Broadway Tower
A romantic 18th-century folly on the Cotswold escarpment, once a beacon, a printer’s retreat, and a Pre-Raphaelite escape, now a museum with panoramic views across 16 counties.
Perched on the second-highest point of the Cotswolds, Broadway Tower is an 18th-century Gothic folly with a romantic origin story and a rich cultural past. Designed by James Wyatt for the 6th Earl of Coventry, this six-sided stone tower served as a beacon hill, a private printing press, and a retreat for Pre-Raphaelite artists like William Morris. Today, it houses a museum across three floors and offers panoramic views across up to 16 counties. Visitors explore its battlements, turrets, and gargoyle-adorned architecture, wander the surrounding country park, and discover layers of history from Georgian aristocracy to the Arts and Crafts movement.
A brief summary to Broadway Tower
- Middle Hill, Broadway, WR12 7LB, GB
- +441386852390
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a clear day to maximise the panoramic views from the rooftop platform; early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for photography.
- Allow time to explore the surrounding country park and the restored Royal Observer Corps post, which adds a fascinating Cold War dimension to the visit.
- Wear sturdy footwear if planning to walk up from Broadway village along the Cotswold Way, as the path can be steep and uneven in places.
- Check opening times in advance, especially in winter, as the tower and park may have reduced hours or temporary closures.
- Combine the visit with a stop in Broadway village for lunch or tea, as the tower is a short walk or drive from the main amenities.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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On foot from Broadway village
From Broadway village, follow the Cotswold Way footpath uphill towards the tower. The walk takes about 30–45 minutes along a well-maintained but steep and uneven path; sturdy footwear is recommended, especially in wet weather.
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By car
Drive from Broadway village along the minor road towards Middle Hill; the journey takes around 5–10 minutes. There is a car park at the site, but spaces can fill quickly on busy days, particularly in summer and on weekends.
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By local bus
Take a local bus service to Broadway village and then walk up to the tower via the Cotswold Way. Journey time from nearby towns like Chipping Campden or Evesham is typically 20–40 minutes, depending on connections.
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By taxi
A taxi from Broadway village to the tower takes about 5 minutes and is a convenient option for those with limited mobility or heavy luggage; local taxi firms operate in the area and can be booked in advance.
Broadway Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Broadway Tower
A Folly with a View
Rising 65 feet above Broadway Hill, Broadway Tower is a striking Gothic-style folly built in 1798 as a romantic gesture from the 6th Earl of Coventry to his wife, Barbara. Designed by architect James Wyatt under the landscape vision of Capability Brown, the tower was never meant as a fortress but as a picturesque landmark to enhance the Cotswold skyline. Its hexagonal form, battlements, turrets, and gargoyles give it the appearance of a miniature castle, standing at 1,024 feet above sea level – the second-highest point in the Cotswolds. From this vantage, the tower was originally intended to be visible from the Earl’s estate at Croome Court, serving both as a beacon and a symbol of enduring affection.From Beacon to Bibliophile’s Lair
The hill itself had long been a beacon site, used to send signals across the landscape, including warnings of the Spanish Armada in 1588. In the 19th century, the tower took on a new life as the home of Sir Thomas Phillipps, one of history’s greatest manuscript collectors. He established the Middle Hill Press within its walls, turning the folly into a scholarly hub known as the ‘Lighthouse of Wisdom’. Over decades, the tower housed printing operations and attracted intellectuals, later becoming a seasonal retreat for figures of the Arts and Crafts movement, including William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones, and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, who found inspiration in its windswept isolation.Arts and Crafts Retreat
In the 1870s and 1880s, Broadway Tower became a beloved country escape for Morris and his circle. They used it as a pastoral retreat, far from the industrial cities, where they could immerse themselves in the English countryside. Morris’s time here influenced his philosophy on craftsmanship and heritage, and he later founded the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. The tower’s simple, almost rustic conditions – with stories of bathing on the roof and hauling supplies up narrow staircases – added to its charm as a place of creative renewal and escape from Victorian modernity.A Tower for the Public
By the early 20th century, the tower had been converted into a farmhouse, serving as a home for tenant farmers. In the 1970s, it was restored and opened to the public as part of a country park, preserving its history while making it accessible to visitors. Today, the tower functions as a museum across three floors, with exhibits on its construction, the Phillipps press, and the Pre-Raphaelite connection. The rooftop viewing platform offers sweeping views across the Vale of Evesham and, on clear days, up to 16 counties, making it a favourite spot for photographers and walkers alike.Layers of 20th-Century History
Beyond its Georgian and Victorian past, the site carries Cold War echoes in the form of a nearby Royal Observer Corps monitoring post, now restored and open to visitors. This underground facility, once a closely guarded secret, adds another dimension to the tower’s story, linking the ancient beacon hill with modern surveillance. A memorial to the crew of a Whitley bomber that crashed here in 1943 further underscores the site’s layered significance, where centuries of history – from Saxon beacons to wartime service – converge on this elevated Cotswold ridge.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
West Banqueting House
5.1 km
Experience the grandeur of Jacobean England in West Banqueting House, a beautifully preserved historic retreat in the heart of Chipping Campden.
