9 Things to Do in Broadway, Cotswolds
From walks over rolling hills to art museums and wildlife centres, there’s plenty to keep you busy when visiting this charming corner of the North Cotswolds. To make your life easier, we’ve made a list of nine fun and interesting things to do in Broadway.
1.) Delve Into the Life of a Famous British Designer
This quintessential Cotswold village played an important role in the development of the Arts and Crafts movement. It all began when Gordon Russell and his family moved to the Lygon Arms hotel. Russell went on to become a respected designer and craftsmen and his life’s works are celebrated at the Gordon Russell Design Museum.
2.) Uncover the History of a Picturesque Cotswold Village
If the life of Gordon Russell piqued your interest then make your next stop in Broadway village centre the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery. Exhibitions touch on everything from the colony of American artists and writers that set up home here to the village’s wool trade and life as a coaching station. It’s all quite remarkable for a little village set in the foothills of the Cotswold escarpment.
3.) Marvel at the Views From Above
Few places afford views of the emerald green Cotswold escarpment than Broadway Tower and deer park. Bring a picnic, spot the distance Malvern Hills and browse displays about the history of a monument built by Capability Brown. Nearby Fish Hill is another pretty picnic spot. Why not get here by following the Cotswold Way from the village? You could even continue along the trail to the market town of Chipping Camden.
4.) Feast on Regional Culinary Delights
When September comes around the Broadway Food Festival takes over the village green with over 35 traders. Relish the chance to sample an assortment of artisanal honeys, cheeses, craft beers, gourmet pies and more. Don’t worry if you can’t make it because bakeries, cafés, delis and pubs line the High Street. Russell’s Fish and Chips is a must for a typically English lunch or supper.
5.) Tour Landscaped Gardens and Manor Houses
Among the many things we are spoiled for choice within the Cotswold are manor houses and their scenic gardens. Spend a morning or afternoon discovering the intricate flowerbeds and herbaceous borders at the National Trust-owned Hidcote Manor Garden. At Snowshill Manor and Garden you can step into the eccentric world of the artist and poet Charles Wade.
6.) Discover The Countryside in a Day
Another popular September event in this area of the North Cotswolds is the Moreton-in-Marsh Show. With livestock parades, showjumping demonstrations and a food market, it’s a great family day out. And the chance to buy Wellington boots and a combine harvester make this annual event live up to its billing of ‘the countryside in a day’.
7.) Shop at the Outlets of The Valley Evesham
In the mood to indulge in some retail therapy? Over at The Valley Evesham you’ll find 22 brand name and speciality stores. Books, ethical fashion, jewellery, outdoor gear — you’ve got it all here. There’s three dining options, too, so no chance of going hungry at this outdoor mall in the stunning Worcestershire countryside. Kids can stay entertained also at the adventure castle playground and on the Evesham Valley Light Railway.
8.) Meet Exotic Animals at a Wildlife Park
Did you know that you can meet camels, kangaroos, lemurs and zebras Cotswolds? These and many other curious creatures wander around enclosures at the All Things Wild wildlife park. Dinosaur fans will love the huge recreations of the beasts that ruled the world in the Mesozoic era. Watch owls, eagles and other birds of prey take to the skies on flight demonstrations at the Cotswold Falconry Centre.
9.) Sample Gin at the Cotswold Distillery
Holidays and sightseeing can be thirsty work. When an afternoon tea doesn’t quite hit the spot, treat yourself to something stronger at the Cotswold Distillery. Guided tours provide an insight into the workings of an award-winning distillery and the secrets behind gin and whisky-making. Naturally, there’s a chance to sample the tipples — and purchase bottles to take home — at the end of the tour.
Get in touch to arrange a stay at our country house hotel in the idyllic Gloucestershire village of Upper Slaughter, and remember to book direct to benefit from the best room rates available.