The charming town often overlooked for the Cotswolds that’s ranked the UK’s second-best place to live

Every year, thousands of visitors travel west from London to the Cotswolds, hoping to see picture-perfect places like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water.

But just a short distance away, on the banks of the River Avon, sits a lovely town that many drive straight past, even though it was recently named the second happiest place to live in the UK.

That town is a historic market town in Worcestershire that often gets overlooked by tourists rushing to the Cotswolds.

Photo © David Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Nestled between Worcester, Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon, it’s full of history, has deep farming roots and great transport links, yet remains a quiet gem off the usual tourist trail.

Evesham’s story has always been closely tied to its land. The town sits in the rich Vale of Evesham, an area famous for growing fruit and vegetables since medieval times.

By the 1800s, market gardening had become its main trade, with asparagus becoming its most famous crop. It’s now protected with a special status, just like Champagne or Cornish pasties are linked to their regions.

The River Avon runs right through the centre of town and plays a big role in Evesham’s charm. In the past, it was used to move goods across the region, but today it’s the heart of the community, lined with walking paths, boats, and riverside events.

Photo © Chris Allen (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Evesham really comes alive in spring and summer. The annual regatta in May attracts rowers and visitors, while July’s River Festival fills the parks and riverbanks with stalls, live music and family fun.

Beside the river is Abbey Park, a large green space that mixes modern gardens with ancient ruins.

Visitors can explore the remains of Evesham Abbey, founded in AD 701, along with its bell tower. The park is a peaceful place for family walks and even hosts special events like evening bat walks.

To learn more about the town’s fascinating past, the Almonry Museum is well worth a visit. Set inside a 14th-century building, it tells Evesham’s story through exhibits on local farming, daily life and the Battle of Evesham in 1265, a major event in England’s medieval history that took place just outside the town.

Remember - LeaveNoTrace!

As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!

Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.

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