What to Do in Broadway
One of the most picturesque villages in the Cotswolds, Broadway has all the ingredients you need for a good day out. The picture-perfect high street unfolds in an idyllic village green, flanked by two pubs with plenty of outdoor seating. In the distance, you can see the imposing Fish Hill, as well as the majestic outline of Broadway Tower.
Perched on the edge of this beautiful area, it is easiest to explore by car. However, there is enough in the village itself to keep you occupied for a good morning or afternoon.
What to Do
Broadway offers a number of things to do, as well as some great places to eat and drink.
1. Grab Brunch
I am a big fan of brunch. It always seems more relaxed than lunch or dinner, which is a game-changer if you have young children in tow. Broadway has some excellent brunch options.
Number 32 serves breakfast from 8:30 am to noon. Their menu offers favourites, including Full English and Avocado on toast, as well as more unique things like baked eggs and American pancakes. The menu is well laid out for visitors with dietary requirements, and most dishes can be adapted to be gluten-free. There is outdoor seating on the high street for the warmer summer months.
If toasties and sandwiches are more your thing, Leaf + Bean has an extensive menu. They also have a great selection of cakes and an impressive loose tea menu. They have outside courtyard seating tucked away across the main path.
Another great option is Broadway Deli, which serves brunch until 4:30.
2. Grab a coffee and a pastry
Sometimes you fancy something something lighter and to go, Otis and Belle serve excellent coffee and even more excellent cakes. Renowned for their bread and pastries, grab one to go or sit in the small seating area. Be aware that there is no customer toilet. You can also get coffee and pastries baked by MOR Bakery on sale at the Broadway Deli.
3. Let Kids Burn Off Some Steam at the Park
While adults may enjoy gently walking around the idyllic villages, children often need something more high-energy. Broadway Park is just behind the museum, and has play areas for most ages. Multiple benches make it perfect for a picnic. As it is right next to Otis and Belle, parents can grab a coffee en route! It also has free public toilets.
4. Broadway Museum and Art Gallery
Adults £10, under 16s free, Over 65s and students £7
This museum and art gallery focuses on local history. Housed in a 17th-century coaching inn, the exhibits look at the history of stagecoaching and the impact of the East India Trading Company. Artists who found inspiration in Broadway are also showcased (A.A. Milne and J.M. Barrie, among others).
Visitors with children will find interactive exhibits to keep the smallest visitors entertained.
5. Enjoy a Spa Day at the Award-Winning Lygon Spa
The Lygon Arms is an historic hotel, with a restaurant and bar worth checking out. A million miles away from the busy high street, the spa is the ideal place to get away from it all. The 14 metre indoor pool boasts a retractable roof to make the most of those summer blue skies. There is also a steam room, sauna, and fully equipped Technogym.
6. Visit Broadway Tower
Combined ticket (Bunker and Tower) Adult £20.96 Child £10.48 Parking £3.14 4 hours
Technically a ‘folly,’ Broadway Tower was built in 1798 as a mock medieval ruin to add a bit of Gothic romance to the landscape. It was dreamed up by landscape architect Capability Brown for the 6th Earl of Coventry.
Since its completion, it has been used for several purposes, including a country retreat for William Morris and as a simple farmhouse.
During the Cold War, a nuclear bunker was built here, whose existence of this was kept secret until it was decommissioned in 1991. Today, you can visit it on a 45-minute guided tour on weekends and Bank Holidays (April-October). Please note that children under 10 years old can’t enter the bunker.
The tower offers breathtaking views of the area, and on a clear day, an impressive 16 counties can be seen. The on-site restaurant, the Tower Barn, serves lightl meals and afternoon tea. You can also book deer encounter tours for £8.38/£5.24.
7. Walk to Buckland
Boasting some of the best countryside in the UK, it is unsurprising that there are several walks around Broadway. One of the easier and shorter routes is from Buckland to Broadway. This can either be done in a large circular route or a shorter direct route, which takes about 30 mins each way. The walk passes through beautiful, serene woodland. If you are taking a dog, please make sure they are kept on a lead in the fields, as sheep are usually grazing here. For the route, please see my dedicated Northern Cotswolds Walks post.
8. Gordon Russell Design Museum
Tues-Sun 10 am-4 pm
Adults £8 Under 16s Free
This museum looks at the renowned furniture designer, Gordon Russell. Housed in the original Grade II-listed workshop, you can get an understanding of his work and legacy with 1000s of drawings, photographs, and original pieces of furniture.
9. Heritage Railway
Adults £28 Child 13 Under 5s Free (all day ticket)
Tues-Thurs/Sat-Sun
Run by volunteers, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway allows you to take a step back in history and travel on a steam and diesel train. The train runs betweem Broadway and Cheltenham Racecourse, stopping at Toddington, Hayles Abbey, Winchcombe, and Gotherington.
Vintage-themed cafes along the route offer refreshments, including their own Rail Ale!
10. Stroll around the shops
Broadway has been voted as one of the best independent high streets in the U.K, so there are enough shops here to keep you busy. Books lovers should head to Blandford Books, while spirit enthusiasts will find a great selection at John Barleycorn and Cotswolds Distillery. Anyone with children should make a trip to Rikki Tikki for beautiful wooden toys and other kids-related treasures. Foodies will love Broadway Deli, which is an Aladdin’s Cave of local chutneys, sauces, and vegetables, as well as many international delicacies.
11. Enjoy a Drink on the Green
What better way to finish a busy day, enjoying the sights, than with a cold drink? Unlike many Cotswolds villages, Broadway has a village green. Two pubs (The Swan and The Broadway Hotel) sit on either side with outdoor seating, making them perfect for watching the world go by. These seats are highly sought after, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
As I live locally, I have a clear bias towards Broadway. However, anyone who visits can’t help but fall in love with the stunning views, thriving shops and cafes, and ample things to do.
Practical Information
Parking
Car parks can be found behind the high street and at the other end of the village. One-hour on-street parking is also available, but it can be very busy on weekends and in the summer months.
Cash Point/ATM
A machine is located outside the Co Op. There is also a post office here.
Toilets
Public toilets can be found at the park. They can also be found at the short-stay car park.
