Broadway is rightly proud to have gained the reputation and recognition for being ‘The jewel of the Cotswolds’.
This picturesque village nestles beneath the Worcestershire hills of the Cotswolds. Today, Broadway attracts visitors from across the world – all drawn to the beauty and attractions of this quintessential English village. The wide main street (the ‘broad way’) is lined with red chestnut trees and historic honey-coloured buildings many of which date back to the 16th century. As well as it's wide street, Broadway's majesty is also a delightful mix of Tudor, Stuart and Georgian buildings. Broadway has a long and interesting history and there is documentary evidence of a settlement in this region dating as far back as Roman Times. This famous street was also voted the most beautiful street in the UK and on arrival it is clear to see why.
Broadway is lively and vibrant with an excellent range of unique shops
and designer boutiques, restaurants and hotels but is also steeped in history. Over the centuries it has made its mark in many different ways. In the 1600's it was a major stopping place for the stage coaches that travelled between Worcester and London – with the world-renowned Lygon Arms remaining popular with travellers and visitors.
After parking up we walked
through a small arcade which brought us out onto Broadway. And broad it certainly was! Olde worlde architecture greeted us as we made our way up the street before crossing the main road and heading back down the other side. The place wasn't as busy as expected, although quite a few coach trips were coming and going during our one hour stay.
Broadway Tower, which stands at 65 feet tall, watched over the main street and green
below. At 1024 feet above sea level this is the second highest point in the Cotswolds. From the top of the tower is one of England's finest viewpoints with 13 English counties to be seen on a clear day.
Ground level was the
location of my photography today though. A wide lens would have suited me down to the ground today (no pun intended), but I had to settle with a standard 18-135mm job. It was up to the task, but photographing at closer quarters might have upped the game slightly, especially when getting close up to the fine detailed architecture itself. Here is a selection of shots from my debut visit to Broadway. A bit of mix n' match.
Thanks!
Ash