Evesham - market town and civil parish in Worcestershire, England

Evesham is a small market town 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.

Get in

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 (dead link: January 2023) runs Worcester - Evesham.
• [(dead link: January 2023) Stagecoach Service X18) runs Coventry] - [Leamington - Warwick - Wellesbourne - Stratford on Avon - Bidford - Evesham
• N.N Creswell (dead link: January 2023) run limited rural bus services.

By train

Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain

• Evesham railway station, High St, Evesham WR11 4EQ , 52.0979°, -1.9474°. Great Western Railway (GWR) provides services on the Cotswold Line from Hereford to Oxford via Worcester. There are also direct off-peak services to London Paddington and Worcester. 2017-06-25

By bicycle

• National Cycle Route 41. Bristol - Gloucester - Stratford-upon-Avon - Rugby runs through the town. The route is still under construction and the section between Evesham and Honeyborne (6 miles E) is not yet completed. 2017-06-25
• National Cycle Route 442. Worcester - Evesham to the W Cotswold Line railway and Honeybourne and Hanborough in Oxfordshire to the E 2017-06-25

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.

See

• Evesham Abbey, 52.0913°, -1.9468°. Remains, once home to the 6th largest monastery in England, the Abbey was subject to dissolution during the reign of Henry VIII, resulting in its substantial destruction. The only significant remains that stand today are the 15th Century Bell Tower, the entrance arch to the old Chapter House, and the Almonary. The marked grave of Simon de Montfort, who dies at the Battle of Evesham in 1265, lies close to the Bell Tower. The remains are located within the aptly named Abbey Park, which lies next to the River Avon. During summer, this can be a pleasant spot, and is sometimes host to events such as small funfairs on the neighbouring Crown Meadow ('Party in the Park'), and music at the park's bandstand. 2017-06-25
• Almonry Museum and Heritage Centre, Abbey Gate, Evesham. WR11 4BQ (Located within the surviving Abbey Almonry building), 52.0912°, -1.9493°, +44 1386 446944, tic@almonry.ndo.co.uk. Mar-Oct: M-Sa 10:00-17:00, Su 14:00-17:00 last entry 16:00; Nov-Feb: M Tu Th-Sa 10:00-17:00 last entry 16:00. This museum chronicles the town's history and also houses the town's Tourist Information Centre. Adult £5, Child free, Senior £2
• Riverside. The navigable River Avon runs through the town, and the town is a popular stop off point for narrowboats. Riverside walks are possible alongside Abbey Park and Workman Gardens, located on either side of the River.
• Blossom Trail. The surrounding Vale of Evesham is home to many orchards, which give their name to the 40 mile AA sign posted walking, cycling and driving route (also visiting Broadway and Pershore) that runs close to the town. Between March and May, cherry, pear and apple blossom can be often seen. 2022-04-20
• The Valley - Evesham (Evesham Country Park), WR11 4TP (At the northern end of the Evesham bypass (A46) at junction with the Stratford Rd), 52.116599°, -1.939087°, +44 1386 298026, thevalley@eagle-one.co.uk. Mon-Sat: 9:30am-5:30pm, Sun: 10:30am-4:30pm. A garden centre located to the North of the town, comprising of associated shops, countryside walks and a miniature railway. 2017-06-25
• Middle Littleton Tithe Barn (13th-century tithe barn), Middle Littleton, Evesham WR11 8LN (3 miles NE of Evesham), 52.1219°, -1.88476°, +44 1905 371006, middlelittleton@nationaltrust.org.uk. 2017-06-25

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.

• Regal Cinema, 41 Port St, Evesham WR11 3LD , 52.090865°, -1.939927°, +44 1386 421007, boxoffice@theregal.ac. A two-storey art deco single screen cinema. 2017-06-25
• Evesham Vale Light Railway (Narrow Gauge Steam Railway), The Valley, Twyford WR11 4TP (2 miles N of Evesham), 52.1172°, -1.9372°, +44 1386 422282. 2017-06-25
• The Handsam Boat Co. (River Trips on Avon), "Nevrin", Mill Lane, Badsey, Evesham WR11 7EP (Use postcode WR11 4ST on your Sat Nav & follow signs for Evesham Rowing Club), 52.0901°, -1.9448°, +44 7860 895416 (mobile), info@handsamboatcompany.co.uk. end-Mar to mid-Oct. 2017-06-25
• Cotswold Riding (Riding School), Washpool Equestrian Centre, Stanton, Nr. Broadway WR12 7NE (7½ miles S of Evesham), 52.0101°, -1.9016°, +44 1386 584250, info@cotswoldsriding.co.uk. Group hacking, group lesson £32/hr; Private lesson £32/½ hr 2017-06-25
• Evesham Leisure Centre, Abbey Rd, Evesham WR11 4SU , 52.0883°, -1.9544°, +44 1386 444212, elc_dms@wychavonleisure.co.uk. Centre: M-F 06:30-22:30, Sa Su 08:00-19:00, Bank Hols 07:00-17:00. 25 m swimming pool, gym, (17 rope) climbing wall, spinning, cafe. Pay & Display parking 2017-06-25
• All Things Wild (Nature Centre), Station Rd, Honeybourne WR11 7QZ (7 miles E of Evesham), 52.09748°, -1.83259°, +44 1386 833083, info@allthingswild.co.uk. Summer: 10:00-18:00; (open all year). Adult £10.99, Child £9.99, Senior £10.49 2017-06-25
• Honeybourne Pottery (Pottery Activities & Classes), 3 High St, Honeybourne WR11 7PQ, 52.09162°, -1.83531°, +44 1386 830410, info@honeybournepottery.co.uk. Throw a pot & decorate (approx 1hr) child £18, adult £22 2017-06-25