Old Campden House
5.2 km
Explore the evocative ruins and Jacobean heritage of Old Campden House, a grand 17th-century mansion touched by history and time.
National Trust - Chastleton House
15.2 km
Explore the enchanting Chastleton House, a historical gem in the Cotswolds showcasing Jacobean architecture and stunning gardens.
Greystones Farm Nature Reserve
16.4 km
Experience the natural beauty and tranquility of Greystones Farm Nature Reserve in the Cotswolds, a perfect getaway for nature lovers and families.
Cleeve Hill
16.4 km
Explore Cleeve Hill, the highest peak in the Cotswolds, offering breathtaking views, enchanting trails, and a rich tapestry of wildlife.
The Model Village
16.6 km
Experience the enchanting world of The Model Village, a miniature gem in Bourton-on-the-Water, capturing the essence of Cotswold charm.
The Dragonfly Maze
16.8 km
Explore the whimsical pathways of The Dragonfly Maze in Bourton-on-the-Water, a serene adventure for nature lovers and families alike.
Cotswold Journeys
16.8 km
Explore the enchanting Cotswolds on expertly crafted walking tours with seamless logistics and charming local stays.
World Walks (inc. Cotswold Journeys, British & Irish Walks)
16.9 km
Explore the captivating beauty of the Cotswolds with World Walks, your gateway to unforgettable guided walking tours across Britain and Ireland.
Whittington Court
18.5 km
Explore the enchanting Whittington Court, a historical landmark in Cheltenham, offering stunning architecture and serene gardens perfect for a leisurely visit.
The Rollright Stones
19.0 km
Explore the ancient mysteries of the Rollright Stones, a captivating historical site in the heart of the Cotswolds, rich in folklore and stunning scenery.
Anne Hathaway's Cottage
19.8 km
Discover the enchanting Anne Hathaway's Cottage, a historical museum celebrating Shakespeare's beloved wife in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon.
Holy Trinity Church
20.1 km
Explore Holy Trinity Church in Stratford-upon-Avon, a historic Anglican church and the final resting place of William Shakespeare, steeped in literary heritage.
Shakespeare's Funerary Monument
20.1 km
Discover the historical significance of Shakespeare's Funerary Monument in Stratford-upon-Avon, a tribute to the legendary playwright's remarkable legacy.
Stratford Fountains
20.1 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of the Stratford Fountains, a must-visit tourist attraction in Stratford-upon-Avon, perfect for relaxation and cultural exploration.
Unmissable attractions to see
Broadway
1.8 km
Explore Broadway, the enchanting jewel of the Cotswolds, where history, stunning architecture, and natural beauty await every traveler.
Broadway Museum & Art Gallery
2.0 km
Discover Broadway’s rich history and vibrant artistic heritage in a charming 17th-century coaching inn museum nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Cotswold Lavender
2.4 km
Immerse yourself in the fragrant, scenic lavender fields of Cotswold Lavender, a seasonal farm experience in the heart of Snowshill’s countryside.
National Trust - Snowshill Manor and Garden
2.8 km
Discover the enchanting 16th-century manor and whimsical Arts and Crafts garden of Charles Wade’s eclectic collection in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Snowshill
3.0 km
Discover Snowshill, a charming Cotswold village where historic manor, vibrant gardens, and lavender fields create a serene and captivating escape.
National Trust - Dover's Hill
4.1 km
Historic hilltop birthplace of the Cotswold Olimpick Games with sweeping Cotswold vistas.
