Broadway Tower

You climb steadily uphill from Broadway village and suddenly this folly appears - a six-storey tower of golden stone that serves absolutely no practical purpose except to be climbed. Built in 1799 by the Earl of Coventry as a bit of architectural theatre, Broadway Tower sits at 1,024 feet above sea level and rewards the walk with views that genuinely stretch for miles.

The tower itself is part visitor attraction, part working space - there's usually a small exhibition inside covering its history and the landscape beyond. You pay to go up (a few quid, nothing outrageous) and the spiral staircase is narrow, steep, a bit worn underfoot. On a clear day you can see fourteen counties from the top. On a grey Cotswolds afternoon, you'll see the immediate countryside properly - rolling hills, the vale below, enough to make the climb worthwhile.

Walkers love this place. It's about forty minutes from Broadway itself if you're taking your time, longer if you're not fit. Kids either find it thrilling or tedious depending on their age and patience - the view from the top isn't interactive, just a proper view. History buffs will appreciate the Edwardian touches inside.

If you're based at Broadway Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or one of the other parks within a couple of miles, this is an obvious afternoon outing. Park your camper, take the footpath up, spend twenty minutes on top. It's straightforward, not expensive, and the Cotswolds reveal themselves properly from up there.