Broadway Tower occupies a stunning location at the top of the Cotswolds escarpment, in the county of Worcestershire.
Located at the second highest point in the Cotswolds, perched on top of Middle Hill, the base of the tower stands at an elevation of 312m (1024ft) above sea level. The tower itself is 20m (65ft) high.
The highest point in the Cotswolds is Cleeve Hill, Gloucestershire, at 330m above sea level.
Its location offers spectacular views of the scenery and countryside in every direction. Indeed, it was built on top of a beacon hill. Beacon hills were high points used for lighting signal fires as a means of communication.
Whilst the tower has the appearance of a medieval castle (or at least part of one) it is in fact a Georgian era folly. Broadway Tower, an iconic landmark on top of the scenic Cotswolds escarpment, was built in 1798 as a Gothic folly.
Introduction and History
Broadway Tower is a Cotswold icon on the escarpment, with wonderful views set in peaceful surroundings. With over 200 years of colourful history, the tower was designed by Capability Brown and built in 1798 as a Gothic folly for the 6th Earl of Coventry to add romance to the landscape. Situated in a 50 acre parkland estate, Broadway Tower gives you great English heritage in a lovely setting. As a family run Cotswold destination it offers a special and memorable experience for all who come, combining history with nature.
Why was it built?
It is said that Lady Coventry wanted to know whether a beacon on the hill could be seen from her home in Worcester, roughly 22 miles away.
She commissioned the construction of the tower to find out. It was conceived by renowned and prolific Georgian landscape architect Lancelot Capability Brown, before being designed in 1794 by James Wyatt.
The tower is part of an estate of parkland allowing visitors to engage with English heritage, enjoy various activities, and appreciate the scenic beauty of the area.
Designed to appear Saxon, it was actually built between 1798 and 1799. Suffice to say, it could be seen quite clearly from the Lady’s home. The tower features three round corner turrets and battlements.
War Memorial
During the WWII the tower was a lookout point for the Royal Observer Corps. The high vantage point made it an ideal location to watch out for enemy aircraft flying over Britain.
Unfortunately, in 1943 an allied bomber on a training mission crashed near the tower. Members of the observer corps pulled the five crew men from the wreckage but sadly none of them survived.
There is now a memorial at the site of the crash.
Broadway Tower Country Park Tourist Attraction
Today the tower is a popular tourist attraction and has been since 1976 when it first opened to the public. Broadway Tower is a Grade II listed building located within the historically significant Broadway Tower Country Park, which features the 18th-century folly and offers public exhibitions, a gift shop, and a restaurant.
The park provides a range of experiences, allowing visitors to engage with English heritage, explore the surrounding parkland, participate in workshops, and enjoy dining options, all within a picturesque setting.
It and the surrounding country park are privately owned and open to visitors throughout the year. Broadway Tower is open daily with varying hours based on the season.
Dining and Refreshments
Broadway Tower has a lovely selection of dining and refreshment options, including the Morris and Brown Cafe and the Tower Barn Espresso Bar. The Morris and Brown Cafe serves a range of yummy food, from hazelnut hot chocolates and home-made cakes to luxury teas. If you’re looking for a bigger meal the Tower Barn Espresso Bar has a changing menu with brunch dishes, home-made stews and open sandwiches. You can also treat yourself to afternoon tea, beautifully laid out and bookable on Thursdays between 3pm and 5pm. Inspired by William Morris and Capability Brown both the cafe and espresso bar offer a unique and memorable dining experience in a stunning location.
Planning Your Visit
Visiting Broadway Tower is easy and convenient. Located on the A44 Evesham – Moreton-in-Marsh, just one mile south-east of the village of Broadway, the site is easy to find. The Morris & Brown Cafe is open from 9am-5pm, Broadway Tower from 10am-5pm and the Tower Barn Espresso Bar from 9.30am-5pm, a lovely spot for a cuppa. If you’re interested in history the Nuclear Bunker is open on weekends and bank holidays from April to October for guided tours only. Out of hours opening can be arranged by prior appointment. The tower is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Current admission prices and details about annual passes which offer 12 months free admission, car parking and 10% off all purchases in the cafes and gift shops can be found on the Broadway Tower website.
Nuclear Bunker
In addition to the tower, there is also a cafe, a deer park and a fully equipped, cold war era nuclear bunker at the site. The bunker was constructed to record nuclear activity during the Cold War. Guided tours of the bunker are available. The nuclear bunker built during the Cold War remained undisclosed until its decommissioning in 1991.
The bunker was designed to prepare for the possibility of the Cold War turning hot, highlighting its historical significance.
The Nuclear Bunker is open weekends and bank holidays from April to October for guided tours.
There is a charge to enter the tower and also an additional charge for tours of the nuclear bunker. It’s well worth the climb to the top for the spectacular views. The Morris and Brown Cafe is open daily and offers a range of meals and drinks.
Conservation and Wildlife
Broadway Tower is set within a 50-acre estate of parkland, home to a majestic herd of red deer. Visitors have the unique opportunity to meet and view these beautiful creatures while learning about the conservation efforts in place to protect them. The estate also supports a variety of other wildlife, including numerous bird species and insects. Managed with a strong focus on conservation, the tower and its surroundings offer a stunning example of the Cotswolds’ natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, such as walking and cycling, exploring the estate’s many footpaths and trails. This unique location not only provides sensational views and a sense of tranquillity but also offers numerous opportunities to engage with and learn about conservation and wildlife.
Walking Routes
The site is on the popular walking route the Cotswold Way and access to the country park and surrounding grounds of the tower is free of charge.
After enjoying the comforts of the café, visitors can explore the great outdoors, making it a perfect starting point for outdoor adventures.
On a clear day it’s said that you can see up to 16 different counties from the top of the tower.
From the top of the tower you can see the nearby village of Broadway. The village is within walking distance of the tower, a little over a mile along the Cotswold Way.
Alternatively it’s about a 4 mile drive from the tower to the nearby village, down the A44 via Fish Hill.
The tower is approximately 19 miles drive away from Burford, in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds.
You can get more information about Broadway Tower, including admission fees, opening times and details about exhibitions from their official website.