Pershore, Worcestershire

19 October 2007

Famed for its elegant Georgian architecture and magnificent medieval abbey, the unspoiled and picturesque market town of Pershore has much to offer.

Topped by its pinnacled tower, Pershore Abbey hosts a number of concerts throughout the year and presides over a town whose many fine buildings are listed to ensure they remain unchanged by passing time. Glimpses of its long history are still evident – Pershore Bridge, the scene of Civil War skirmishes, still bears the scars of battle.

Set on the river Avon, just ten miles from Worcester and six from Evesham, and surrounded by beautiful countryside and chocolate box villages, the town is a haven for cyclists and ramblers as well as those who want to browse its covered market and specialist shops.

The town’s old-world charm has inspired poets such as John Betjeman and it is perfectly positioned for visits to both the Vale of Evesham and the Cotsworlds, while an excellent range of accommodation and places to eat create a warm welcome back at the end of the day’s shopping and exploring.

Shopaholics will be in their element with the variety and quality of choice provided by the town’s many independent retailers, tempting visitors with wares from handmade chocolates to designer clothes and hats. From bags, beads and a butcher’s deli, to videos and vegetables, the indoor retail market in Cherry Orchard, is a real treasure trove of goodies to browse.

Bank Holidays lure visitors, including BBC Gardeners’ World, to Broad Street, the heart of the town, with the mouth-watering smell and sights of sizzling pig roasts and home-made preserves, cakes, and produce from local growers.

Pershore celebrates its famous plums on August bank Holiday Monday at its annual Plum Fayre. Many varieties are grown here, with Victoria and Majories Seedling being the most common, but keep an eye out for Pershore Yellow Egg, Pershore Purple and Pershore Emblem.

Throughout the year there are dozens of flower shows, fetes,agricultural shows, riding competitions, village walks, dogs shows, open gardens and special celebrations, information on which can be found at the Tourist Information and Heritage Centre, in the Town Hall.

Its Number 8 Community Arts Centre has a 250-seat theatre and cinema, an art gallery, dance studio, bar and coffee shop and hosts a varied programme of entertainment for those wanting something a little more lively than the tranquillity offered by the excellent fishing available locally.

Boats can be hired for a trip along the Avon, whose banks provide many perfect spots for unpacking a hamper and enjoying a picnic of locally produced foods.

Nature lovers and photographers can feast their eyes on quintessentially English sights such as the ancient Tyddesley Wood, which dates back to the Ice Age and is mentioned in the Domesday Book and is now one of many such special sites in the area preserved as a nature reserve by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

Although its appeal is year-round, spring is a wonderful time to visit, when the area’s Blossom Trail takes visitors along its prettiest lanes and roads, and the wood itself is simply stunning at bluebell time in May.

Gardeners are completely spoiled for choice. The famous Hidcote and Kiftsgate gardens are close by as is Capability Brown-landscaped Croome Park, while the 30 acres of Victorian gardens at Spetchley Park lie just a few miles away.

The Royal Horticultural Society has its centre for the West Midlands at Pershore College and a wander around the garden centre there could provide that perfect specimen to take home and treasure.

For more information about Pershore visit www.eveshamobserver.co.uk

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