Broadway, Cotswolds travel guide and Cotswolds information

Visit Broadway

Broadway is a village in the northern Cotswolds, between Evesham and Moreton in Marsh, in the county of Worcestershire. The village originally developed as a stage post for those travelling between Worcester and London.

The village centres around its long, wide high street (hence 'broad way'), a lovely street lined with large chestnut trees, open grass, and many 16th century Cotswold thatched cottages, houses and some grander villas. A busy local tourist centre, Broadway has all the facilities you hope for - old pubs, traditional English hotels, tea shops and antique shops among them, with several of the hotels and pubs claiming a heritage dating back to the old staging post days.

Visit Broadway, Cotswolds

It is one of the most popular towns with visitors exploring the nearby Worcestershire / north Cotswold region, and is often referred to as 'the jewel of the Cotswolds' - tourist hype perhaps, but with some justification!

It has been popular for more than a century - Broadway acted as a magnet for the 19th century artistic community including such diverse talents as William Morris (founder of the Arts and Crafts style), J M Barrie (inventor of Peter Pan) and Edward Elgar (composer), along with numerous artists.

The tradition continues and there are several reputed art galleries established in the village, as well as the Gordon Russell Museum that celebrates the work of another important Arts and Crafts designer. The Gordon Russell Museum has a very good selection of furniture by the designer and acts as an impressive introduction to the style - see especially the 'home furniture' and 'office furniture' examples.

Above the village on Fish Hill (to the south-east), and visible from almost everywhere in the region, stands Broadway Tower, built in 1799. The 17 metre high tower is open to the public, and has very far-reaching views from the top. Despite its appearance as a remnant of a castle, Broadway Tower never served any defensive role and was built purely for 'amusement' for Lady Coventry.