Not far away from the hustle and bustle that is
Weymouth is the more tranquil Broadwey. Once a village north of Weymouth, Broadwey, with its neighbouring village Upwey, is now part of the Weymouth area. If you are looking for somewhere close to Weymouth with a quieter feel then a cottage holiday in Broadwey could be just right for you.
Information on Cottage Holidays in Broadwey
Broadway is conveniently situated on the Dorchester to Weymouth road, although most of it is hidden away from passing traffic. Upwey railway station is nearby with good connections to London and Bristol. As the names suggest the two communities are on the River Wey at the point where it broadens before reaching the sea. Broadwey is well located for discovering some of the best of Dorset whilst on a self-catering break.
If you take a walk around the area you will find some interesting historical architecture such as Broadwey Manor and Broadwey House plus a number of mill workers and farm workers cottages. The parish church of St. Nicholas has parts dating back to the 12th century with some Norman input later and updates during the 14th, 15th, 17th and 19th centuries. The church is adorned with wall paintings including Tudor roses from the late 15th century. In splendid isolation is Lorton Farm, with its Gothic style windows, which was built during the reign of King George IV.
Close to the church is the gem in Broadwey and Upwey’s crown, the Upwey Wishing Well. Once thought to have healing powers the water from the spring was sampled on more than one occasion by King George III while on visits to Weymouth. It is told that he left a gold cup at a nearby house from which he drank, a cup supposedly later donated to Ascot Racecourse for a trophy. As it became popular a shelter was added and gardens cultivated. This is a recommended place to visit whilst enjoying a cottage stay in the area. There is a tearoom on the site serving snacks and lunches and displaying some historic memorabilia.
Broadwey, as well as being close to the sea and town at Weymouth, is within a short, easy drive of other Dorset resorts and attractions, allowing you plenty of opportunities to explore whilst on holiday. Portland and its famous stone and lighthouses was once the scene of many shipwrecks and its caves a thoroughfare for smugglers. It is now a tourist area with lots of interesting features. To the west of Weymouth is Abbotsbury with its unique Swannery, sub-tropical gardens and children’s farm. In the opposite direction is lovely Lulworth Cove and to the north the historic county town of Dorchester with its many ancient and modern sites.
We trust that you’ve found our information on this area of the West Country helpful. For more hints, tips and advice on what this area has to offer we recommend that you visit the Tourist Information Office on the Esplanade in Weymouth on arrival. There you can pick up free leaflets as well as getting free, helpful information from staff.
Whether you opt for a self-catering apartment, a large country house or a log cabin in the countryside, we trust that you’ll have a memorable time in Dorset.
Whether you choose to book a holiday cottage in Broadwey, an apartment, a lodge or another type of self-catering holiday accommodation, we hope you have your best holiday yet in Dorset.