Broadway

The Cotswolds village of Broadway in the English county of Worcestershire is often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Cotswolds’ and the ‘Show Village of England’ due to its sheer beauty and magnificence. The ‘broad way’ leads from the foot of the western Cotswolds escarpment to a wide grass-fringed street lined with ancient honey-coloured limestone buildings dating back to the 16th century.

The village is nestled at the foot of Fish Hill, where the 18th century ‘Fish Inn’ once stood, and where, it is believed, monks once stored fish. Broadway is overlooked by the 65ft high Broadway Tower – sometimes also referred to as Beacon or Fish Inn Tower, which stands atop the hill above the village. A much-loved retreat for Arts and Crafts Movement founder William Morris, this marvellous folly was built by the Sixth Earl of Coventry’s family in the late 18th century. On a clear day you can see no fewer than fourteen counties from the top. The tower forms part of an extensive country estate (which also houses an animal park), and lies close to an Anglo-Saxon cemetery, where eight graves complete with knives, spears, beads and brooches were excavated in 1954.

The full extent of Broadway’s majesty is its wide main street – one of the longest High Streets in England – which is lined with a delightful mix of Tudor, Stuart and Georgian buildings.

For more information on the Cotswolds please visit www.cotswolds.info.