For much of its early history Mickleton was probably very much self contained; there was little need or opportunity to venture to nearby towns at least for the majority of the inhabitants. Most food and other necessities could be obtained in the village, and people made their own entertainment or were content (or had to accept) with what was organised in the village, rather than going to local towns except perhaps for special occasions and on market days. With the advent of better communications in the way of improved modes of transport people could venture further afield more frequently, up unto the present day when driving to a nearby village, town or city is an everyday occurrence. Before the modern era of travel it is interesting to speculate which nearby town was the main destination of choice; which town has had the greatest influence on Mickleton? There is probably no definitive answer but it could have been one of three nearby towns, or maybe in part all three.
People possibly moved around more than we might imagine. For the majority it would have been mainly local; venturing further afield such as to local towns would have involved special arrangements. For the few with the means and time, travel to local towns and even cities would have been more feasible and perhaps a regular occurrence, be it for personal reasons or on business. To what extent, therefore, the ordinary residents of Mickleton moved around is a moot point. Initially residents would have had to rely on horse drawn transport but travel would have become easier with the advent of motorised transport links. There can be no doubt that through time the opportunity and inclination to travel would have become easier both from and to the village.
The nearest towns to Mickleton are Chipping Campden in Gloucestershire (3 miles away), Evesham in Worcestershire and Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire (each being about 8 miles away). As Mickleton was a border village between the Cotswolds and Vale it is likely the allegiances with theses towns changed over time. Initially it may have been Chipping Campden due to its proximity, and the property owning and social structure at the time, whereas Evesham and Stratford upon Avon may have become more influential with time due to improved transport links and trading opportunities. Stratford upon Avon would appear to have been a particularly influential if one takes into account transport links, work opportunities, and commercial activities such as markets. Whether this still holds true today is debatable. Maybe the reader can reflect on their own experience and preference.