Shenberrow Hill
4.4 km
Discover Shenberrow Hill’s tranquil landscapes and charming village atmosphere on the scenic edge of the Cotswolds.
Chipping Campden
4.6 km
A timeless Cotswold market town blending medieval wool trade heritage, stunning limestone architecture, and scenic countryside trails.
Chipping Campden Tourist Information Centre
4.8 km
Your welcoming gateway to Chipping Campden’s rich heritage, local culture, and the scenic Cotswold Way National Trail.
Stanway House
6.5 km
Discover the timeless charm of Stanway House, a Jacobean manor with Britain’s tallest gravity-fed fountain and enchanting historic gardens.
Bourton House Garden
7.4 km
Explore the tranquil elegance of Bourton House Garden, a historic Cotswold gem with exquisite topiary, a White Garden, and stunning countryside views.
Cotswold Falconry Centre
7.5 km
Discover the majesty of birds of prey through thrilling displays and close encounters at the Cotswold Falconry Centre in scenic Batsford.
Sezincote House & Garden
7.7 km
Discover Sezincote, a breathtaking Mughal-style Indian palace and romantic garden nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Cotswold Barn
8.6 km
Charming family-run café and gift shop in a rustic barn with scenic countryside views and lively motor events in the North Cotswolds.
Hailes Church
8.8 km
Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of Hailes Church in Cheltenham, a true gem nestled in the picturesque Cotswolds.
Essential places to dine
The Shed
1.9 km
A relaxed Cotswold bar and restaurant with roaring fires, local food, and a convivial atmosphere, perfect for drinks, light meals, and easygoing evenings.
The Back Garden
1.9 km
Elegant garden-inspired dining at Dormy House, blending Cotswold produce with Mediterranean flair in a sunlit, serene setting.
MO
2.0 km
Exclusive chef’s table dining with innovative seasonal cuisine in an intimate Cotswolds setting at Dormy House.
Russell’s of Broadway
2.2 km
Elegant boutique hotel and acclaimed restaurant blending historic charm with refined British cuisine in the heart of Broadway, Cotswolds.
Buckland Manor
3.2 km
Elegant historic manor hotel with fine dining and tranquil gardens in the heart of the Cotswolds’ charming Broadway village.
Fig Restaurant, Campden
4.7 km
A stylish modern European restaurant in Chipping Campden, serving seasonal dishes and elegant afternoon tea within the Cotswold House Hotel & Spa.
Horse and Groom
7.0 km
Quintessential Cotswolds pub with hearty British fare, cozy rooms, and stunning countryside views in Bourton-on-the-Hill.
The Ebrington Arms
8.0 km
A timeless Cotswold village pub offering rustic charm, gourmet dining, and cozy country accommodation in idyllic Ebrington.
The Halfway at Kineton
9.8 km
A charming 17th-century Cotswold pub blending rustic ambiance with refined seasonal British cuisine and warm hospitality.
5 North St
11.8 km
An intimate French dining experience in Winchcombe, blending innovative cuisine with cozy charm and unpretentious service.
The Old Stocks Inn
13.0 km
Charming 17th-century boutique inn with refined British dining, cozy bar, and elegant rooms in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold’s historic market square.
The Old Butchers
13.2 km
A family-run gem in Stow-on-the-Wold offering exquisite European cuisine in a warm, historic setting with exceptional seafood and steaks.
the scenic supper
13.4 km
Experience farm-to-table dining in a stunning Cotswold glasshouse with seasonal menus and panoramic countryside views.
The Rose Tree Restaurant
16.4 km
Charming riverside British dining in a historic Cotswold cottage with cozy interiors and scenic garden views.
The Croft Restaurant
16.6 km
A charming riverside restaurant in Bourton-on-the-Water serving fresh, locally sourced English cuisine in a welcoming and scenic setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Whatever The Weather
2.1 km
Discover unique gifts and charming curiosities in a historic thatched cottage at the heart of Broadway’s picturesque High Street.
Cotswold Trading - Broadway
2.1 km
A stylish homewares and gift shop in the heart of Broadway, offering curated kitchenware, décor, and presents with a distinctly British flair.
Cotswolds Distillery Shop
2.2 km
Discover the heart of Cotswolds spirits craftsmanship at the Broadway shop, home to award-winning whiskies and gins.
