2 weeks Ago
Have you been to Broadway, or is it somewhere close by that you keep meaning to visit? The Cotswolds village regularly received praise, and it was recently named one of Britain’s greatest villages by The Telegraph, ranking in 14th place. Broadway Cotswolds said: “Often referred to as the 'Jewel of the Cotswolds', Broadway village lies beneath Fish Hill on the western Cotswold escarpment, in the county of Worcestershire and close to the border of Gloucestershire.” So what does this Worcestershire village have to offer, and what’s the history behind it? The Telegraph said: “Set at the northernmost edge of the Cotswolds, Broadway is a bit too far from London for daytrippers, commuting Tory MPs and the Soho Farmhouse set.
Still, it is hardly a secret. “William Morris “discovered” it in the 1880s, and brought an arty crowd for holidays in the country; the Broadway Group included Rossetti, Burne-Jones, Henry James, Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain, Elgar, and John Singer Sargent – who painted his Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose in the gardens of 14th-century Abbots Grange, now a splendid boutique B&B. “They loved Broadway’s sleepy feel, combined with its embarrassment of mellow-yellow manor houses and coaching inns – medieval, Tudor, Georgian – built when the village was a prosperous staging post, until the 19th-century advent of rail bypassed the village – inadvertently preserving it in time, like amber.
“Around its village green, handsome honeystone rubs shoulders with black-and-white wonkiness, all liberally embellished with mullioned windows, clipped yew and wisteria bowers in an orgy of quintessential Cotswold quaintness. “Now Broadway is a staging post once more, for walkers on the Cotswold Way, while the art legacy continues in the many galleries which line the high street.” You can see the full list of Britain's greatest villages via The Telegraph’s website.
History of Broadway Broadway Cotswolds said: “Broadway was originally centred around the old church, St Eadburgha’s (mentioned in the Domesday book) but the village gradually expanded northwards to its present location. “The coaching route opened up over Fish Hill in the 1500s and Broadway became a busy stagecoach stop on the route from Worcester to Oxford & London. A number of Inns were built to accommodate travellers.
” The website added: “The village also has an interesting artistic heritage which includes some well known artists, writers, and performing artists such as William Morris, John Singer Sargent, Francis D Millet, J.M. Barrie and Mary Anderson.
“Furniture designer Gordon Russell grew up in Broadway & had a workshop here - you can visit the Design Museum. Broadway's GWSR heritage railway station re-opened in 2018 and runs to Cheltenham Racecourse. Broadway Tower watches over the village from beacon hill & on clear days offers views spanning 16 counties!” A post shared by The Cotswolds (@the_cotswolds) The Lygon Arms Hotel in the village is where “during the Civil War, Oliver Cromwell actually spent the night at the Inn the night before the Battle of Worcester, while King Charles I had previously used the building to meet and rally his royalist supporters.
” Amenities in Broadway In Broadway, you’ll find pubs and restaurants as well as tearooms and coffee shops. It’s also home to a village hall, art galleries, hotels and other forms of accommodation. Food and drink in Broadway Pubs in Broadway include The Horse and Hound, which has a 4.
3-star rating on Google Reviews. One customer recently commented: “Called in out of the blue for a light bite. Staff were super friendly and allowed us to sit at a reserved table.
We had nachos , dirty loaded fries and tempura prawns. Food was fantastic. Highly recommended!” This person said: “Best drinking pub in Broadway by far used by locals which is always a good recommendation.
Reasonably priced excellent range of ales, beers and ciders. I recommend the Abbot Ale and the local cider. “Great atmosphere and extremely welcoming and friendly staff.
Food reasonably priced, had Sunday lunch in the quaint dining room, even tho busy, the service was excellent by Alex and the food of very high quality. I am looking forward to another visit when next in Broadway, its highly recommended and a 'must' go to when in the village.” Recommended reading: Inside the 'pretty' Worcestershire village named among the UK's greatest Worcestershire village church 'festooned with bling' among UK's finest Two Worcestershire villages named among 'greatest in Britain' You could also visit Russell’s of Broadway when you’re next in the village.
It has a 4.5-star rating on Google Reviews with one person saying: “Had dinner on Friday 17 January, simply put it was amazing! The Head Chef is extremely talented. A must visit if in the area.
” Another customer shared their experience: “I cannot comment on the rooms as we didn't stay at Russell's, but we dined here and I cant praise both the impeccable service and the food enough.” What’s your favourite thing about Broadway? Let us know in the comments..
