If you imagine the Cotswolds with quaint stone buildings, beautifully kept gardens, and cobbled alleyways with tiny boutiques and tea rooms, then you are basically imagining Broadway village. This fine example of a Cotswold village has renowned hotels, fantastic shops to browse, some great places to eat and drink, and many places to visit and things to see to keep you occupied.
As a classic Cotswolds village, several of our walks visit Broadway, including:
The area and surrounding countryside are stunningly beautiful, offering walking trails with breathtaking views in all directions. There are many walks from Broadway that are popular Cotswold attractions, but to narrow it down, we’ve chosen a handful of walks in and around Broadway that we highly recommend.
1. Broadway Tower Walk
Length: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This circular Broadway walk is a must-do if you’re visiting Broadway. You can either trek from the village of Broadway up to Broadway Tower, which is situated at the top of Broadway Hill, if you fancy getting the heart pounding, or you can drive up to the tower and walk around the grounds which is populated with red deer to greet you. Either way, you’ll get to see the sensational views from this point, which is the second-highest in the Cotswolds.
The walk up to this iconic viewpoint is a moderately difficult route, as the walk is entirely uphill until you reach the tower. The climb will use up quite some energy, but the views out across the Seven Valley and into Wales are well worth the effort you’ll put in, particularly on a clear day.
2. Broadway to Chipping Campden
Length: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Duration: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
This gorgeous Broadway walk follows the Cotswold Way past Broadway Tower and Dover’s Hill on to the quintessentially Cotswold village of Chipping Campden. This route is accessible to most travellers, using well-maintained waymarked footpaths and meandering through beautiful Gloucestershire and Warwickshire countryside. The walk starts by heading up Dover’s Hill to throw you straight in with a climb, but this is the hardest part of the walk, so don’t worry, it is manageable for most people.
A longer, more moderately challenging iteration of this walk is available, taking 2.5 to 3.5 hours to cover 4.5 miles (7.2 km). Whichever route you choose, you’re bound to see beautiful views of both of these classic English countryside villages, as well as some charming woodland along the way.
Like Broadway, Chipping Campden is a classic Cotswold village, attracting visitors from near and far. Several Cotswold Journeys tours visit Chipping Campden, including:
3. Broadway to Winchcombe along the Cotswold Way
Length: 11.5 miles (29.3 km)
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This beautiful Broadway walk takes in the gorgeous Cotswold villages of Stanton, Stanway, and Wood Stanway. This is a popular route due to its wonderful scenery, and you will be sure to see other hikers along the way. The walk is well signposted with fingerposts and yellow markers throughout. Bear in mind this is a linear walk, so you’ll need to think about transport either at the start or end of the walk.
Though a delightful Cotswold attraction, the walk from Broadway to Winchcombe via the national trail, the Cotswold Way, is challenging at times, involving varied terrain and a considerable climb out of Broadway to the escarpment.
4. Broadway Circular Walk
Length: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This circular walk from Broadway takes you through the scenic Cotswold villages of Stanton, Laverton, and Buckland, while showcasing the tranquil English woodland and rolling hills of the region.
In Stanton, often described as one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, you’ll find beautifully preserved thatched cottages, the 12th-century Church of St Michael, and The Mount Inn, a traditional pub with spectacular views across the Vale of Evesham.
Laverton offers a quieter charm, with its peaceful lanes, historic farmsteads, and rural lifestyle. Buckland, with its striking manor house, ancient dovecote, and the lovely Church of St Michael and All Angels, rounds out the route with architectural beauty. This is a walk rich in character, offering an authentic glimpse into the Cotswolds’ heritage and unspoiled countryside.
5. Broadway to Snowshill
Length: 2.8 miles ( km)
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate
Short walks around Broadway in the Cotswolds are also in no short supply. If you fancy a short walk that is still as beautiful as the longer ones, then this is the one for you. With the starting point of Broadway, this walk takes just over an hour one way, with magnificent views of Broadway Tower along the way.
Snowshill is a small, picturesque Cotswold village that sits on top of the escarpment above the villages of Broadway, Buckland, and Laverton. This secluded village has quaint, ancient cottages and a 19th-century church. The route is of medium difficulty since it does involve a considerable climb, so you’ll need to use those leg muscles.
6. Wychavon Way
Length: 40 miles (64 km)
Duration: 3-4 days
Difficulty: Difficult
If you’re game for a longer Broadway walk, then the Wychavon Way is a fabulous route. In fact, if you’re hiking Broadway, the Wychavon Way is the best way to do it. This 40-mile walk begins at Droitwich and finishes at the historic town of Broadway. You can do this route in either three or four days, depending on your time frame and how much you want to explore the area. Both routes will take you through meadows, woodland, orchards, and riverside pastures.
This long-distance historical trail through the heart of England has spectacular panoramic views throughout, particularly from Bredon Hill and Parson’s Folly. During the spring months, the Vale of Evesham is filled with blossoms and in the summer and autumn months, fruit is available for picking and eating along the way.
These Broadway walks are just a few of the many routes you’ll find in this glorious part of the Cotswolds. If you love walking, beautiful English scenery, friendly and welcoming people, and cosy country pubs, then you’ll love Broadway and its surrounding areas.