📷 Photo by Saffron Blaze · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
This striking stone tower rises dramatically from the Cotswolds landscape near the village of Broadway, about two kilometres north of Buckland.
Built in 1799 by the Earl of Coventry, it was originally designed as a banqueting house and lookout point, though many assume it served a defensive purpose based on its appearance. The three-storey structure features distinctive crenellations, and climbing the spiral staircase rewards you with sweeping views across thirteen counties on clear days.
A museum spreads across different levels of the tower, documenting its construction and evolution over the centuries. The ground floor covers its early history, while upper levels explore local heritage and the surrounding landscape. There's a café for refreshments, and the parkland around the tower makes for a pleasant walk whether you arrive before or after exploring inside.
The tower sits at the top of Broadway Hill and is accessible by car with parking nearby, though you will need to walk the final stretch. Broadway village itself lies just down the slope and offers shops, restaurants, and accommodation if you want to stay for a few days. It's a straightforward visit that combines genuine historical interest with countryside views and doesn't require a huge time commitment.
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Photos
T. Yummifruitbat) · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons