tm - blossom trail section 1-19 201 [online]

A delightful springtime journey around the Vale of Evesham

www.visitwychavon.com

An enchanting 50 mile route AA signed, taking you on a journey through some of the most wonderful villages of the Vale. The Blossom Trail is among five of the foremost blossom events in the world, to visit any of the others you would have to travel as far as Japan and the USA; so why not come and discover what is available on your door step?

The Vale of Evesham blossom can be enjoyed in many ways; whether it’s leisurely at your own pace or a fun filled, organised day out! One way which is sure to capture your heart

and leave you with sights to remember for a lifetime, is our three Blossom Trail Walks, designed with spring time blossom in mind. Or maybe you prefer cycling? Then why not come and take part in the Blossom Trail Bikeaway on Sunday 10 April and take in one of the four routes designed around the best blossom of the Vale. Do you prefer someone else to do the driving? Sit back and listen to the history of the blossom and visit blossom hotspots on one of our Springtime in the Vale Coach Tours; where an experienced tour guide will be sure to enlighten you with the very best this area has to offer.

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SpringtimeThe Blossom on the Blossom Trail The Vale of Evesham is home to one of the ‘Top Wonders of Spring’ the Blossom Trail; and with 32 years already gone by it is still in full swing for yet another successful and beautiful year.

in the Vale of Evesham

What’s inside

www.visitwychavon.com

• The blossom• About the blossom

• History of the blossom• Exploring the blossom

• Places to visit• Blossom events

• Blossom trail map

LONDON

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LONDON

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WORCESTER BLOSSOM& VALETRAIL

BLOSSOM& VALETRAIL

BIRMINGHAM

MANCHESTER

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The Vale of Evesham together with its neighbouring areas are well known for its apples, pears and plums, and has some of the most productive horticultural land in the country.

Blossom is the term given to the flowers of stone fruit trees (Genus Prunus) and other plants that flower profusely for a period of time in spring. Blossoms are either pink or white depending on the species or variety. Types of Blossom: peach (including nectarine) blossoms, most cherry blossoms, and some almond blossoms are usually pink. Plum blossoms, apple blossoms, orange blossoms, some cherry blossoms, and most almond blossoms are white. Blossom provides pollen for bees to initiate cross-pollination necessary for the trees to reproduce and produce fruit.

So this spring why not explore the natural beauty that the Vale of Evesham has to offer by following the 50 mile AA signposted route? You will be sure to journey through some of the most idyllic villages that the area has to offer and be captivated by blossom and the sensational countryside.

Where to find usThe M5, M42 and M50 motorways are on the doorstep as are mainline rail links from Paddington and Birmingham. Overseas connections are catered for with ferry links around the coast and airports suited at Birmingham, East Midlands, Coventry, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Heathrow and Gatwick.

About the blossomFor over 30 years, the months of March to May have been made synonymous with the appearance of blossom. Bringing a blend of soft pink tones of the cherry and apple blossom, that contrast beautifully with the white blossom of the pear and plums that explodes along the road sides and surrounding areas of the Vale of Evesham.

History of the Blossom TrailThe First “natural” attraction the vale of Evesham created was its Blossom Trail – 33 years and counting it has drawn tens of thousands of people to explore the wonderful Worcestershire countryside. But how did it all begin?

In 1983 the 8 mile Vale of Evesham Blossom Trail was established with its main purpose being to take advantage of the natural beauty and horticultural fame of the Vale of Evesham. However, during the late 1980s and early 90s it was realised that the traditional orchards were diminishing. In order that the viability of the Trail be preserved, an extensive survey was carried out in 1993 to evaluate what opportunities were present to extend the trail to 20 miles, not only to include new orchards but also to incorporate the town of Evesham and the delightful villages in the Vale.

During the Millennium year another survey was undertaken and this time it was decided to extend the route further to include Pershore and the surrounding area. This provided visitors increased access to experience what the area has to offer. However, in 2001 sadly the Blossom Trail, and the rest of the country, was affected by the disastrous outbreak of Foot and Mouth causing the launch of the 40 mile route to be postponed. Thankfully in 2002 the new route was promoted and continued

to attract thousands of visitors. In 2008 to celebrate its Silver Jubilee, the Blossom Trail was extended once again – this time to include apple orchards and the charming village of Broadway.

The region has been famous for its fruit growing since medieval times. For centuries mainly apples and pears were grown in the Vale, with most of the crop being made to make cider and perry. By the 19th Century fruit growing had become big business, and many new varieties were produced including the famous Pershore Yellow Egg Plum which had been discovered growing wild in Tiddesley Wood in 1827. By the 1870s around 900 tons were sent to market at harvest time.

