BROADWAY, ENGLAND: TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE JEWEL OF THE COTSWOLDS
Broadway is often referred to as the Jewel of the Cotswolds. It’s a ridiculously picturesque village, home to well-preserved honey colored limestone buildings, quaint cafes, beautiful galleries and charming tea rooms. Venture beyond the village’s picturesque High Street for a world of scenic walking trails, rolling hills where sheep roam and the spectacular remote Broadway Tower. Below is my complete travel guide to Broadway including places to visit, hotels, pubs, Broadway photo locations, travel tips and more.
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Just a casual stop along the streets of Broadway.
BROADWAY TRAVEL TIPS
- WHAT IS THE COTSWOLDS? – The Cotswolds is a region of the English countryside spread across the five counties of Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire, Wiltshire and Worcestershire. Broadway is located in the northern region.
- GRADE II BUILDINGS – When a building in the Cotswolds is referred to as Grade II, it means there is a special interest in the structure and it’s been placed on the Statutory List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest by Historic England.
- CURRENCY – The official currency of the UK is the British pound. Almost everywhere takes credit card, but it’s always helpful to have cash handy for smaller purchases.
- TIPPING – It’s customary to leave a 10-15% tip for good service.
Broadway is home to a great selection of shops and restaurants.
WHEN TO VISIT BROADWAY
- DECEMBER-MARCH – It certainly is a mood this time of the year, if you don’t mind grey skies, fog and rain. Otherwise, avoid a winter visit to the Cotswolds.
- APRIL-MAY – Spring season in the Cotswolds is lovely with green landscapes, blooming flowers, bustling village markets and less crowds than the summer months.
- JUNE-AUGUST – Summer offers the best weather in the Cotswolds with frequent sunshine and infrequent rain. This is also the busiest time of the year to visit.
- SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER – Another lovely time to visit the Cotswolds is Autumn when the air is crisp and the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and yellow. It’s also shoulder season – hotel prices decrease and summer crowds disperse. Note that this is also the start of the rain, so expect cold temperatures and the occasional shower.
Broadway Tower is a short drive from the village.
HOW MUCH TIME DO I NEED IN BROADWAY?
It’s possible to spend a full day in Broadway if you plan to visit Broadway Tower and enjoy the countryside walking trails, in addition to seeing the main village. If you only plan to visit the village, a half day is plenty of time. The proximity of Broadway to other villages in the Cotswolds makes it an ideal home base for exploring the region.
Buckland Manor is the loveliest 13th century country house stay located just outside of the village.
PLACES TO VISIT IN BROADWAY
BROADWAY COTTAGES AND GARDENS
The cottages and gardens that are scattered around the village are the stuff of English countryside dreams. Stroll the village and soak in the beauty of the historic stone houses.
BROADWAY TOWER
This 18th century folly sits on Beacon Hill, a short drive from the Broadway. Built entirely of limestone, the tower was constructed without any real purpose, but looks like a miniature castle. A place where Rapunzel might live. Broadway Tower is the second highest point in the Cotswolds with views that span more than 15 counties. Today the tower is a tourist attraction – £14 for adults to enter and climb to the top where there is a viewing platform.
BROADWAY TOWER CIRCULAR WALK
This popular scenic walk is a 4-mile route that takes visitors through rolling hills, past roaming sheep, along a section of Cotswolds Way and up to the iconic Broadway Tower before returning back to the village.
COTSWOLD LAVENDER
If you visit the Cotswolds in late July or early August, a stop at Cotswold Lavender is a must. Every summer this family-run lavender farm opens up its fields to visitors. There are 45 acres of flowers to explore including 35 varieties of lavender. The aroma walking through the fields is completely delicious – so soothing!
HIGH STREET
High Street is the picturesque main boulevard that cuts through the village of Broadway. The tree-lined street boasts honey-colored limestone buildings that house a collection of boutiques, shops, art galleries and tea rooms.
