November and then is closed until March, save for one weekend in February for when the snowdrops are out (take a look at the website for details).

Fancy a visit? Take a look at our luxury cottages in the Cotswolds here.

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