We’ve assembled a brief guide to help you to get the most from your visit to Evesham, sponsored by Indy Enabled Living
Indy Enabled Living | 01527 69504 | my-indy.co.uk
Evesham’s spring blossom trails are an established ‘must-do’ in the calendar – the English equivalent of Japan’s cherry blossom season and tours. From April onwards, Evesham’s status as the fruit and vegetable garden of England also becomes more apparent. Evesham produce is sold all over the country, thanks to locally based distributors. Visit the town’s weekly Saturday charter market and the farmers’ market held on the last Friday of the month, to buy the freshest of the fresh.
As a settlement Evesham has a rich medieval history and was once famed for its footwear industry rather than its fruit and veg. The 14th century almonry, formerly part of the Benedictine Evesham Abbey, has been turned into heritage centre and museum (01386 443322). You can learn about Anglo-Saxon treasure buried nearby, as well other important archaeological and paleontological discoveries here. Evesham’s charms include the broad River Avon, where boating, fishing and dawdling are all pastimes.
Most noted for... fruit, vegetables and the finest asparagus. The town celebrates local produce from St George’s Day through to midsummer’s day, officially the English asparagus growing season.
While you’re here... catch the national Morris dancing festival in June, which includes ‘the Evesham Stick’ award for the best team of the weekend.
But try not to... miss a trip to the Regal – this Grade II listed building is a rare surviving example of an Art Deco cinema.
Who’s who
Lady Godiva lived locally with her husband Leofric, Earl of Mercia, in the 11th century. Evesham was the secret burial place for the remains of Simon de Montfort, killed in the Battle of Evesham in 1265 and whose body parts were scattered before being gathered by the monks at the abbey. Molly Badham MBE, who co-founded Twycross Zoo and trained chimpanzees for the famous Brooke Bond PG Tips TV ads, was born in the town.
Evesham Abbey dates back to early in the eighth century when it was founded by Saint Egwin the Bishop of Worcester. It was extended over the next 800 years to become the country’s third-largest abbey before being demolished during the dissolution of the monasteries. Its last remaining feature, 16th century bell tower in the Abbey Park was recently restored. The tower holds 14 bells, reputedly among the best in the country.
Evesham festivals
The Vale of Evesham’s festivals are diverse, ranging from the national Morris weekend in June and the annual Evesham river festival in July to the UK’s largest angling festival in August and apple days in October. Expect all sorts in-between.
Evesham Vale light railway
Take a steam train through the Vale of Evesham, passing apple orchards and some of the best scenery in the area. Evesham Vale light railway volunteers and enthusiasts run trains at weekends and school holidays, operating between Twyford and Evesham Vale stations (01386 422282).
Evesham porcelain
Throughout the late 20th century porcelain manufacturer Royal Worcester made a mint with its Evesham and Evesham Vale designs. At the height of its popularity it was said one in five British households had a piece of Evesham tableware. A collection of Evesham porcelain features at the Museum of Royal Worcester, 16 miles from Evesham itself.
Population: 23,000
Move here for...
£695,000
And get:
A four bedroom ranch-style bungalow in Knowle Hill, perfect for single-storey living. The house sits on a three-quarter-acre plot, and has two en-suite wet rooms plus a luxury bathroom, bespoke kitchen and walkway lighting. Outside there’s a wide driveway, triple garage and a rear garden storehouse.
Eat at: The Royal Oak
Why? This Vine Street pub opens from 9.30am daily and offers breakfasts until 11.30am, then classic fare featuring locally sourced ingredients from 12 noon-10pm. Expect seasonal dishes, from ethical suppliers, and a bar that’s dog (and human) friendly.
Drink at: The Red Lion
Why? Serving local and Worcestershire-brewed ales, the Red Lion in Market Square hosts live music on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons, and a Monday jam night that’s open to all-comers.
Stay at: The Evesham Hotel
Why? Privately run with its own spa, this country-style hotel in Coopers Lane has 37 ensuite bedrooms, a quality restaurant and good wine list, plus more than two acres of gardens right in the centre of town.
