Broadway Tower: The Highest Little Castle of the Cotswolds

A Romantic Folly with a Storied Past

Broadway Tower was conceived in the late 18th century by the famed landscape designer Capability Brown, commissioned by George William, the 6th Earl of Coventry. Completed in 1798 under architect James Wyatt, the tower was designed as a Gothic-Saxon folly to adorn the Cotswold landscape and serve as a romantic symbol of the Earl’s love for his wife, Lady Barbara St John Bletsoe. Standing 65 feet tall on Middle Hill, the tower was strategically placed on a beacon hill, historically used for lighting beacons to signal important events. Its unique architecture features turrets, battlements, gargoyles, and balconies, blending medieval romanticism with 18th-century aesthetic ideals.

A Hub for Arts and Antiquarianism

In the 19th century, Broadway Tower became more than a picturesque folly. It housed the private printing press of Sir Thomas Phillipps, one of the greatest collectors of books and manuscripts of his time. Later, the tower attracted notable figures from the Arts and Crafts movement, including William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who used it as a pastoral retreat away from industrial England. The tower’s cultural significance grew as it became a creative sanctuary, fostering friendships and artistic inspiration that influenced the village of Broadway and beyond.

Expansive Views and Natural Beauty

Perched at 1,024 feet above sea level, Broadway Tower is the second highest point on the Cotswold escarpment. From its rooftop viewing platform, visitors can see up to 16 counties on a clear day, spanning from Powys in Wales to Buckinghamshire in England. The surrounding 200-acre country park features scenic walking trails, a herd of red deer, picnic areas, and abundant birdlife. The park’s circular walk offers tranquil moments amid rolling English countryside, making it a perfect blend of heritage and nature.

Cold War Legacy and Visitor Experience

Close to the tower lies a restored underground Royal Observer Corps nuclear monitoring bunker, built in the late 1950s and decommissioned in 1991. This Cold War relic offers a rare glimpse into Britain’s secretive nuclear history and is accessible to visitors as part of the broader park experience. Inside the tower, three floors of museum exhibits recreate Georgian rooms and tell the story of the tower’s history, architecture, and notable residents. The spiral staircase leads to the rooftop, where interpretive signs help identify distant landmarks.

Modern-Day Attractions and Amenities

Today, Broadway Tower is a family-owned destination offering a rich program of workshops, e-bike rentals, and two cafes serving local produce and wines. The gift shop features William Morris souvenirs, reflecting the tower’s artistic heritage. Admission fees support the preservation of this historic landmark and its grounds. The site is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, welcoming visitors year-round to explore its heritage, natural beauty, and unique atmosphere.

Enduring Symbol of English Heritage

Broadway Tower remains a cherished icon of Worcestershire and the Cotswolds, symbolizing centuries of English landscape design, romantic architecture, and cultural history. Its blend of natural vistas, artistic legacy, and historical intrigue makes it a compelling destination for visitors seeking both inspiration and tranquility in the heart of England’s countryside.