Introducing Broadway

This pretty village, a quintessentially English place with a smattering of antique shops, tearooms and art galleries, has inspired writers, artists and composers in times past with its graceful, golden-hued cottages set at the foot of a steep escarpment. Take the time to wander down to the lovely 12th-century Church of St Eadburgha, a signposted 1-mile walk from town. Near here, a path leads uphill for 2 miles to Broadway Tower, a crenulated, 18th-century Gothic folly on the crest of the escarpment for the all-encompassing views from the top.

For modern comfort within a 300-year-old exterior, complete with sloped floors, exposed beams and low ceilings, try the wonderfully friendly Crown & Trumpet, the Broadway ‘local’ with five rooms with en suite above the lively pub. Downstairs is a good bet for real ales and a proper roast dinner. Sleek and stylish Russells is known for its award-winning modern British fare, with everything beautifully executed, from the gnocchi to the saddle of rabbit. Upstairs there are seven spacious, individually designed rooms (doubles £105 to £203) combining exposed beams and four-poster beds with modern luxuries such as iPod docks.

Bus 21 goes to Moreton-in-Marsh, Chipping Campden and Stratford (50 minutes, four daily Monday to Saturday). Bus 606 goes to Cheltenham (50 minutes, four daily Monday to Saturday).