To commemorate the centenary of the discovery of the Pershore Yellow Egg Plum, a locomotive was named ‘Pershore Plum’. The steam train could be seen travelling between Worcester, Stratford and Birmingham. During the harvest, schools all over the district would close for a fortnight or so and farmers employed hundreds of children and their mothers to pick the fruit.

www.blossom-trail.org.uk www.visitwychavon.com

Contact usAngela Tidmarsh, Wychavon District Council, Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 1PT T: 01386 565373 E: [email protected]

Cycling in the Blossom TrailCelebrate the Blossom Trail with the Blossom Trail Bikeaway! The bike ride offers a fantastic outdoor adventure on Sunday 10 April starting from Raphael’s Restaurant (Hampton Ferry) Evesham.

The annual bikeaway provides a choice of four routes to suit all ages and capabilities. The routes follow selected parts of the AA signposted Blossom Trail and are all guaranteed to provide beautiful views of the “blooming” Vale of Evesham in aid of raising money for St John Ambulance and The Vale of Evesham Community First Responders.

For an application form please contact Henry Prudden on 01386 565564.

Guided Coach Tours of the Blossom TrailExperience an historical and entertaining tour of the delightful apple and plum orchards throughout the Vale of Evesham. With your own tour guide providing a wonderful sightseeing journey, it promises to be an interesting and enjoyable day out. This value for money coach tour will be picking up at various points throughout the county on Wednesday 13 and 20 April. Booking is essential, for details call Dudley’s coaches on 01386 792206 (why not also ask for details of the Asparabus Tours throughout May and the Plum Tours in August?).

Guided Tours of Historic EveshamAdd extra interest to your visit to the historic town of Evesham with a guided tour. A friendly qualified Tour Guide will tell you the story of Evesham’s past. Tours leave the Almonry Heritage Centre every Tuesday from May to August at 11am. Lasting approximately one hour and costing £2 per person, this tour is packed full of historical and enlightening facts. Pre booking is advisable.

For more information please contact Helen Piper on 01386 765972 or email [email protected] or visit www.eveshamvaletourguides.co.uk

Walking the Blossom TrailThe Blossom Trail walks comprise of three different routes created with blossom in mind to offer you the best views of the countryside and its unblemished blossom.

Walk one: Enjoy a leisurely 3 mile stroll through open countryside starting from All Saints in Church Lench. This route takes in some of the Vale’s orchards and the hamlet of Atch Lench.

Walk two: A 4 1/2 mile walk providing visitors with extensive views of the Vale of Evesham and the Cotswolds. This walk starts from the attractive riverside village of Fladbury and includes a journey through apple and pear orchards and concludes with a local golf course above the River Avon.

Walk three: 6 miles of delightful panoramic views entertain visitors of the Tiddesley Wood walk where the Pershore Yellow Egg Plum was born and takes you through the attractive villages of Besford and Birlingham.

The Blossom Trail Walks are available from all local Tourist Information Centres for £2.95 or call Angela Tidmarsh on 01386 565373.

Whether it’s walking, cycling, or a guided tour of the Blossom Trail you can marvel at the sights of the Vale of Evesham blossom and its beautiful scenery. Evesham Vale Tour Guides

£2.95

Exploring Blossom Trail

If Sunday 10 April proves difficult then why not cycle the Blossom Trail at anytime throughout the spring season via the marked blue signs.

The ValleyIf you’re looking for a shopping experience with a difference, look no further than The Valley in Evesham.

Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering Holidays • Short Breaks

• Business Stays • Quality Gradedwww.farmstayworcestershire.co.uk

WAKE UP TO THE COUNTRYFarmStayWorcestershire

The Evesham Hotel is just a short walk from the banks of the River Avon and right

in the heart of the Blossom Trail.Offering superb food and unique wines.

You can relax in our 2.5 acres of stunning gardens or ease away your stresses and

strains in our Mullberry Spa.

The Evesham Hotel, Cooper’s Lane, Evesham WR11 1DA

01386 765566 www.eveshamhotel.com

and Mulberry Spa

Nestled on the banks of the River Avon and set in 125 acres of stunning countryside, The Valley is a great shopping and leisure destination for all the family, conveniently located just off the A46.

Green-fingered visitors can indulge their passion at Evesham Garden Centre while fashionistas can pick up some new threads at retailers such as Fat Face, Outdoor and Country or Mountain Warehouse and home-birds can pick up some treasures at Cotswold Creative Living or Julian Charles.

