Evesham

Three rivers converge here - the Avon, Stour and Isbourne - creating the lush Vale of Evesham that's made this market town famous for fruit and vegetables since medieval times. Apple orchards and plum groves still stretch across the surrounding countryside, though modern Evesham has evolved into a proper working town that feels refreshingly unpretentious.

The historic heart centres around the remains of Evesham Abbey, where you'll find the impressive Tithe Barn and the ancient Grammar School. Most visitors miss the Statue of Eof tucked away near the abbey grounds, but it's worth seeking out this tribute to the Saxon prince who founded the monastery here in 714. The town's quirky artistic touches include the Mosaic seats with fishes and those distinctive Wrought Iron Fishes that pop up around the centre.

Wanderers should climb Bennetts Hill for proper views across the vale - it's a bit of a trek but the panorama takes in the Cotswolds to the south and the Malverns to the west. The Victorian Workman Bridge offers a gentler riverside stroll, while The Valley Railway Adventure provides family-friendly steam train trips through the countryside.

Evesham sits on the main railway line between Worcester and London, making it easily accessible by train. The A44 cuts straight through town, connecting to the M5 at junction 9 in about twenty minutes. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense - you're ideally placed for day trips to Stratford-upon-Avon (just 12 miles), the Cotswolds, or Worcester, while having this fertile valley as your base for exploring Worcestershire's gentler side.