Wild at Heart
2.2 km
Discover unique contemporary jewellery and gifts from local artisans at Wild at Heart, Broadway’s family-run boutique with a personal touch.
Betty & Violet
2.2 km
Vintage treasures and handmade goods celebrating independent makers in the heart of the Cotswolds.
The Man Cave Broadway
2.2 km
Eclectic collectibles and gifts in a historic Cotswolds village setting.
Mooch The Cotswolds - Handmade Homeware & Clothing
4.6 km
Discover handcrafted luxury sleepwear and homeware inspired by Cotswold heritage, crafted with passion and sustainable artistry.
The Attic
4.7 km
Sustainable luxury fashion in the heart of the Cotswolds—designer pieces with character and conscience.
Cotswold Luxe
4.7 km
Luxury home furnishings and artisanal décor curated for timeless interior inspiration.
Cotswold Food Hampers
4.9 km
Discover premium handcrafted gourmet hampers celebrating the rich flavors and traditions of the Cotswolds in historic Chipping Campden.
Cotswold Grey
9.8 km
Discover rustic elegance and expert interior design at Cotswold Grey, Moreton-in-Marsh’s premier home furniture and décor destination.
The Cotswold Snug
9.9 km
Discover authentic Cotswold crafts and gifts in a cozy, welcoming shop nestled in the heart of Moreton-in-Marsh’s historic High Street.
Just Incase Gifts
11.8 km
Discover unique, quality gifts and local crafts at this warm, family-run shop in the heart of Winchcombe’s charming Cotswold village.
The Cotswold Company (Flagship Store)
13.0 km
Step into a beautifully styled Cotswold home at The Cotswold Company’s flagship store in Stow-on-the-Wold, where timeless furniture and homewares come to life.
Ella's Emporium
13.1 km
A charming Cotswold gift shop with handmade fudge, unique homewares, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Snowshill Arms
3.0 km
Authentic Cotswold pub offering hearty fare, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere in the picturesque village of Snowshill.
The Bakers Arms
4.7 km
A timeless Cotswold pub offering hearty fare and warm hospitality in the heart of Broad Campden’s historic village.
Eight Bells Inn
5.0 km
Historic 14th-century inn with cozy rooms, classic pub fare, and a warm, dog-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Chipping Campden.
The Watering Hole - Event Bars
7.2 km
Discover The Watering Hole, where exceptional cocktails and event planning unite in the stunning Cotswolds, perfect for weddings and gatherings.
The Coach & Horses
9.2 km
A cosy, traditional Cotswold pub in Longborough serving hearty fare, local ales, and welcoming guests with charming B&B rooms.
Hollow Bottom
11.5 km
A historic Cotswold pub blending hearty local fare, warm hospitality, and scenic countryside charm in the heart of Guiting Power.
The Lion Inn
11.8 km
Historic 15th-century coaching inn in Winchcombe offering cozy rooms, hearty British fare, and a warm, inviting atmosphere in the heart of the Cotswolds.
The Howard Arms Ilmington
12.4 km
A charming 400-year-old Cotswold inn blending historic warmth, fine dining, and stylish comfort in the heart of Ilmington village.
Sheep on Sheep Street
13.2 km
Historic charm meets modern comfort at The Sheep on Sheep Street, a vibrant inn and pub in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold.
The Fox at Oddington
15.7 km
Historic 16th-century Cotswold pub blending rustic charm with organic cuisine and cozy countryside stays in Lower Oddington.
Kingsbridge
16.5 km
A classic riverside pub in Bourton-on-the-Water offering hearty British fare, cask ales, and warm hospitality in a scenic Cotswold village setting.
The Royal Oak, Prestbury
19.0 km
Historic 16th-century pub in Prestbury offering traditional Cotswold charm, seasonal British fare, award-winning ales, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
The Bull - El Toro | Stratford-Upon-Avon
20.1 km
A lively fusion of Spanish tapas and English pub charm in Stratford-upon-Avon, serving exceptional food and drink in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Windmill
20.3 km
A welcoming traditional British pub in Warwickshire serving classic dishes and local brews in a cozy, community-focused setting.
The Keys
20.5 km
A friendly and inviting pub in Stratford-upon-Avon with a quirky garden, great drinks, and classic pub fare in a relaxed atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Cultural
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
