The Village and High Street

One of the greatest attractions of Broadway is the easiest to get to: the village itself. The famous High Street - perhaps the most beautiful in England - is a treasure trove of architectural detail that captures nearly 700 years of local history. Buildings of distinctive honey-coloured and well-weathered Cotswold stone (oolitic limestone for those who are interested!) nestle gently along streets lined with mature red chestnut trees.

The High Street stretches for almost a mile before rising sharply up Fish Hill towards Broadway Tower. So you can browse the shops or simply while away the time admiring the buildings; you can sit down to relax with a cup of coffee or tea, eat an ice cream or drink a glass of beer - your choice!

There are many lovely buildings in the village, including 14th and 15th century ecclesiastical houses and the famous Lygon Arms hotel. This was once the local manor house although it has been an inn or hotel for very many years. With its roots firmly in the 16th century, the hotel has the distinction of having played host to both Charles I and Oliver Cromwell (although at different times!).

Broadway Tower and Country Park

Broadway Tower is one of the UK's outstanding viewpoints, and it is possible to see thirteen separate counties on a clear day. The tower is built on the site of an ancient beacon, and for good reason: this vantage point gives you views that stretch out over the Vale of Evesham and the Severn Valley and out to the Welsh mountains.

The tower was built as a folly by Lady Coventry in the 1790s, so had never a military purpose even though it appears to be a fort. However, it has still had a colourful history, serving as a retreat for many poets and artists including the Arts and Crafts Movement founder William Morris.

http://www.broadwaytower.co.uk/

St Eadburgha's Church

This late 12th century church is outside the village centre, but is worth the short trip. An imposing red sandstone building, it remains plastered internally as was actually usual for buildings like this. It has many interesting architectural details that show its 800-year-plus history.

Snowshill Manor (National Trust)

While Snowshill Manor is in itself a fine Cotswold house with magnificent organic gardens, its real attraction is that it holds Charles Paget Wade's extraordinary collection of ... everything! The eclectic collection includes clocks, toys, musical instruments, bicycles, tools and armour.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/snowshillmanor

Hailes Abbey (English Heritage)

This 13th-century Cistercian abbey was founded in 1246 and was once a famed pilgrimage site. However, like so many of the UK's abbeys, it now lies in ruins due a combination of deliberate destruction and re-use as a country home.

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Evesham Abbey and Almonry Museum

A Benedictine house founded in 701 by St. Egwin, the third Bishop of Worcester, and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, Evesham Abbey is unusual in that its grounds contain two separate parish churches: St. Lawrence's (13th century) and All Saints (14th). However, with the dissolution in 1539 the abbey was dismantled, and now, besides the two churches and the 16th-century bell tower, only the gateway, cloister arch, Almonry and a few other fragments remain.

The Almonry now houses Evesham Heritage Centre and the local Tourist Information Office. The town of Evesham holds a very special place in British history because it was here, on 4th August 1265, that Simon de Montfort, "the father of the English Parliament", was defeated and killed. However, his legacy and desire to "rein in" the monarchy remained, and the reforms he put in place while alive eventually lead to the modern parliamentary system of government by representation.

Hidcote Manor Gardens (National Trust)

The National Trust describes Hidcote as "one of the most inventive and influential gardens of the twentieth century". Its creator, Major Lawrence Johnston, laid out a now-familiar structure of "outdoor rooms", linked together by paths, sweeping vistas and topiary aisles. In many ways Hidcote has a spiritual connection to Broadway as well as a proximity, because the gardens' origins are firmly in the Arts and Crafts movement. Texture and colour combine with areas of plain calmness to both give the viewer a rest and increase the impact of the next room.

http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hidcote

The Cotswold Way and Walking

A favourite with walkers, the Cotswold Way was originally "created" by the Gloucestershire branch of the Ramblers' Association, but it now carries the status of a National Trail (meaning it's looked after by the Countryside Agency rather than local councils). The route begins in Somerset and then travels through Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, passing through many towns and village along the way. Bath to Chipping Camden: 100 miles, a backpack, eight days and some wonderful landscapes.

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/Cotswold