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.

• Magpie Antiques, 1 High St, Evesham WR11 4DA , 52.092707°, -1.9475064°, +44 1386 41631, enquiries@magpieantiques.co.uk. 2017-06-25

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.

• Riverside Shopping Centre, WR11 4RD, 52.091851°, -1.946374°, +44 1386 49442. A small shopping centre mostly dedicated to clothing and accessory stores. There is also an inexpensive multi-storey carpark ajacent to the shopping centre for customer convenience. 2017-02-16
• Morrisons (Supermarket), Davies Rd, Evesham WR11 1DX , 52.07910°, -1.94047°, +44 1386 49351. M-Sa 07:00-22:00, Su 10:00-6:00. Petrol station, cafe & pharmacy (different hours) 2017-06-25
• Tesco (Supermarket), Worcester Rd, Evesham WR11 4XF , 52.10194°, -1.95160°, +44 345 677 9866. M-Sa 06:00-00:00, Su 10:00-16:00. Petrol station (different hours), ATMs, Wi-Fi 2017-06-25

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.

• Blue Lagoon, 7-8 Waterside, Evesham WR11 1BS , 52.090737°, -1.942111°, +44 1386 429383. Su-Th 17:30-23:30 F-Sa 17:30-00:00. 2017-06-25
• Rilys (Indian Restaurant), 2-3 Waterside, Evesham WR11 1BS , 52.090892°, -1.942059°, +44 1386 45289. M-Th 17:30-23:00, F Sa 17:30-00:00, Su 17:30-22:30. 2017-06-25

The best Indian restaurants found here are the , (both on ) and (). Other recommended restaurants in this area include

• Evesham Hotel, Coopers Ln, Evesham WR11 1DA , 52.088768°, -1.941638°, +44 1386 765566. offers a good quality English restaurant, complete with eccentric owner and one of the most extensive wine lists in the UK.
• Northwick Hotel, Waterside, Evesham WR11 1BT , 52.090308°, -1.942552°, +44 1386 45210. A good quality restaurant. 2017-06-25

High Street/Vine Street

• River Avon Chinese, 5-7 High St, Evesham WR11 4DA (hidden away on the first floor above the shops on High Street), 52.092833°, -1.947621°, +44 1386 442322. Tu-Th 17:30-22:30, F Sa 17:30-23:15, Su 17:30-00:00. Offers good quality food, and is reasonably priced.
• Thai Emerald, 88 High St, Evesham WR11 4EU (To the North of the High St, two small elephant statues outside), 52.095294°, -1.946486°, +44 1386 49788, evesham@thaiemerald.co.uk. M 17:0-22:30, Tu-Su 12:00-14:30 & 17:30-22:30. Part of a small chain of Thai restaurants. Somewhat pricey, but good quality. 2017-06-25

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.

• Fleece Inn, The Cross, Bridge St, Bretforton, WR11 7JE (4½ miles E of Evesham), 52.09204°, -1.865239°, +44 1386 831173, info@thefleeceinn.co.uk. Bar: daily 10:00-23:00; Food: M-Sa 12:00-14:30 & 18:30-21:00, Su 12:00-20:00. 2017-06-25
• The Chequers Inn (Restaurant & Accommodation), Chequers Lane, Fladbury, WR10 2PZ, 52.113088°, -2.00767°, +44 1386 861854, tspchef85@gmail.com. M 17:30-late, Tu-Th 12:00-15:00 & 17:00-23:00, F-Su All Day. 2017-06-25
• Beckford Inn (Restaurant & Accommodation), Cheltenham Rd, Beckford, Tewkesbury, GL20 7AN (7 miles SW of Evesham), 52.016741°, -2.02913°, +44 1386 881532, beckfordinn@wadworth.co.uk. Bar: Daily 08:00-23:00; Food: M-Th 07:30-10:00 & 12:00-15:00 & 18:00-21:30 F 07:30-10:00 & 12:00-21:00, Sa Su 08:00-10:00 & 12:00-21:00. 2017-06-25

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.

