The Ultimate Guide to Broadway
Beautiful Broadway is one of the most famous villages in the Cotswolds. With its honey-coloured houses and lush surrounding countryside, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Let’s take a closer look at what to do in Broadway.
Where is Broadway?
Cotswolds village Broadway is the south east of Worcestershire, not far from the Gloucestershire border. It’s about 20 miles from Cheltenham, and close to Chipping Campden, Evesham and Moreton-in-the-Marsh.
You can catch a train to the latter two, then pick up the bus service to Broadway. If you’re driving, WR12 7DT takes you to the centre of the village, or follow the signs on the A44 to Broadway. There are three main car parks in the village.
Is Broadway a historic village?
Many of Broadway’s lovely buildings date from the 16th century onwards. However, it’s far older than that, and it seems like there’s been a settlement here for almost 2,000 years. Anglo Saxon graves were unearthed in the 1950s, and the village appears in documentation from the 10th century, when Saxon King Edgar gifted Broadway to the Benedictine Monastery.
Broadway developed as a staging post for the journey between London and Worcester. Travellers had to stop here to pick up (literal) extra horsepower to get their carriages up nearby Fish Hill. Of course, this meant taverns sprung up to provide hospitality and horses… On the whole, Broadway had a pretty peaceful time until the 19th-century, when it was discovered by artists in search of a rural idyll. They certainly found their inspiration here, among the rolling hills and quaint villages of the Cotswolds.
What is there to do in Broadway?
One of the most popular things to do in Broadway is simply to wander its old streets, admiring the architecture and exploring its galleries and shops. The main street (the “broad way”) is lined with grass verges and old Cotswold-stone buildings, leading to the traditional village green.
Here are some of the most popular places to visit in Broadway.
Broadway Tower
The 1798 folly is an iconic landmark, set in the hills above the village and with incredible views over the Vale of Evesham. You can visit the tower and its surrounding parkland, and there’s a lovely walk to Broadway Tower that starts in the village.
Broadway Museum and Art Gallery
The community museum tells the story of Broadway, with a collection of artworks and artefacts curated by the Ashmolean. It’s housed in a 17th-century former coaching inn, Tudor House.
Gordon Russell Design Museum
Find out more about the celebrated 20th-century furniture designer by visiting his former workshop, a Grade II listed building. The collection of his original design drawings is especially fascinating.
Broadway Heritage Railway
There may no longer be a regular rail service to Broadway, but there is a wonderful heritage railway. The “Friendly Line” steamed back into life in 2018, and the railway buildings and infrastructure (such as bridges) are gradually being restored by a dedicated team of volunteers.
Snowshill Manor
Take the scenic route from Broadway up to this lovely old manor house, set in beautiful gardens and now managed by the National Trust. The uphill walk takes about an hour from the village (or of course, you could simply drive to the NT car park!).
Walking
The Cotswold Way trail passes through Broadway. The full route covers the 106 miles between Chipping Campden and Bath, however some of the prettiest stretches run through our local area. Many local circular walks take in part of the path. Try the routes up to Broadway Tower or Snowshill Manor.
Are there shops in Broadway?
Broadway is excellent for independent shops and galleries. It’s a great place to pick up local crafts as gifts, or to poke around fascinating antique shops in search of treasures. The village’s association with art continues, with a selection of small galleries. Packing for a picnic? You’ll find plenty of fresh local produce in Broadway’s food and drink stores.
If you need to stock up, there’s a Warners Budgens supermarket on Back Lane. For fuel, head for Willersey Petrol Station in the middle of the village.
Are there pubs, cafes and restaurants in Broadway?
In its heyday as a staging post, the village had over 30 inns! There are still plenty of cosy Cotswold pubs to choose from in and around Broadway, including the famous historic Lygon Arms.
The local produce is fantastic, from the famous Stinking Bishop Cheese to locally distilled gins, so it’s not surprising that Broadway has become a foodie destination. If you’re simply after a traditional afternoon tea, there’s a good choice of cafes – head for the tea rooms at the Tower if you want a dramatic location for your coffee and cake!
Enjoy a short break near Broadway
It takes less than half an hour to drive from Upper Slaughter to Broadway, so it’s an easy trip out for our guests. Contact us at Lords of the Manor to find out about short breaks near beautiful Broadway.