Broadway Tower
Middle Hill, Broadway, Cotswolds, WR12 7LB
Standing on the Cotswolds escarpment, Broadway Tower was conceived by 18th-century landscape artist Capability Brown and completed in 1798. Notable for its stone turrets and rounded-arch windows, this Gothic folly boasts historical exhibitions and a rooftop with views across 16 counties.
The Basics
Broadway Tower stands 1,024 feet (312 meters) above sea level and offers three stories of exhibitions along with spectacular views. Visitors can explore the displays on the tower’s history and past occupants—William Morris and other luminaries from the arts and crafts movement among them—before absorbing the views and enjoying the surrounding attractions, including the café, shop, and barn café; an original Cold War bunker; scenic parkland; and country walks.
You can visit Broadway Tower independently or on a guided Cotswolds tour—many include a stop at the folly. Prebook online to secure admission if you plan to visit on your own, or sign up for one of the full-day tours that include either an exterior stop or interior visit.
Things to Know Before You Go
Broadway Tower is a key sight for history and outdoor enthusiasts.
Allow about 90 minutes to visit the tower, café, and shop.
Parking fees at the nearby lot are refundable against purchases over a specified value at the café or shop.
While the tower is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible, the café, shop, and restrooms are.
Be prepared for the tower’s steep spiral staircases.
How to Get There
Broadway Tower rises from Middle Hill, overlooking the village of Broadway. The best way to get there is to drive: Take the A44 south of Broadway, and after about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), turn into Buckle Street to find the tower. Alternatively, a 45-minute walk along the Cotswold Way from Broadway’s High Street brings you to the landmark.
When to Get There
The tower and café are open from midmorning to midafternoon daily, but be aware that times are subject to change if the weather is poor. There’s no bad time to visit, although the tower and café can be busy during the summer and on weekends.
Sights Near Broadway Tower
Many visitors combine time at Broadway Tower with strolls or cycle rides in the surrounding countryside or on the Cotswold Way walking trail. Another attraction is the nearby Nuclear Bunker. Here, visitors can descend a ladder to explore the single-room monitoring station, which was used during the 20th century to detect any suspicious Soviet activity. The bunker is open weekends and holidays from April to November.
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