• Old Swanne Inn, 66 High St, Evesham WR11 4HG , 52.094405°, -1.946447°, +44 1386 442650. M-Th 08:00-00:00, F Sa 08:00-01:00, Su 08:00-00:00. The town's local Wetherspoons. Wi-Fi 2017-06-25
• {{drink | name=Ye Olde Red Horse | alt=Pub, Food & B&B | url=http://yeolderedhorsebedandbreakfast.co.uk (dead link: December 2020) | email=yeolderedhorse@hotmail.co.uk | address=17 Vine St, Evesham WR11 4RE | lat=52.09193 | long=-1.94859 | directions= | phone=+44 1386 442784 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-06-25 | content= }}
• {{drink | name=The Royal Oak | alt=Pub & Food | url=http://www.theroyaloakevesham.co.uk (dead link: December 2020) | email=hello@theroyaloakevesham.co.uk | address=5 Vine St, Evesham WR11 4RE | lat=52.09235 | long=-1.94808 | directions= | phone=+44 1386 442465 | tollfree= | fax= | hours= | price= | lastedit=2017-06-25 | content= }}
• The Red Lion (Pub), 6 Market Square, Evesham WR11 4RW , 52.09206°, -1.94712°, +44 1386 761688. Pub: M-Th 10:00-23:00, F Sa 10:00-00:00, Su 12:00-23:00. Small, old pub with real ales and live music 2021-03-11
• The Swan Inn (Pub), 76-78 Port St, Evesham WR11 1AT, 52.09019°, -1.93681°, +44 1386 49587, enquiry@theswaninn-evesham.co.uk. Frequent events e.g. live music, Open Mic nights, BBQ’s, pub quizzes, darts tournaments, pool contests 2017-06-25
• The Bear (Pub), 43 Port St, Evesham WR11 3LF, 52.09081°, -1.93968°, +44 1386 45428. Daily 11:00-23:00. 2017-06-25

Sleep

Budget

• Premier Inn, Evesham Country Park, A46 Trunk Road, Twyford, WR11 4TP (Located outside the town next to Evesham Country Park. 1½ miles N of town), 52.112682°, -1.937729°, +44 871 527 8384 (premium). Next door to the Orchard, an out of town pub/restaurant. Free Wi-Fi. Free parking. Restaurant From £50/night. 2017-06-25
• {{sleep | name=Hollymount House | alt=B&B | url=http://www.hollymounthouse.co.uk (dead link: December 2020) | email=hollymount@btinternet.com | address=Coopers Lane, Evesham WR11 1DA | lat=52.08836 | long=-1.94045 | directions= | phone=+44 1386 446035 | tollfree= | fax= | checkin= | checkout=by 10:30 | price=Single £37.50-£45/night, Double £80.00-£90.00/night | lastedit=2017-06-25 | content=Free Wi-Fi }}
• Brookside Guest House, 11 Brookside, Evesham WR11 2ND, 52.0851°, -1.9579°, +44 1386 443116, brooksideguesthouse@hotmail.co.uk. Free Wi-Fi Single £35/night, Double/twin £65/night 2017-06-25
• Haselor Farm (B&B), Haselor Lane, Evesham WR11 2RB (2½ miles W of Evesham), 52.0853°, -1.9824°, +44 1386 860591, info@haselorfarm.com. Double/twin £80/night 2017-06-25

Mid-range/Splurge

• Evesham Hotel, Coopers Ln, Evesham WR11 1DA , 52.088768°, -1.941638°, +44 1386 765566. Fine if not cheap hotel in centre of town. Run by an eccentric owner, it has won awards for its toilets. It is also known as the teddy bear hotel, caters primarily for families, and offers several themed rooms. The wine list has hundreds of entries, but none from France or Germany. From £85 a night, £105 is full-board
• Northwick Hotel, Waterside, Evesham WR11 1BT , 52.090308°, -1.942552°, +44 1386 40322, reservations@northwickhotel.co.uk. Located alongside the river, the hotel has benefited from a refurbishment following the 2007 floods, and offers good quality accommodation. From £65 a night.

Connect

• Post Office, 87 High St, Evesham WR11 4HR , 52.09513°, -1.94697°. M-Th 08:30-17:30, F Sa 09:00-17:30. 2017-06-25
• Evesham Library, Oat St, Evesham WR11 4PJ , 52.09277°, -1.94587°, +44 1905 822722, eveshamlib@worcestershire.gov.uk. M 09:30-17:00, Tu 09:30am-19:00, W-F 09:30am-17:00, Sa 09:30-16:00. Wi-Fi 2017-06-25

Go next

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

• Worcester is only 20 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.