There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained too. Families can get all aboard the Evesham Vale Light Railway and enjoy chugging through the picturesque countryside before stopping off for a picnic or to take a stroll along one of the country walking routes. For those looking for something a little more energetic, there’s the option of bringing a bike and setting off on one of The Valley’s many cycle paths. Alternatively, parents can enjoy a well-earned rest while the little ones burn off some energy among

the turrets, slides and climbing frames of The Valley Castle Adventure Park.

And if all that fun has helped you work up an appetite, The Valley has plenty of great restaurants where you can kick back, relax and enjoy some fantastic food cooked using local produce, such as The Carrot Cake Café, Fig & Favour Food Emporium and the Applebarn restaurant.

The Valley is the perfect place to shop-till-you-drop, relax and have fun with all the family in the heart of England. And with free parking seven days a week, there’s no excuse for not paying a visit.

Find us on the A44 at Wickhamford between Evesham and Broadway. WR11 7RT. Tel 01386 830546 www.waysidefarmshop.co.ukFollow our blog, twitter and Facebook

Farm Shop and Vintage Style Tea RoomFresh local produce. Own-made preserves, cakes and light lunches.Menus themed to Vale of Evesham blossom trail, asparagus and plum festivals.Come and try our Blossom Trail treats, Asparagus Jam and Plum Preserves!

As featured on the Good Food Channels ‘Bill’s Tasty Weekends’ and BBC Countryfile!

www.thevalleyshopping.co.uk/explore

Pershore Market is the ideal place for people to shop, as all stalls are under the same roof. What is more, the market has its own large car park and

customers can also stop for refreshments at one of our two cafes.

Opening Times Wednesday to Saturday 9am till 4.30pmTel: 01386553232 | www.pershoremarket.com

Pershore Retail Market

“a garden for all tastes”Visit Spetchley Park Gardens, and enjoy:• The largest private collection of plant

varieties outside the major botanical gardens;

• 30 acres of plants, shrubs and trees woven into a garden of many rooms and vistas;

• Free hand-held audio tours highlighting the Gardens fascinating history;

• Tea room, gift shop, and plant sales.

t: 01905 345106 • e: [email protected] • w: spetchleygardens.co.ukSpetchley Park Gardens, Spetchley, Worcester WR5 1RS

/SpetchleyParkGardens @SpetchleyPark

Spetchley Specialist Plant FairSUNDAY 24 APRIL 2016

For further details visitwww.spetchleygardens.co.uk

Come and wander through our colourful Flower Field

Open 10am to 5pm daily July 1st – 10th 2016

The flowers are harvested by hand to become natural wedding confetti you can buy online.

100% biodegradable bespoke petal mixes local and lovely!

www.confettidirect.co.uk T:01386 555045Wick, Pershore, Worcestershire.

For all your coach hire requirements, we can offer standard or executive coaches for your

days out, theatre visits or tours.Enjoy our

Spring time in the Vale Wednesday 13 and 20 April

And why not take trips on our Asparabus Tours

Wednesday 11 and 18 Mayand Plum Tours

Thursday 11, 18 and 25 August

Tel: 01386 792206 Fax: 01386 793373E-mail: [email protected]

as seen on BBC Countryfile

All coaches

are fitted

with seat belts

Stylish Restaurant with Private Dining creative, modern fine dining menus with an

emphasis on flavour and presentation accompanied by an excellent wine list.

Event Cateringwe’re not just any outside catering company, we take

restaurant food outside for weddings, events and parties

The Belle House Traiteurour very own Deli, well stocked with handmade delicious

foods produced by our kitchen to eat at home

www.belle-house.co.uk Bridge Street, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1AJ

T: 01386 555055 E: [email protected]

Real food created by real chefs using the best real Ingredients

On your visit to the Vale to explore its horticultural delights, why not drop into the historic town of

Pershore. Independent shops, good quality cafés and restaurants, lovely riverside walks and our

ancient Abbey all enhance your visit. Why not stay, too and make the most of this

beautiful part of the country.

For information contact the Visitor Information Centre: 24, Church Street, Pershore,

Worcestershire WR10 1DT. Tel: 01386 556591 Email: [email protected] Website: www.visitpershore.co.uk

Visit PERSHORE

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BadseyVisit www.badsey.net for a wealth of information and horticultural history of the village. Nearby is Wayside Farm Shop and Tea Rooms which stocks local delicacies and makes specialist produce for the British Asparagus Festival and the Pershore Plum Festival including jams, scones, chutneys, cakes and fudge.

