December will be over before we know it with so much to see and do. The delightful market town of Pershore is a charming choice and below are 10 reasons that may encourage you to take a visit to it and its immediate vicinity.
Pershore is mighty proud of its independent businesses, with the majority of the town occupied by unique shops, so it presents a wonderful opportunity to spend time shopping for unique gifts for loved ones.
Whether you’re looking for the trendiest toys for the children, a designer dress for the work party, an awesome artistic piece or a gorgeous gift, the variety of shops available shouldn’t leave you empty-handed in your quest to fill the space under the tree!
To give you some inspiration before you visit, take a look at our shopping page where you can filter by town and shop type.
For a small market town, Pershore punches well above its weight when it comes to food and drink with an exceptional variety of restaurants, pubs and bars each offering a special Christmas menu.
Whether you’re after roaring fires, cultural settings or lively venues, there will be something to please all interests.
Christmas menus or specials are available at a number of eating establishments for a sit down meal including The Angel Inn, The Star Inn, The Millers Arms, Claude Choules, Benvenuti Belle House, Thai Legend and The Pickled Plum.
Remember, there are plenty more eateries including cafes and takeaways in the town if you’re tired of too much Christmas food!
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more stunning venue to enjoy the build up to Christmas day than the majestic Pershore Abbey. Not only a stunning building, but also the venue of numerous festive activities including Light In Our Darkness on Sunday 10 December, a Christmas Carol Service on Sunday 17 December, the family-friendly Christingle Service in the afternoon of Christmas eve, and not forgetting the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve too.
For the full schedule of services taking place throughout December and for more information on the Abbey itself, visit www.pershoreabbey.org.uk.
Pershore is known for its amazing events during the summer, but it doesn’t slow down throughout December. Whilst they may not be the outdoor extravaganzas, they’ll still get you in the festive spirit (some quite literally!) with music, food, drink and crafts aplenty.
For instance, you can impress visitors over the holidays by taking part in a Christmas Cocktail Masterclass at the Angel Inn, Pershore (£35 per guest, minimum 6 guests); show off your knowledge at the Pershore History and Heritage Society Christmas Social and Quiz; stock up with Pershore Country Markets in Chapman Court, or enjoy a screening at Number 8.
For all the local events, check out our events page or Visit Pershore’s events listings. www.visitpershore.co.uk/council_events
…speaking of Number 8, with so much going on at the community arts centre, it needs an entry for itself!
What better way to begin the season than with a fabulously festive show live on stage from PODS (Pershore Operatic & Dramatic Society) with brilliant vocals, stunning choreography, comedy sketches, fantastic costumes, imaginative projections, and a live band. Showings of PODS Christmas Spectacular take place on Monday 4 – Friday 8 December, 7.30pm; Saturday 9 December, 2.30pm & 7.30pm.
In addition, you can enjoy The Royal Ballet: The Nutcracker, live from the Royal Opera House in London. Peter Wright’s much-loved production keeps true to the spirit of this festive ballet classic; join in with a Festive Sing-Along in The Foyer as attendees will be raising voices and a glass or two as they sing a variety of seasonal songs; or witness a screening of a brand new Christmas concert – André Rieu’s White Christmas – as he and his Johann Strauss Orchestra put on an unforgettable festive treat for the whole family! Recorded in Maastricht, the Netherlands.
Make sure you check out all that’s happening at www.number8.org/whats-on
Pershore’s rich horticulture heritage is perhaps best known for the famous plums, but when they are out of season, there’s still plenty of quality local produce available.
Pershore College has produced craft apple juice for more than twenty years, and supplies independent retail outlets, restaurants and hotels with tens of thousands of bottles of single variety and blended fruit juice every year.
Their commitment to taste and quality has been recognised with numerous accolades, including Reserve Champion for the West Midlands and a host of Great Taste awards, including an award for the Egremont Russet Apple Juice.
The full range of cider and perry – including single variety craft apple juice, naturally flavoured fruit juice or soft drinks – are on sale in the shop at Pershore College Garden Centre and would make a great accompanying item around the Christmas table.
With Pershore being full of wonderful independent businesses, it’s not surprise that many of them go above and beyond with their window decorations which add to the festive feeling in the town. Escape the hustle and bustle of busy towns and take the time to wander around the town admiring the beautiful windows along the way.
In addition to the shop windows, take a small look up to see the numerous Christmas Trees attached to the buildings which complement the town’s beautiful Christmas lights.
Winter presents stunning scenery with landscapes frequently glistening with a frost and The Avon Meadows is certainly a spectacular environment at this time of year.
As the picture above shows (courtesy of Steve McLaren), beautiful sights won’t be far aware so if you’re in need to burn off some Christmas calories, a walk around the Meadows should be high on the list.
Just outside of Pershore, the National Trust property of Croome is the place for a creative Christmas in 2023. Featuring a beautiful cascading origami bird installation in the House, rooms decorated with Christmas trees and elegant sparkle, seven colourful fibreglass bird sculptures creating a family sculpture trail across the parkland, craft workshops, festive choirs and lots more taking place into the New Year.
On Saturday 30 December, Pershore Market will sadly close its doors for the last time after being sold earlier this year. However, it does still provide a great opportunity in the build up to Christmas for shopping with some great gifts and produce available.
With crafters, toys, vintage teddy bears, fruit & vegetables, chocolates, sweets, meat, decorations and plenty more; there’s a plethora of items to choose from.
Make a piece of history by supporting the market traders for a final time this Christmas.
