Things to do in and around the Vale of Evesham

This riverside market town lies at the foot of the Cotswolds and is seeped in History and English heritage. Perfect for anyone who is looking for a rural retreat a stay at The Fleece Inn places you at the centre of all you could ask for.

During the summer months Evesham hosts its annual River Festival drawing thousands to the quaint riverside town. Less than 7 miles away is the small market town of Pershore which hosts its annual Plum Festival during August which last year attracted an estimated 17,000 people. Pershore also boasts a beautiful Anglo-Saxon Abbey, rural riverside walks and the near by National Trust owned Croome Park.

Heading back towards the Cotwolds jump aboard the Steam Valley Railway and enjoy a round trip of 20 miles passing through Didbrook and near the ruins of Hailes Abbey, the picturesque route has views of the Cotswolds and Evesham Vale, in the distance the Malvern Hills.

If you prefer to take in the sights by foot head to Broadway. Broadway Tower is one of England's outstanding viewpoints and at 1024 feet (312m) above sea level, it is the second highest point on the Cotswold escarpment. Unrivalled views survey an expanse of a 62 mile radius and as many as 16 Counties.Conveniently located on the Cotswold Way, Broadway Tower is the perfect place to start your walk, be it a short circuit or hike. There is ample car parking for patrons of Broadway Tower and refreshments await to reward the completed walk.

Broadway is also the home of National Trust owned Snowshill Manor and the stunning Snowshill Lavender Farm where along with acres of rolling Lavender fields and distillery there is also a gift shop and tea Rooms.

Of course no visit to the Vale of Evesham would be complete without calling in at Shakespeare Country. Stratford upon Avon, the birth place of the great William Shakespeare, offers a truly cultural experience. Wonder around the town centre shops or enjoy messing about on the river in your very own boat. Just across the river is the Butterfly Farm, perfect for the younger holiday makers. Most famously, in the centre of the town is Shakespeare birthplace, discover the place where Shakespeare spent his early years and began his married life.

If theatre takes your fancy The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) is a major British theatre company. Located primarily at Stratford-upon-Avon,  it is one of the United Kingdom's most prominent publicly-funded theatre companies and offers a fantastic range and level of entertainment.