SNOWSHILL MANOR & GARDEN
Snowshill Manor is a spectacular large country house that was built in stages over several centuries. The north hall dates back to the 15th century, while other sections were built in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. In 1919 the eccentric collector Charles Paget Wade bought and restored Snowshill Manor, and dedicated his life to collecting objects. And to this day the manor displays his treasures. The facade of the manor is stunning, and overlooks a beautiful garden of terraces, ponds, stone planters and blooming flowers.
SUDELEY CASTLE
Sudeley Castle is a historic estate famously known as the final resting place of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of King Henry VIII. Visitors can explore restored royal rooms, the massive gardens and the imposing castle structures. The castle is a short drive from Broadway.
Tisanes Tea Room.
BEST BROADWAY HOTELS
Buckland Manor is a 13th century country house located in Buckland, a short distance from Broadway. The luxurious property sits on a 10-acre lot of stunning gardens that exude all the feels of the Cotswolds countryside. This is a Relais & Chateaux property that houses 15 elegant rooms appointed with beautiful antique furnishings, crisp linens and modern creature comforts. Rooms are cozy, but luxurious.
Dormy House Hotel is another exquisite country house in the Cotswolds. Once a 17th century farmhouse, it’s now been converted into a luxury hotel with an award-winning spa and two fabulous restaurants. The collection of rooms and suites are plush and luxurious, my favorite being the Splendid and Top Notch Rooms designed in white with wood beams and vaulted ceilings.
This is the first private house hotel in the UK, a five-star all-inclusive retreat in the Cotswolds. It is both contemporary and charming set on a 500-acre hillside estate in Broadway. There are five bedrooms and three suites on property, each individually designed with sharp attention to design and detail. Features include free-standing tubs, floral decor, four-poster beds and double baths with a view.
Lygon Arms offers a lovely stay in a 600-year old building in the heart of Broadway. The rooms here are simple, tidy and retain a certain rustic charm some featuring exposed stone, wood beams, flannel headboards and bedding, a fireplace and four-poster beds. It’s the perfect option if your looking for something central, clean, comfortable and moderately priced.
The close proximity of Sudeley Castle to Broadway makes it the ideal day trip destination.
WHERE TO EAT IN BROADWAY
BUCKLAND MANOR RESTAURNT
The award-winning restaurant is delicious, and ultra convenient if you’re staying at Buckland Manor. The ambiance is cozy elegance, while the food is fresh and local with seasonal produce from neighboring Vale of Evesham. Dinner mains include a Cornish sole, Hereford beef, spring chicken and gnocchi.
CROWN & TRUMPET
A quintessential British pub with picturesque outdoor seating overlooking the road in Broadway. Menu includes traditional pub fare – fish & chips, minced beef pie sandwiches and more.
HORSE & HOUND
Horse & Hound is an inviting pub if you’re in search of a casual hang, in Broadway. It sits in a traditional building that dates back to the 16th century where tables are scattered around a wood burning fireplace. Menu includes British pub fare, as well as craft beers, local ales, ciders and wine.
INN & BRASSERIE AT CHILDSWICKHAM
A countryside pub restaurant, located just outside of Broadway in Childswickham. The service is warm and friendly, and the extensive menu is derived from local ingredients that includes a range of meats and fish. There’s indoor seating around a cozy fireplace for cold weather, as well as outdoor seating for warmer days.
MO
Mo is the chef’s table-style restaurant in the Dormy House Hotel that treats 12 guests an evening to an eight-course tasting menu. The food is excellent, as well as artful, and the up-close experience to see the food preparation is completely unique.
TISANES TEA ROOM
The charming Tisanes Tea Room is worth a stop if you want tea while in Broadway. It sits in a 17th century building and gives Old World vibes with its charming interiors and extensive menu of more than 40 teas, cakes, sandwiches and snacks.
Warm soup on a cozy day at the Swan Inn.
GET TO BROADWAY
- AIR – The Birmingham Airport (BHX) is the closest airport to Broadway, located 40 miles north. For more connections, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is 85 miles away.
- TRAIN – For travelers arriving to the Cotswolds by train, the closest station to Broadway is located six miles away in Evesham.
- CAR – The best way into Broadway is by car because you’ll need one every day to explore the region. There is free street parking in the village if you arrive early or late in the day, as well as a paid lot.