Bredon HillEncircled by many attractive villages, this 991ft hill stands magnificently above the River Avon at the edge of the Cotswolds. It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the most important wildlife spots in England containing a range of habitats including limestone, grassland, scrub and ancient woodland. This Special Area of Conservation is under the European Commission Habitats Directive and a National Nature Reserve, as well as the subject of the famous poem by A. E Housman. Bredon Hill hosts an annual cycle event in October, The Bredon Hill Bikeaway which has a choice of 3 routes to suit everyone around the delightful autumnal Worcestershire countryside.

BretfortonAn ageless village built almost entirely in the 17th Century appealing to visitors from all over the world. It has been used in the making of a number of films and TV shows, including Martin Chuzzlewit, Robbie Coltrane’s ‘B Road Britain’, ‘The One Show’ the BBC period drama ‘Land Girls’ and most recently ‘Terry and Mason’s Great Food Trip’. The village’s most famous attractions are the Bretforton Silver Band, the only village band left in Worcestershire and the award winning Fleece Inn, owned by the National Trust, home to the famous Asparagus Auctions.

Broadway Tower Broadway Tower is a folly on Broadway Hill, near the village of Broadway; being one of England’s outstanding viewpoints and at 1024 feet (312m) above sea level; it is the second highest point on the Cotswolds. Situated in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Tower surveys an expanse of some of the very best of the English countryside encompassing the Vale of Evesham and on a clear day you may also see across the Severn Valley as far as the Welsh mountains and beyond.

Elmley CastleWhere you can witness the remains of the medieval castle from which the village derives its name. This picturesque village at the foot of Bredon Hill was visited by Queen Elizabeth in 1575. Come and see the fascinating church with superb alabaster figures and an intriguing carving of a rabbit in the church porch.

FladburyAn attractive and welcoming village on the banks of the picturesque River Avon between Pershore and Evesham; Fladbury was mentioned in the Doomsday Book, indicating that the community is over 1000 years old. Many historical buildings including a 16th century mill, a 12th and 14th century church, a manor house, and a remnant of the ice age in the form of a stone outside the church. During the war Wood Norton Hall, near Fladbury, was the location of a secret base for the BBC, from where hours of programmes were broadcast. Wood Norton Hall was reopened in 2012 as a luxury 19th Century hotel.

OffenhamOffenham is recognised for being one of six villages with a permanent maypole remaining in England standing at 64ft tall. This village was the scene of the massacre of Simon De Montfort’s troops, following the Battle of Evesham in 1265. It is also the centre of innovative horticultural development. The village also is known in the area for it’s market gardening and following the modern way of growing, much of the land is now under glass. Indeed it is said, on a sunny day and from a higher vantage point that Offenham glitters where sunlight touches glass.

The LenchesThe Lenches is a picturesque region of Worcestershire which falls within the jurisdiction of more then one parish due to its size and other factors. This group of villages includes the hamlets of Ab Lench, Atch Lench and Sheriff’s Lench as well as the larger villages of Church Lench and Rous Lench, and are situated on the hikers’ long distance Wychavon Way. The hilly countryside overlooking the Vale of Evesham provides stunning views across Worcestershire.

Places to visit along the Blossom TrailWorcestershire and the Vale of Evesham are home to some of the most picturesque villages in the country so be sure not to miss out this springtime.

We’ve made some changes ... We’ve refurbished our entire bar and lounge area, with a new look, a new product line, and even a customised sound system.

The Cider Room Come see our new, beautiful Cider Room, perfect for private parties or business meetings.

Dining Enjoy our new menu in our relaxing, refurbished lounge, or our oak-panelled restaurant. Food is served all day.

High Street, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1AF T 01386 552046 . [email protected]

A relaxed pub offering home cooked food and local entertainment

To book or enquire please call us on 01386 556 645 or email us at [email protected]. Also visit our web site for frequent updates www.pickledplum.co.uk

Check us out on Trip Advisor• Food every day with choices of lunchtime, evening menu and daily specials• Food served 12-3 and 6-9 Mon to Thurs, 12-3 and Fri 5-9 and all day Saturday• Sunday Lunch 12-4 and Live Jazz every weekend• 6 real ales including weekly special guest ales• Regular Quiz every Sunday evening• Interesting and innovating beers, wines and spirits• Acoustic Jamming night every first Monday of the month

Holland House ‘In harmony with creation’

01386 860330www.hollandhouse.org.uk

We offer from Bed and Breakfast to Full Board accommodation forthose visiting the beautiful Vale of

Evesham and the Cotswolds.All our food is homemade from

mainly home grown or locallysourced produce.

