Broadway

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I love Broadway. In my opinion, it has the most to offer of any Cotswolds village and is one of the most beautiful. The leafy High Street (incidentally, the longest High Street in the UK) opens onto an idyllic village green. There are shops to explore, great food to try, pubs to get a good pint, and history etched into everything you see. As well as the village itself, the surrounding area has so many great things to do and see.

When to Visit

​Broadway is beautiful to visit any time of year. The High Street is lined with trees, so the village takes on a very different feel in each season. Spring is an excellent time to visit if you want to avoid the bigger crowds, but the weather can be unpredictable! Summer is the warmest and the best time to see the abundant gardens in bloom. However, it can be very busy, especially on weekends during the school holidays. It tends to stay busy throughout September when the walkers descend, but quietens down after that until Christmas.

The History

​One glance at the High Street tells you that Broadway is steeped in history. People have been settling here since the Bronze Age, and it is listed as a settlement in the Domesday Book (1086). During the Middle Ages, the area boomed with the rise of the wool trade. The wool from Cotswold Lion sheep, which were introduced by the Romans, was prized across Europe. This unique and sought-after wool made the area very rich and is responsible for many of the grand buildings still standing today.

​Unlike many other Cotswolds villages, Broadway found a new route to riches when the wool trade started to dry up. A coaching route was opened over Fish Hill and the village became a popular stop for travelers going between Worcester, Oxford, and London.

​The rise of the train saw this route become quieter, and the village instead became popular with artists looking for a rural escape, particularly from the Arts and Crafts movement. William Morris often stayed in Broadway Tower!

Things to See and Do

​As it is one of the smaller villages and is on the edge of the Cotswolds, many people schedule just a short stop in Broadway as part of a bigger trip. This is a mistake! There is lots to explore here, and Broadway deserves to be experienced without a deadline. Those who do will be rewarded!

​Shop the Independent High Street

Broadway has been named ‘Independent High Street of the Year’, so exploring the shops is not to be missed. The High Street is where you will find most of the shops, but many of the gems are tucked down alleys and waiting to be discovered.​

Broadway Museum and Art Gallery

Adults £10, under 16s free, Over 65s and students £7

Located in an old 17th-century coaching inn, Broadway Museum and Art Gallery explores the history of the local area. Displays follow the history of stagecoaching and how it changed the area, as well as the impact of the East India Trading Company. It also showcases artists who found inspiration in Broadway (A.A. Milne and J.M. Barrie, among others). If you are visiting with children, there are interactive areas where you will find interactive exhibits to keep them entertained.

​Gordon Russell Museum

Tues-Sun 10 am-4 pm Adults £8 Under 16s Free

This small museum looks at the renowned furniture designer Gordon Russell. It gives you an insight into his work and legacy with 1000s of his drawings, photographs, and some original pieces of his furniture on display.

​Heritage Railway

Adults £28 Child £13 Under 5s Free (all day ticket) Tues-Thurs/Sat-Sun

Run by volunteers, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway lets you travel on a traditional steam and diesel train.

The route runs from Broadway and Cheltenham Racecourse, and it stops at Toddington, Winchcombe, and Gotherington.

There are vintage-themed cafes along the route that offer refreshments, including their very own Rail Ale!

Outside Broadway

​Broadway Tower

​From the imagination of well-renowned landscape architect Capability Brown, this tower was built in 1798. Technically, it isn’t a tower, but a ‘folly,’ which means it was built as a mock medieval ruin to add Gothic romance and intrigue to the landscape. During its lifetime, it has been used for many different things, including a country retreat for William Morris and as a simple farmhouse.

​During the Cold War, a nuclear bunker was built on the site, but it was kept secret until it was decommissioned in 1991. You can visit it on a 45- minute guided tour (weekends and Bank Holidays April-October), but children under 10 years cannot enter the bunker.

​Broadway Tower offers unparalleled views of the surrounding area, and on a clear day, an astounding 16 counties can be seen. The Tower Barn serves seasonal meals and afternoon tea. Deer encounters can be booked.

for £8.38/£5.24.

​Snowshill Manor

​This Cotswolds manor houses the formidable collections of the former owner and eccentric Charles Wade. The house has tight staircases so that it can be a struggle with prams and for anyone with limited mobility.

​The grounds are refreshing for a stately home, with wildflower planting and Arts and Crafts design. It is also worth walking around Snowshill if you have time. This tiny village is much quieter than Broadway but still has a pub serving food. It is also home to a filming location from Bridget Jones’ Diary (it features as her parents’ village where she visits at Christmas!)

Where to Eat and Drink

​When it comes to places to eat, there is no shortage of options in Broadway. There is an abundance of cafes, pubs, high-end restaurants, and delis to keep you satiated.

​Lygon Arms

This luxury hotel is one of my favourite places for a cosy afternoon drink, especially during the quieter weekdays. There are little nooks and roaring fires to warm up in front of, and there is also a good terrace out the back for the warmer months. This hotel has had its share of famous residents in the past, with some big names on the history circuit including King Charles I and Oliver Cromwell.

