Broadway and the Cotswolds: Rural England at Its Best!

Every tourist guide-book describes the Cotswolds as England's most "enchanting, bewitching, and natural" area! All the buildings found in the region have been built with the local honey-colored stones that are native to the Cotswolds. It is the golden coloring of the stones that give the Cotswolds villages that magical appearance, especially the way they glow in the late-afternoon sunlight! The countryside, also called "the wolds" is peppered with sheep, horses, and more sheep; add small brooks, weeping willows, and wild flowers along the road, and you have the perfect pastoral scene that makes for the perfect "Kodak Moment"!

Best Time to Visit

Plan ahead if you can to avoid the bus-loads of tourists. Like the rest of Europe, the high season starts in May and keeps going through late September. I visited the area in late April, when it was still a tad chilly, and the trees were just beginning to bloom, but we were lucky to escape the typical Spring-showers and enjoyed a sunny day, with mild temperatures; there were just a few tourists walking around! I recommend the early Spring or early Fall, although, I can't imagine there is a wrong time to visit.

Broadway

After a little research, we decided that our first tour stop would be Broadway, probably the most popular village, as it is known to have a very dramatic High Street, enhanced by many quaint shops, galleries, antique stores, cafes, etc. Broadway makes an excellent starting point to begin your expedition around the Cotswolds. This village was probably named Broadway because in the 16th century, the road used to be called the "broad way." It was along this highway where the more elaborate golden-colored stone buildings were built, and it was this "broad way" that became the main thoroughfare to the city of London.

Historical Background

The Cotswolds history is some thousands of years old and the Saxons, Romans and other groups have clearly left their mark on this area, as you'll observe in the farmlands that you pass when driving in the area.

To See and Do in Broadway in One Day

No worries, one day in this handsome village will give you access to many boutiques, tea rooms, beautiful ancient churches, and an art gallery or two. If I could do it over again, I'd love to dedicate an entire day to this pretty village alone, and then spend a few more days visiting the others! While in Broadway, you may want to visit the town's main attraction called "Broadway Tower" located in Broadway Country Park, on the hilltop. The Tower goes by other names, namely "Beacon Tower or Fish Inn Tower", but it's always the same Tower they're talking about.

James Wyatt built the Tower in 1797 specifically for Lady Coventry, and it was constructed in a manner to resemble a miniature Saxon castle. The Tower is open every day of the year, except for public holidays. Even if you don't pay to get inside the Tower, you'll enjoy the park and the spectacular views afforded from the top of the hill. The park is very popular for picnics, and family events, and the atmosphere is very peaceful.

Dining and Accommodations

The famous Lygon Arms Hotel is found in Broadway, but bed & breakfast lodges and other smaller hotels are plentiful, to fit every budget and taste. Of course, there is no shortage of quaint pubs where you can enjoy a standard fare of Steak and Ale, or perhaps you wish to dine in a more dignified atmosphere, such as the Swan Hotel and enjoy a more Continental fare.

Parking

Know that parking along the streets of Broadway and surrounding villages is difficult as the local policemen are watchful since parking is limited to one hour. Parking is actually plentiful within walking distance to the shops, restaurants, etc., in the short/long term parking lots found in all villages.

Seeing other villages in the Cotswolds area

Probably the most comfortable way to get around this area is by car. I was visiting a good friend of mine, and we had the good fortune to have our own car, and we did not torture ourselves by having to ride a tour bus. Driving your own car or rental car is not difficult before the tourist season kicks in as the roads are not congested with tourists, although my friend tells me that during the Summer, traffic congestion is normal, and it's not worth it to drive into the villages. One suggestion is to park on the outskirts, and then take the local bus to take you into the villages. While my friend did the driving, in my observation, driving in the Cotswolds would be easy due to the many polite drivers, and excellent road signs.

Getting to the rest of the Cotswolds villages is easy as they are a few miles apart from each other. As a result, you can possibly see several villages in one day. In one day you can preview this charming area of rural England.

For those tourists who love to explore on foot, and since the villages are so close to each other, it is possible to visit a few villages in one day. Visit the local Tourist Office where they'll make several suggestions as to how to optimize your stay in the area.

Getting There

In spite of fact that this is a rural area, you will be delighted to know that it is comfortably near London (80 miles), and it is possible to take a day's tour of the area. If you take a train from London, fear not, you do not need a car to see the Cotswolds, although it would give you great freedom. If you don't want to bother with a car rental, there is a local bus service that goes through the villages. This is a better alternative than taking the dreaded day coach tour!

Summary

If you are planning your first visit to England, then the Cotswolds must be included in your itinerary. If are you are a return visitor, there is so much to seen in the many little villages of the area. Later on this year I will be visiting this part of England (again), and I plan to visit several villages that I missed the first time.

If one day is all you can dedicate to the Cotswolds, then consider Broadway as your starting point. If you are so lucky to spend a few days in the Cotswolds, then Broadway offers numerous venues for an overnight stay.

After spending a delightful day in Broadway, and some of the surrounding villages, I thought how lovely it would be to spend a couple of nights in the area, when all the tourists have gone, and the locals reclaim their villages!