WickhamfordWickhamford is a village and parish in Worcestershire, to the south of Badsey. The two villages have close connections and share a market gardening heritage. Mentioned in the 1086 Doomsday Book under the name of Wiquene, when it was owned by Evesham Abbey. The manor was built in the 16th century and later purchased from the Crown by Sir Samuel Sandys. The 13th century parish Church of St. John the Baptist shows a close connection of the Sandys family with the American colonists. Penelope Washington, whose mother married Sir Samuel Sandys and moved to the Manor House, was a distant relative of George Washington, the first president of the United States of America.

Picnic Areas• Eckington Wharf • Elmley Castle • Fish Hill (Broadway) • Jubilee Bridge (Fladbury) • Pershore Bridges

Revills Farm Shop

Bourne Road, Defford, Nr. Pershore, Worcs. WR8 9BS. Tel: 01386 750466 Email: [email protected]: www.revillsfarmshop.co.uk

As seen on BBC’s

‘Hairy Bikers’

Licensed tea room light lunches. Home grown asparagus, fruit & vegetables, local produce, ice cream, bacon, sausages, scotch eggs, game, smoked produce, fresh meats & frozen fish.

Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 June

National Gardens Scheme - Pershore Open GardensPershore Jan Garratt | 01386 553197 [email protected]


Eckington Flower Festival and Open GardensEckingtonLorraine Bainbridge | 01386 [email protected] www.eckington.info


Church Lench Flower Festival and Open GardensChurch Lench and Atch LenchNadine Woakes | 01386 [email protected] thelenches.org.uk

Saturday 9 July

Droitwich Spa and District Horticultural Society Summer Flower showDavid’s Nurseries, Martin Hussingtree, WR3 8TBVal Jancey | 01905 778384 [email protected]

Saturday 23 July

The Badsey Flower ShowThe Rec, Sands Lane, BadseyAdrian Barradell | 01386 [email protected] www.badseyflowershow.co.uk

Saturday 13 AugustBishampton Summer Flower and Produce ShowVillage Hall, BishamptonLesley Miller | 07854 [email protected] www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk

Saturday 20 - Sunday 21 August

Plum WeekendWalsgrove Farm, Evesham Road, WorcesterMargaret Haywood | 01905 [email protected]

Monday 29 August

Droitwich Spa and District Horticultural Society Annual Flower ShowDroitwich Sports and Leisure Centre, Droitwich SpaVal Jancey | 01905 778384 [email protected]

Saturday 10 September

Broadway Horticultural and Craft ShowVillage Green, BroadwayRoger Bailey | 01386 [email protected]

For more events visit www.visitwychavon.com

Blossom Trail Events

Saturday 2 April

Bishampton Spring ShowVillage Hall, BishamptonLesley Miller | 07854 [email protected] www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk

Sunday 10 April

Blossom BikeawayRaphael’s Restaurant, Hampton Ferry, EveshamHenry Prudden | 01386 [email protected] www.blossom-trail.org.uk

Wednesday 13 and 20 April

Springtime in the Vale Coach Tours Dudley’s Coaches 01386 792206info@dudleys-coaches.co.ukwww.dudleys-coaches.co.ukwww.blossomtrail.co.uk

Sunday 24 April

Spetchley Specialist Plant FairSpetchley Park GardensAnnette Phillips | 01905 345213 [email protected]

Sunday 5 June

Bretforton Open GardensBretforton ManorRita Booth | 01386 640696 [email protected] www.bretforton-gardenclub.co.uk


Ashton Under Hill Open GardensAshton Under HillJohn Kenrick | 01386 881431 [email protected] www.ashtonopengardens.co.uk

Blossom TrailDiverted Coach RouteApple OrchardsPlum and Pear OrchardsTourist Information CentrePicnic Area

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Advertiser Locations 1 Spetchley Park Gardens2 Jinney Ring Craft Centre3 Walsgrove Farm4 Walcot Organic Nurseries5 The Pickled Plum 6 Pershore Market7 The Angel Hotel8 Belle House9 Visit Pershore

10 Revills Farm Shop11 Four Acres Nurseries12 The Real Confetti Company13 Holland House14 Hampton Ferry15 Almonry Heritage Centre16 The Evesham Hotel17 The Valley18 Wayside Farm Shop19 Broadway Tower20 Dudley’s Coaches21 Ragley Hall22 Moorcroft

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Springtimein the Vale of Evesham

tm - blossom trail section 1-19 201 [online]

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