Visiting Broadway Tower: Best Day Trip Guide
Broadway Tower: A Majestic Folly in the Heart of the Cotswolds
Picture this: tucked away in the Cotswolds, where gentle hills cuddle honey-colored villages like sleepy kittens, there’s this quirky tower sticking out like a mischievous thumb. Yep, that’s Broadway Tower, a proper head-scratcher from way back in the 1700s when folks had a thing for building fancy bits for no real reason (except maybe bragging rights, who knows?).
Perched on top of Beacon Hill like a mischievous gnome king, this folly (posh word for fancy garden ornament gone rogue) gives you views for days. Think rolling countryside stretching out like a green tablecloth, dotted with sleepy villages and cheeky sheep. No wonder it’s a fave for locals and day-trippers alike – fresh air, stunning panoramas, and a healthy dose of “what were they thinking?” make for a pretty unbeatable combo.
So, if you’re ever in the Cotswolds and fancy a bit of an adventure (and a side helping of historical weirdness), swing by Broadway Tower. Just don’t ask the sheep why it’s there – they’re still trying to figure it out themselves.
A Gothic Gem
Broadway Tower was commissioned in 1798 by the 6th Earl of Coventry, who sought to create a picturesque feature that would enhance the views of his newly acquired estate. Designed by the renowned architect James Wyatt, the tower is a blend of Gothic Revival and Romantic styles, its crenellated walls and octagonal shape creating a whimsical and imposing silhouette against the Cotswolds landscape.
Ascending to the Summit
A steep climb up a winding staircase leads to the top of Broadway Tower, rewarded by breathtaking views that extend across the Cotswolds and beyond. On a clear day, one can see as far as the Malvern Hills to the west and the Worcestershire Beacon to the east. The tower’s four levels offer different vantage points, allowing visitors to appreciate the varied topography of the area, from the patchwork of fields and villages to the distant hills and valleys.
A Literary Legacy
Broadway Tower has also played a role in English literature, inspiring the writings of William Morris and being featured in the works of other authors such as Thomas Hardy and Evelyn Waugh. Morris, the Victorian artist and designer, was particularly captivated by the tower’s views, using them as inspiration for his depictions of the English countryside.
A Day Trip to Remember
A visit to Broadway Tower is a delightful way to experience the beauty and charm of the Cotswolds. The tower is open to visitors year-round, with guided tours available during the summer months. There is also a café and picnic area on the grounds, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or afternoon tea.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a history buff, or simply a lover of beautiful scenery, Broadway Tower is sure to leave a lasting impression. So pack your walking boots, your picnic basket, and your sense of adventure, and set off to explore this enchanting landmark in the heart of England’s Cotswolds.
