Earl's Croome

Built in the 18th century from local limestone, this hexagonal tower crowns Broadway Hill, the region's second-highest point, and features three round corner turrets, battlements and gargoyles that give it a distinctly romantic character. Don't let the theatrical appearance fool you though—it's a fully functional building with real rooms inside.

The top three floors house a museum dedicated to the tower's history, and the climb up rewards you with sweeping views across the countryside that stretch for miles on clear days. Earl's Croome itself is a quiet, understated sort of place that works well as a base for exploring the area. Broadway, just nearby, has everything you'd expect from a proper Cotswolds town: stone buildings, independent shops and restaurants. If you want to range a bit further, Evesham is within easy reach too.

The real appeal here is combining a specific historical attraction with access to genuinely lovely walking country. Whether you spend a couple of hours focused on the tower or take a whole afternoon to explore more widely, you'll find it's worth the journey into the northern Cotswolds. The views alone justify the effort up the hill.