Living in Broadway

Community spirit thrives in Broadway, thanks to a blend of longstanding local families, newcomers, and regular visitors. The village centre is a hub of social activity, with independent shops, regular farmers’ markets, and cultural events hosted throughout the year. Notable annual events include the Broadway Arts Festival and the Christmas Market, which attract residents and visitors from the wider region.

There are several churches, a community centre, and clubs catering to a range of interests, from gardening to walking and amateur dramatics. The surrounding gardens, common land, and green spaces provide ample opportunity for outdoor activities and social gatherings. Residents enjoy access to the Broadway Tower Country Park, which serves as both a local landmark and a popular meeting spot for walkers and cyclists traversing the Cotswolds.

Broadway is generally perceived as a safe and peaceful village. Crime rates in Broadway and the wider Cotswold region are lower than the national average, with most incidents relating to minor antisocial behaviour or traffic matters. The area’s close-knit community and active local neighbourhood watch help maintain a strong sense of safety for residents and visitors alike.

Neighbouring areas also report low levels of crime, and local policing initiatives such as targeted patrols, community engagement events, and regular security advice help reinforce Broadway’s reputation as a secure place to live. Parents and retirees alike highlight the village’s walkability and visible community spirit as further factors contributing to its safe environment.

Parking in Broadway can be affected by seasonal tourism, with higher demand during weekends and public holidays. However, residents benefit from a mix of on-street parking options, dedicated village car parks, and some residential permit schemes for central areas. The High Street area often experiences congestion at peak times, but quieter lanes and cul-de-sacs offer more parking opportunities for residents.

Road access is straightforward thanks to the A44, which links Broadway directly with key destinations and connects with the M5 motorway for longer journeys. Day-to-day congestion is normally gentle outside of tourist influx periods. The village’s setting in the Cotswolds means that some routes are rural and involve narrow lanes, but links to nearby market towns are simple and picturesque.

• Evesham – approx. 15 minutes via A44 (6.5 miles)
• Stratford-upon-Avon – approx. 30 minutes via B4632 (15 miles)
• Cheltenham – approx. 35 minutes via A44/A46 (18 miles)
• Worcester – approx. 35 minutes via A44 (23 miles)

Broadway's culinary scene reflects its status as a celebrated tourist destination. The village is home to renowned pubs such as The Lygon Arms, a historic coaching inn dating back to the 16th century, and The Swan, both offering traditional fare. Cafés like Broadway Deli and Leaf & Bean provide artisan coffees and homemade treats, popular with residents and visitors alike. A variety of restaurants, such as Russell's of Broadway and Tattersalls Brasserie, serve modern British cuisine and make use of seasonal, local produce.

Takeaway options are available, mostly offering fish and chips, pizza, and classic British fare. While Broadway is not known for a lively nightlife, there are well-patronised pubs and occasional live music events. For a more vibrant evening scene or larger theatres, residents typically head to Cheltenham or Stratford-upon-Avon, both within easy reach. Broadway’s food and drink offering leans toward a relaxed, sociable atmosphere, perfect for leisurely evenings and weekend brunches.

Families in Broadway benefit from access to well-rated local schools, including the community-focused Broadway First School and respected secondary options in nearby towns. Small class sizes and a strong partnership with parents ensure a supportive educational experience for children.

Broadway boasts several parks and play areas, including the Cotswold Recreation Ground and Buckland Woods, as well as access to scenic walks and open countryside. These outdoor spaces offer safe and stimulating places for children to play and families to unwind.

Childcare facilities, such as pre-schools and childminders, are available within the village and nearby, making it easy for working parents to balance family and professional life. Community events and activities for children, such as craft fairs and seasonal festivals, are common throughout the year.

General safety, a walkable village centre, and a shared sense of responsibility among residents ensure Broadway is an appealing choice for families seeking a peaceful yet active lifestyle in the heart of the Cotswolds.

Pet-friendly living in Broadway is shaped by its rural environment and easy access to expansive countryside. The village offers miles of scenic walking routes, including trails up to Broadway Tower and sections of the Cotswold Way, making it ideal for dog owners. The Cotswolds themselves provide countless opportunities for longer hikes, nature walks, and off-lead exercise in a safe and beautiful setting.

Local facilities for pets include veterinary services in Broadway and neighbouring towns, as well as pet shops and grooming salons. Many cafés and pubs in the village are dog-friendly, often providing water bowls and dog treats for four-legged visitors. Attitudes toward pets are highly positive, with many landlords and housing providers accommodating responsible pet owners.

Annual community events sometimes include pet shows or dog-friendly fairs, allowing animal lovers to socialise and participate in the village’s active social life.

Transport and accessibility in Broadway are shaped by its rural Cotswold location and proximity to regional transport hubs. While the village has no mainline train station, Honeybourne Station is just over 5 miles away, with regular services to London Paddington (typically around 1 hour 45 minutes) and connections to Worcester, Oxford, and Hereford. Train travellers can easily reach the station by local taxi or bus service.

Bus links provide regular services to Evesham, Cheltenham, and other local villages and towns, ensuring Broadway remains well-connected despite its rural setting. Major roads nearby include the A44, which runs east to Evesham and west to Moreton-in-Marsh and Worcester. The M5 motorway is accessible at Junction 6 (Worcester North) or Junction 9 (Tewkesbury), offering convenient routes to the Midlands and South West.

For air travel, Birmingham Airport is approximately an hour away by car, while Bristol Airport is about 1 hour 45 minutes away, offering a range of domestic and international flights.

• Worcester – approx. 35 minutes by car via A44 (23 miles)
• Oxford – approx. 1 hour by car via A44 (40 miles)
• Cheltenham – approx. 35 minutes by car via A44/A46 (18 miles)
• Birmingham – approx. 1 hour by car via M5/A44 (37 miles)

Schools in Broadway offer families a range of options within the village and the nearby surrounding area. While the village itself is relatively small, it is well-served by local schools at the primary level and benefits from secondary options a short distance away.

Primary Schools
Broadway First School is the main primary school serving the village. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted (2020), the school is known for its supportive environment and strong community ties. Near Broadway, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Evesham and Willersey CofE Primary School are also highly regarded, both providing a broad curriculum and positive Ofsted ratings.

Secondary Schools
For secondary education, The De Montfort School in Evesham and Chipping Campden School are popular choices. Both have received 'Good' Ofsted ratings (De Montfort: 2022, Chipping Campden: 2023) and attract students from a wide catchment area, offering strong academic and extracurricular programmes. Prince Henry's High School, also in Evesham, is a sought-after school with a long-standing reputation for academic achievement (Ofsted: 'Outstanding', 2013).

Independent Schools and Colleges
The nearest independent options include The King's School in Worcester and Malvern College, both of which are easily accessible for Broadway residents seeking private education. Broadway is also within reach of colleges such as Evesham College, which provides further and higher education opportunities including vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Universities
There are no universities in Broadway itself, but the University of Worcester is around 40 minutes away by car, offering undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across a range of disciplines.