Pershore

Plums and timber-framed buildings define this working market town on the River Avon. Pershore's wide Georgian high street feels properly lived-in rather than polished for tourists - locals still do their weekly shop here, and the Thursday market has been running since 1267.

St. Andrew's Parish Church dominates the skyline with its Norman tower, while the abbey ruins remind you this was once a major religious centre. The town's plum heritage runs deep - orchards still surround Pershore, and late summer brings the annual plum festival when the whole place smells of fruit.

Walking the countryside here is lovely. Eoves Wood offers proper woodland rambles with views across the Vale of Evesham, while Clark's Hill rewards the climb with cracking panoramas. The Jubilee Bridge Picnic Place makes a decent spot for lunch by the river, though it gets busy at weekends.

Getting here is straightforward enough. Pershore station sits on the Worcester-to-Paddington line, with regular services. By car, it's just off the A44 between Worcester and Evesham. The M5 junction at Evesham is only ten minutes away.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the surrounding villages makes perfect sense for exploring this bit of Worcestershire. You're well-placed for day trips to the Cotswolds - Broadway and Chipping Campden are both within easy reach. Worcester Cathedral is twenty minutes north, while Tewkesbury and its abbey lie the same distance south. The whole Vale of Evesham spreads out around you, with its market gardens, orchards, and gentle riverside walks.