Take a trip to... Broadway

Chocolate-box Broadway has a timeless beauty. A former stop-off for stagecoaches from 1600, the surrounding countryside has inspired internationally famous artists, designers, musicians, and writers, including John Singer Sargent, William Morris, Edward Elgar, and JM Barrie.

What makes Broadway the unique place it is?

It’s the jewel in the Cotswolds - not just because of its beautiful houses and buildings, but its character and atmosphere. 
We have Broadway Tower, the Cotswolds’ highest folly, brainchild of 18th-century landscape designer, ‘Capability’ Brown, the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery, Gordon Russell Design Museum, Grade I listed St Eadburgha's Church, and beautiful houses in the Upper High Street. Our village is full of life. Everyone is helpful, friendly, cheerful, and caring. There is so much going on; the scenery, lots of places to go and visitors are part of the community. 

What can you do for free with the family?

We have the activity park (a three-acre recreation ground turned into a state-of-the-art park). There’s Broadway Village Green, where people picnic, enjoy outdoor films. Also, Morris and Maypole dancing and fetes take place here. Broadway Churches Together hold pet services on the green. It hosts Broadway Car Show, a two-day motor festival (next on in 2026); and (in June 2025) Broadway Arts Festival, a biennial celebration of our village’s unique artistic heritage [including some ticketed events]. We have a horticultural show [September], followed directly by a food festival, supported by local producers. In November, the Remembrance Service takes place around the Cenotaph. What really makes Broadway are our Christmas Lights. We have 30 trees – all white, and they are most spectacular. We have carols on the Green; and The Tree of Light commemorates loved ones who have passed away during the year. 

Is there a favourite walk you can suggest?

A popular one is to Broadway Tower. From here, you can walk along the ridge to Chipping Campden. There’s a nice walk to Buckland, with a stop for coffee at Buckland Manor (luxury Country House Hotel & Restaurant). There are numerous small local walks; but longer ones include up to Snowshill, the Cotswold Way (102-mile walk from Bath to Chipping Campden), and Wychavon Way (a 40-mile walking trail ending in Broadway). 

Best place for morning coffee and cream teas?

The Lygon Arms for atmosphere and relaxation; Tisanes if you like tea – it has more than 40 varieties. For the best cream tea (with champagne), Buckland Manor or The Dormy House Hotel. For coffee, the go-to is Broadway Deli. 

What would you suggest for a meal out?

Russell’s is popular for Sunday lunch, with a private 10-seater dining room. The House of George promises a luxurious elegant dining experience (owned by fashion guru George Davies and due to open this autumn). Broadway Hotel is good; and The Lygon Arms now has James Martin overseeing its restaurants, Grill and Tavern. 

If you could go back in time…

I wouldn’t, as there’s no time like the present. Broadway is steeped in history, and we don’t forget that. But there are a lot more activities in the village now. The parish council is proactive in bringing community and visitors together. We have a new youth and community centre in Leamington Road hosting events and exercise classes visitors can join. Visitors are always made to feel part of Broadway.

Broadway has a chocolate-box image… if it were a chocolate, what would it be?

Something tasty - a hard outer coating but a soft, comforting, and exciting centre, leaving you wanting more. 

Tips for travel

Car parks (all card and app, chargeable 8am-6pm, Mon-Sun) in Broadway High Street (WR12 7AH); Milestone Ground (WR12 7HA); Shear House (WR12 7ET); and Broadway Station (WR12 7DH).
Public toilets in Activity Park (WR12 7DP); Church Close (WR12 7AH) and Fish Hill Picnic Area (WR12 7LD).

 

Broadway Visitor Information Centre is at Unit 14, Russell Square, Broadway WR12 7AP; 01386 852937; broadway-cotswolds.co.uk