Broadway Tower is the highest tower in the Cotswolds. The ‘Saxon’ tower was the brainchild of Capability Brown and designed by James Wyatt in 1794. It was a folly, built for Barbara, Countess of Coventry.
The tower is built of limestone and is 3 stories high, with 3 round corner turrets and battlements. It sits above the town of Broadway on top of the Cotswolds escarpment.
The Broadway Tower & Park is a family owned 200 acre estate of parkland. There are picnic grounds, Morris & Brown cafe and a shop. It is possible to climb to the top of the tower or just wander in the grounds. The ticket office is in the shop.
There are excellent views around the tower.
On the way back into Broadway we stopped by St Eadburgha’s Church, just outside the centre of town. It is a very pretty 12th century church. The original village of Broadway stood on a trail coming down from the Cotswold Escarpment. A new trail was made and the village developed a new centre.
Eadburgha was the granddaughter of Alfred the Great. She devoted her life to spiritual persuits and became a saint, possibly helped by her family connections.
The church is in a gorgeous, peaceful, green setting.
The interior is simple and quiet.
It is in a beautiful street.
The house opposite was stunning.
Broadway is a beautiful town with much to see. I’m pleased we stayed a couple of nights so we could wander slowly to take everything in.