If you’re looking for a village that rolls in plaudits like “Jewel of the Cotswolds” or “show village of England”, then Broadway ticks all the boxes. It sits on the Worcestershire-Gloucestershire border on the northern tip of the Cotswolds, beneath Fish Hill on the western escarpment. Its history goes back to Saxon times, and although the earliest surviving buildings date back to the 1300s, most date from the mid-17th century onwards.

 

Many of the buildings were constructed with Cotswold stone, giving it its warm and homely feel, and the village is named after its broad, grassy main street. There’s plenty of shopping to be done, or you can head south east to Broadway Tower on the Cotswold Way National Trail and take in a gorgeous view thanks to its high vantage point, over 300m above sea level.

 

Ornithologists might like a trip to Broadway Gravel Pit, while Batsford Arboretum is also just a short drive away. If you visit after March, also check out Snowshill Manor and Garden, which is administered by the National Trust.

 

Fancy a traditional Cotsworlds break? Then stay at Cowley House B&B, a mid-18th century house built in Cotswold stone with original features evident in every room. Prices start from a very reasonable £58 (£62 over New Year weekend) per room based on a couple sharing, or £45 for single occupancy. Part of the deal includes a hearty Cotswolds breakfast sourced from local ingredients.