​Leaf + Bean

This is my go-to when I want a cheap, easy lunch in Broadway, especially with a toddler in tow. This small cafe sells made-to-order sandwiches, coffee, cake, and an incredible range of loose tea. There are good GF and vegan options. Tables are limited, and it's first-come, first-served, but there is also outdoor seating on the other side of the walkway.

​Number 32

This small cafe on the high street, Number 32, serves breakfast, lunches, cakes, and drinks. They have a couple of tables outside, which offer a great spot to watch Broadway life unfold. Another great choice if you have dietary requirements, as much of the menu can be modified. They also usually have a choice of vegan and gluten-free bakes, which I am slowly working my way through!

​Broadway Hotel

This busy hotel and restaurant boasts unparalleled views of the green, making it always busy. Their decent cocktail list is a reason to visit in itself, and the roaring fireplaces are a winter must.

​Otis + Belle

This popular bakery and coffee shop chain is dotted around the Cotswolds, with four locations currently. Their bread and pastries are the main pull, but their coffee and hot chocolate are also very good (I have tasted more than a few!). There are a few seats out the back but no on-site toilet; there is a public bathroom at the park which is a 100 m walk.

​MO at Dormy House

Just outside Broadway, this is the place to splurge on that expensive meal. Inside Dormy House, it is a chef’s table experience, with 8 unique courses and optional wine pairings. There is also a more affordable restaurant, and The Fish is another option on the Farncombe Estate.

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Where to Stay

​The Fish

Located on the sprawling Farncombe Estate, The Fish is more relaxed than its sister hotel, Dormy House. There are various types of rooms on offer, including a shepherd’s hut, suite, or a treehouse which comes with children-pleasing bunk beds and an outdoor heated bath. There are several walks in the grounds, as well as bookable activities such as yoga and axe throwing. Rooms start at £220. Dog-friendly rooms can be requested, and there is even a doggie bath outside the front door to the bar.

​Lygon Arms

This beautiful old coaching inn on the high street has an award-winning on-site spa, cosy bar, and well-regarded restaurant. Rooms start from £193 and include use of the spa and leisure facilities.

Book here

​Broadway Hotel

This stunning building was originally built as a rural getaway for the Abbots of Pershore in the fifteenth century. Today, there are 19 ensuite rooms, which all come with wifi, TV, and are dog-friendly.

Book here

​Abbot’s Grange

If you love history, Abbot’s Grange is the oldest building in the village, dating way back to the fourteenth century. Very traditional in its decor, this might not be everyone’s cup of tea. However, it has welcomed famous people including Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and Claude Monet, so you are in good company if you stay here.

Where to Shop

​With one of the best independent high streets in the country, there is a wealth of shops to keep even the most avid shopper busy.

​Broadway Deli

This treasure trove of culinary offerings is always busy and for good reason. Shelves are jam-packed with jams (sorry, couldn’t resist!), sauces, sweet treats, alcohol, and everything in between. They also have a fresh deli counter where you can grab something delicious for a picnic. They have a cafe as well.

​Rikki Tikki

If you are visiting with children, this toy shop is a must. Focusing on wooden toys, Lego, and books, it feels like a throwback to a simpler time without being too quaint. They also have a small range of organic children' s clothing.

​Cotswold Trading

This shop is hard to miss, as it almost has a crowd coming and going. Selling everything from clothes to ceramics, to tablecloths, to skincare, it is a great place for gifts. They change their stock in line with the seasons, and it is absolutely incredible in the lead-up to Christmas. I recently bought some very sweet Gruffalo Christmas decorations which thoroughly delighted my son.

​Cotswolds Distillery

Originally specialising in gin, this local distillery now makes a range of whiskies, spritzes and other drinks. If you time it right, they may also be offering samples! Their cream liqueur is a favourite of mine (think Baileys with a stronger taste)

​Royal Collective

This shop supports local craftspeople and creators, with a whole range of things for sale. This is a great place to find something more unique to remember your visit to Broadway. There is also a small cafe serving hot drinks and cake

Practical Bit

​By Car

​The easiest way to visit Broadway is by car. The village has three main car parks. The High Street Car Park is closest to the shops and is pay and display. You can stay here for up to four hours.

​Milestone Ground Car Park is a longer walk to the village centre but offers parking for up to 10 hours. The other long-stay car park is at the other end of the high street.​

By Public Transport

​Reaching Broadway without a car is no easy feat. There is no train station (except the fun steam one!) in the village. If you do want to travel by train, the best way is to get to Evesham or Honeybourne, then catch a bus or taxi. Buses run from Evesham and Moreton-in-Marsh, Cheltenham, and Stratford-upon-Avon. Timetables can be found here and here.​

FAQs

​Is there anything to do with children?

There aren’t any ‘child-specific’ attractions here, but I always find enough to keep my 3-year-old entertained. The extensive park suits all ages, and the library has various events throughout the week, such as LEGO Club and Rhyme Time.

​How long should I spend in Broadway?

There is enough to explore to occupy a weekend, but if you are short on time, try to dedicate a good morning or afternoon to fully appreciate what is on offer in this beautiful village.