Evesham

Evesham is a market town of 28,000 people (2021) in Worcestershire that is roughly equidistant from Worcester, Cheltenham & Stratford-upon-Avon and in the Vale of Evesham.

Understand
Being located in the flood plain of the River Avon the area is well suited to market gardening and the town is famous for its fruit and veg, particularly its asparagus, known by the locals as 'gras'. However, being in a flood plain and being located in a meander of the River Avon, the town is prone to flooding and those from 2007 were the more severe recorded floods.

The town was founded around an 8th-century abbey which was mostly destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and today only a bell tower remains.

By road
The town lies alongside the A44 and A46, and is within easy reach of Stratford, Worcester and Cheltenham in addition to the Northern Cotswolds. The M5 motorway (West Bromwich near Birmingham to Exeter) is 11 miles to the W via the A46

By bus

 * Local bus services serve a small interchange upon the town's High Street.
 * First Bus Service X50/550/551 runs Worcester - Evesham.
 * Stagecoach Service X18) runs Coventry - Leamington - Warwick - Wellesbourne - Stratford on Avon - Bidford - Evesham
 * N.N Creswell run limited rural bus services.

By train

 * Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain



By river
The River Avon is navigable, and is used by narrow boats between the River Severn at Tewkesbury and the canal network at Stratford.

Get around
Evesham is a compact town, and one can easily walk around the town centre. Outside the town, a car is likely to be necessary as bus services can be limited in some areas.

Do
Hire a boat and paddle around the river in the centre of the town, or take a visit to the Almonry, a museum dedicated to Evesham's colourful history, including the Battle of Evesham.

Alternatively one can visit the Regal Cinema on Port Street.



Buy
Evesham is not famous for its shopping, but there is still a range of shops on Bridge Street and High Street.

The town benefits from several nice little independent shops, the largest of which being Magpie Antiques, which despite the name also sells toys and collectables and is great for souvenirs and random gift ideas.



The town has two markets, one indoor which is open most days, but is sadly in terminal decline. The outdoor market, which is held on the High Street on Saturdays is a more lively affair, and offers a range of goods.

There is also the Riverside Shopping Centre.



Eat
Evesham has a range of restaurants. The majority are centred around Waterside and Port Street, near to the River, whilst some others are located upon the High Street/Vine Street.

Port Street/Waterside
The most common types of restaurants here are Indian/Bangladeshi restaurants. Evesham does not have a large Asian community, and the majority of workers commute daily from Birmingham.

Other recommended restaurants in this area include

High Street/Vine Street


Elsewhere, the town offers several fast food outlets and some chain firms, including Wetherspoons upon the High Street.

Outside the town
Many surrounding villages have country pubs that offer good food. Key examples worth trying include the Fleece Inn at Bretforton, Chequers at Fladbury, and the Beckford Inn at Beckford.



Drink
Evesham has many pubs for a town its size, and they are a great way to meet the locals.

Pubs are dotted around the Town Centre, a single Wetherspoons is located on the High Street.



Go next
Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby


 * Worcester is only minutes away by train and is a friendly, compact city famous for its pottery and cathedral. Along with plenty of shops, sightseeing, restaurants; etc.
 * Cheltenham is famous for its Spa and Pump Room as well as the annual races; 16 miles to S
 * Stratford-upon-Avon 14 miles to NE, 25 minute drive
 * Broadway and Chipping Campden are within a 10 minute drive of the town

The town is well sited for visits into the Cotswolds.