The Cotswolds is one of those destinations that might have been designed for winter and Christmas. It’s a romantic time of short walks along country lanes lined with magnificent tree shapes and the pleasures of a log fire in a welcoming pub. There might even be a sprinkling of snow, to make those honey-coloured stone villages even more irresistible.

If you’re staying with us, villages such as Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold and Winchcombe are within easy reach, as is Snowshill, where you can spend some time recreating the winter scenes from Bridget Jones’s Diary. This eminently pretty village is where scenes from the original film were shot.

Recently voted one of the best places to live in Worcestershire, Broadway is perfect for a short winter break. Step out of our hotel door and you could easily spend a day exploring the independent shops and galleries along the single shop-lined High Street.

There’s no better winter walk than up to Broadway Tower, especially if you have a dog with you. Climb to the top of the Tower for one of the most breathtaking views from the rooftop, with up to 16 counties to be seen (62 miles in each direction!). There’s an immediate feel-good factor involved in making the climb but if you need more incentive, a hot chocolate from the cafe usually does the trick.

The Cotswolds are fast becoming a year-round destination, with more and more things to see and do in winter. Here are just a few ways to spend your time here in November and December:

Christmas Late Night Shopping

If the thought of Christmas shopping on the same old typical British High Street isn’t that exciting, may we recommend one of the two Late Night Christmas Shopping Evenings in Broadway?

2024 dates are Friday 29th November & Friday 6th December. The evenings run from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

You’ll definitely be drawn into the spirit of Christmas as a busy Broadway crowd enjoy Christmas lights, shopping, and music. You’ll find mulled wine, seasonal food — and you might even see Father Christmas and one or two of his reindeer.

It’s all very civilised and relaxed and a great way to get a head start on Christmas shopping away from the crowds.

Broadway really is inspirational, with a great range of shops and retailers - food and drink shops, antique and art galleries, perfume shops, fashion and home goods stores. Things are kept warm and friendly by personal service from independent retailers.

If you’re staying with us for a few days, you’ll find other Christmas markets around the area too, always good for handcrafted gifts, artisan foods, and holiday decorations.

Highlights include Chipping Campden’s market on Saturday, December the 7th, 2024.

Bourton on the Water offers the unusual sight of a ‘floating’ Christmas tree inthe River Windrush. It’s always worth calling in to see, especially after dark.

Nearby Winchcombe is running a Christmas Market on Saturday the 7th December. Over 40 stallholders are expected, with singers and performances all day.

There are Christmas lights in most villages, such as Moreton-in-Marsh, Winchcombe and Burford, with perhaps the most ambitious ‘switch on’ being in Cheltenham on Saturday the 23rd of November. This year there will be two Christmas markets on the Promenade in Cheltenham. A Christmas Chalet Gift Market runs between the 21st-24th November. That’s followed by an Arts and Crafts Christmas Market between the 12th and 22nd of December. Local traders and creators will demonstrate home made crafts and you will be able to pick up pottery, original art, glassware, jewellery and more.

Sightseeing in Winter

Our very own Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, runs Santa Express Events from Broadway Station. (Dates this year are 23rd, 24th, 30th of November and 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd of December). No ordinary trip this, as you travel to the North Pole (it takes about 30 mintes to get there!) to meet Santa.

BBC Countryfile star, Adam Henson opens up the Cotswolds Farm Park for more seasonal fun at ‘Christmas on the Farm’ on 22nd - 24th Nov 2024, 29th Nov - 1st Dec 2024, 6th - 8th Dec 2024, 13th - 15th Dec 2024, 18th - 23rd Dec 2024. You’ll meet enough rare breed animals to surround several mangers.

Nearby Sudeley Castle has been hosting an annual Festival of Light evening illuminated event for 9 years now. It’s now part of the annual Cotswolds calendar. This year it will run on evenings between 22 November - 30 December and features a Sleeping Beauty theme.

If you crave a traditional Pantomime, you’re in safe hands at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre. This season, Aladdin runs from the 29th Nov - to Sunday the 12th Jan. Local hero, Tweedy the Clown stars.

For full details of the winter season at Cheltenham Racecourse, please see our last blog, but their ‘Christmas Meeting’ takes place on the 13th and 14th of December this year, at Cheltenham Racecourse.

Batsford Arboretum is a joy at any time of year, with a special charm in late autumn and winter.

Traditional Carol Services

The village churches of the Cotswold’s have a special character and it’s well worth finding time to reflect on Christmas by joining in with a traditional carol service. There’s a calming sense of continuity in such places — people have shared the passing of the seasons for centuries in these buildings.

In Broadway St Michael and All Angels’ and St Eadburgha’s are the local Church of England churches and St Saviour, is the local Catholic Church. It’s also worth seeing if your visit coincides with the famous annual Tewkesbury Abbey Carol Service, set in a stunning medieval abbey.

Christmas and New Year at The Broadway Hotel

Both are popular, well established celebrations, with Chef pulling out all the stops. Our skilled bar team keep things interesting with some amazing seasonal cocktails.

We offer 3 day (Christmas) and 2 day (New Year) packages. At the time of writing (September 2024), these have sold out. We’ve included details below in case of any cancellations, which we post on social media (Instagram and Facebook).

Short Breaks

Christmas can be a busy time with plenty of visitors and family around. Why not secure a little ‘us’ time together with a short break before or after Christmas? Your dog might appreciate it too!

Keep an eye on our Offers page for special rates and short break deals including our Mini Break Offer.