Pershore is a thriving Georgian market town nestling in the heart of Worcestershire’s Vale & Spa. It plays host to an incredibly diverse range of events and festivals throughout the year. These include the renowned Plum Festival in August, an annual Carnival, as well as a jazz festival along with many others, Covid permitting. Pershore also boasts an eclectic mix of shops, eateries and entertainment venues making it an ideal destination whatever the season.
The Gallery, located on the High Street, is home to artist Jilly Oxley-Arnott whose work reflects the architecture of the region. You can browse her various collections of watercolour and ceramics or purchase something to take home with you. If you’re a fan of flying, Pershore Gallery is where you need to land for a range of aviation-themed art and prints. For vintage ephemera and antiques, Follyies is the perfect place for those who like a good mooch around somewhere brimming with curios.
You could spend hours viewing homeware in Persora as there is so much to take in and when you’ve finished browsing there is SIP Coffeehouse on the premises that offers a rather lovely selection of cakes. For something a little quirky, Dilly Dally is the place to shop. They sell bohemian, fair-trade ornaments, crystals and incense, and also offer cartoon caricatures while you wait. Whilst Avoca is another great gift shop with an affordable range of homeware, candles, scarfs, greeting cards and children’s soft toys – they pretty much sell everything! Family-run Tolley Jewellers has 30 years history of selling new and preloved jewellery and watches. They also carry out repairs and take commissions for individual pieces they can make to your own designs in their workshop.
Jolie & Beau is an independent boutique offering high-end fashion featuring labels from Paris and Italy. They also stock more reasonably priced pieces so it’s well
worth a visit. Find yourself a bargain at The Smart Exchange which sells preloved designer wear that looks as good as new, whether it be shoes, dresses or even handbags – the store recently stocked a reasonably priced Gucci bag! It’s a must-visit for those looking for wedding or cruise outfit. You can also bring in clothes you no longer need – forget the hassles of eBay as they will do all the selling for you. For casual clothing look no further than Land & Limey and their sister shop Love Labels just a couple of doors down. You’ll find brands like Weird Fish together with accessories, handbags and jewellery.
There are coffee shops galore to seek out throughout the town offering just about any coffee and cake combo you can imagine along with a wonderful choice of snacks. These include Coffee & More, Koffee & Cake, Café on the Corner, The Deli Cafe as well as Sugar’n’Spice. The Pickled Plum is a popular choice for lunch offering locally sourced dishes that are reasonably priced, which feature a plum based dish or two when this favored fruit is in season. If you’re a lover of street food, you’re in for a treat at Roly Poly Eats where epicurean delights such as gourmet burgers, hots dogs and pulled meat box meals await you. The Angel Hotel also offers a menu showcasing local food much of which comes from its very own farm – no wonder it’s award-winning!
If you’re visiting Pershore any day from Wednesday through to Saturday, then a visit to Pershore Retail Market is a must. A real Aladdin’s Cave of shops and stalls offering everything you could possibly need under one roof complete with its very own parking.
From haberdashery to haircare, spices to sweets and pet care to plums, it’s a great place to lose yourself for a few hours.
After a busy day shopping and eating, why not take in a film at Number 8 Pershore, a busy community arts space that also offers courses, provides a home for local drama and operatic societies alongside art exhibitions too. It also has its own shop selling second-hand books, records, and local crafts.
Pershore has a great deal of history attached to it and some notable historic buildings such as the Abbey, each with their own unique story to tell. Its charm and size make even an aimless stroll from one end of the high street to the other a pleasure, taking time to enjoy its period architecture and unspoilt facades. Let us know if you think we’ve missed any shops or outlets that deserve an honorable mention after you have enjoyed a day out in Pershore and happy shopping …. and eating!
