10 Things to do in Broadway
Often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’, Broadway is ideally situated to explore the breathtaking countryside of the northern Cotswolds, and here are our top 10 things to do in the area:
1. Broadway Tower
Where else can our Top 10 start other than at Broadway Tower which, thanks to its location on top of a Cotswold escarpment, boasts spectacular views across 16 counties – that’s over 62 miles on a clear day! This family-owned Cotswold destination is set within a 200-acre estate of parkland where you can enjoy walks amongst the resident deer before a climb to the tower’s roof platform for those enviable views. On site you will also find Tower Barn, and it is here in the visitor centre that you can hire an e-bike to explore the parkland. There is also an elegant espresso bar serving delicious brunch and lunch and before you leave pop into the Tower Barn shop to treat yourself to a little gift.
2. John Noot Galleries
Art lovers will absolutely want to make an appointment at the family-owned John Noot Galleries which was originally started by John Noot over 45 years ago. Now run by his daughter Amanda, she has taken her 35 years of experience and developed the contemporary art side of the business. The lovely gallery, just behind Broadway’s historic High Street, displays work by the current ‘featured artist’. In addition, there is a second and larger studio just outside the village where much of the stock is held and where private viewings take place for the huge range of paintings and artwork.
3. Broadway Deli
Fill your holiday cottage fridge and cupboards with fresh produce from the Broadway Deli. Based in the historic St Patrick’s building on the High Street they pride themselves on sourcing from the very best local producers, and also from around the world, with an eye on the quality, integrity and provenance of their products. Call in on a Friday and grab the freshest catch from the Fine Fish Company and then choose from the deli’s selection of wine, beer or cider to accompany your home cooked meal. Whilst there grab yourself a coffee and cake in the cafe or on a warm day enjoy a drink from their converted vintage Citroen truck!
4. Cotswold Farm Park
There is even more fun to be had at the nearby Cotswold Farm Park owned by Countryfile’s Adam Henson. Started by Adam’s Father, Joe back in 1962 the farm prides itself on the work it has done for rare breed farm animals, something Joe received recognition for from the Rare Breeds Survival Trust back in 2011. The animal barn is the place to spot new arrivals such as piglets, calves and goat kids, and over in the Discovery Barn you can discover smaller animals from rabbits and guinea pigs to chicks and ducklings. The adventure Barn is where your little ones can let off steam on the ride on toys and soft play area, whilst you enjoy a drink at The Shed. Enjoy a walk along the Rare Breeds Trail, Woodland Walk and the Wildlife Walk, taking in the viewing tower and platforms as you go. Make your last stop the adventure play area and acrobatic bouncy pillows to wear out your children before heading back to the comfort of your holiday cottage.
5. Snowshill Manor and Garden
If you bring along your National Trust membership you can pop over to Snowshill Manor and Garden – a sixteenth century country house best known for its twentieth century owner Charles Paget Wade. Open from mid March you can book a ticket allowing entry to the house where you will be able to uncover the secrets of Snowshill Manor through the eclectic collection of quirky and curious objects collected by Wade during his time there. The garden was designed by Wade along with his friend Mackay Hugh Baillie Scott – a prominent Arts and Crafts architect. Together they transformed it from little more than a muddy farmyard to a terraced beauty featuring a dovecote, pond and kitchen garden. Enjoy a slow walk through the gardens stopping to allow the children to play in the tunnels and runways of the Hazel Run. During the Summer you can also enjoy the beauty and the wonderful scent of the lavender fields at Snowshill.
6. Warwickshire Steam Railway
On the outskirts of Broadway you will find the newest station on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. The heritage trains operate a 28 mile round trip taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the Cotswolds with wonderful views of the nearby sleepy hamlets and villages, and outstanding outlooks across to the Malvern Hills and beyond. Trains run throughout the week and at weekends from April through to October and there is a calendar of special events that are not to be missed. Our favourite is the monthly, and somewhat famous, Cheltenham Fryer, where all passengers enjoy a large fish and chip supper during the journey – but it’s always a sell-out so make sure you book ahead!
7. Honeybourne Pottery
If you fancy learning a craft whilst on your home from home holiday then book yourself a course at the Honeybourne Pottery. Run by husband and wife team Alan and Annabel Cusack they offer a range of courses for people of all abilities and anyone above the age of 12. Perfect for holidaymakers are their one-off potter’s wheel taster sessions or their half day workshop (ages 16+). Before you leave with your very own design, pop in to their onsite shop and treat yourself to one of their beautifully crafted pieces.
8. Broadway Museum and Art Gallery
To find out more about Broadway enjoy a wander around the Broadway Museum and Art Gallery open from mid February each year. The museum is set in a beautiful Grade II listed building and features a gallery space and museum shop alongside the museum itself. The Museum provides a genuine insight into a coaching Inn of the period and displays objects from the 17th to the 21st centuries over 3 floors. Their permanent exhibition focuses on the history of Broadway including the world-famous colony of American artists and writers who visited and worked in the village in the late 19th Century. The museum collection includes fine old English furniture, paintings, porcelain and glassware which are complemented by three additional exhibitions each year and an annual lecture series.
9. Lygon Arms Grill
For a really special occasion meal why not try the historical Lygon Arms Grill which is a beautiful, vaulted room with a very laid back welcoming atmosphere. James Martin has created an exceptional selection of dishes inspired by seasonal local produce, for you to enjoy but booking is essential.
10. Cotswold Way
Across the entire Cotswolds there are a multitude of walks, some of which take in the 102 mile Cotswold Way. There are plenty of walks starting in Broadway such as the ninety-minute route along the Cotswold Way to Chipping Campden. The route starts off heading up Dover’s Hill – the hardest part of the walk – it also takes in Broadway Tower. For a longer route you can walk all the way to Winchcombe through the gorgeous villages of Stanton, Stanway and Wood Stanway -just remember this is not a circular walk so you will need transport back to Broadway afterwards. There are plenty of routes from Broadway and the surrounding villages so if you enjoy getting out and about on foot then be sure to pack your boots!
