Whenever we visit my mother in Cheltenham, we find it hard to resist dropping in on our favourite village in the Cotswolds, Broadway, with its honey coloured stone buildings, some dating back to the 16th Century, dotted along it’s wide high street.  We can’t help thinking that strict planning regulations have helped to keep this small village as authentic and original as possible.

We stayed at the Lygon Arms Hotel, for a second time, our first was before my wife and I were married, when the restaurant refused us entry as I wasn’t wearing a tie.  The maître d’  kindly suggested I borrow one of their spare ones, so I duly accepted and chose the least kippered looking clothing appendage, before being escorted to our table.  This time, the hotel (under the umbrella of The Hotel Collection) was less formal so just smart attire required to eat in the Great Hall and cosy chairs to sit by the fire and enjoy an aperitif before dinner.

The indoor pool is lovely, designed in a roman bath style, but be sure to be in the water before the children arrive, as it is not overly big.  This 4 star Hotel has lots of charm and character, especially if you stay in the original part (four-poster beds available) and takes pride of place in the heart of the village.

Also, cleverly tucked away behind the high street is an activity park to keep the youngsters amused.  A multitude of play equipment, as well as a lovely picnic area with views of the surrounding countryside.  This is a great asset if you are visiting with children in tow, no doubt designed to keep them occupied, leaving us oldies free to indulge in our grown up, slightly more intellectual activities.   Oh yes, there is fun to be had in those musty-smelling, old-fashioned looking buildings my dears, that is, never quite knowing what will be discovered during one’s rummaging through the various art galleries and antique shops that adorn this glorious spot: a priceless artefact unveiled or a story through time uncovered.

We all came together at the end of the day to enjoy a very nice meal at The Swan, a lovely Olde Worlde pub that I would recommend for good quality, homemade food.

Often referred to as “The Jewel of the Cotswolds” this is a gem of a place and worthy of your attention should you find yourself in this picturesque part of England.