If you’re looking for a unique shopping day out, fancy spending the day surrounded by nature or want somewhere to take the kids, we’ve got you covered. Pershore is a gorgeous, picturesque market town set in the heart of Worcestershire’s Vale & Spa. It’s famous for its Georgian architecture and magnificent Abbey and is surrounded by beautiful countryside making it a haven for both cyclists and ramblers.
Take part in bonkers water activities
If you’ve got kids or grandkids looking to burn off some energy, book one of Bonkers Activities. With Bonkers Activities, your children can put their balance to the test with popular stand-up paddle boarding, or they can explore the river with kayaking. It’s great day out for the whole family and sure to provide lots of laughs.
For more information and to book an activity, visit Bonkers Activities’ website.
Once you’ve finished your session, why not pop into town for a bite to eat? Pershore is home to a variety of lovely cafes, takeaways, and pubs. Learn more about our local food & drink.
Soon we’ll be launching our new food & drink finder, so you watch this space!
Pershore is home to an impressive range of independent shops. You can find luxury homeware at Persora, elegant lingerie at Isabella Rose Lingerie and stylish clothing at Jolie and Beau. Wych Craft provides quirky, gothic and steam-punk inspired gifts, while Dilly Dally sells bohemia, fair-trade ornaments, crystals and incense. Pplumz offers a range of toys and board games for the kids, while Coach House Books stocks all the supplies your art-loving friends will need. Of course, these are just a few of the wonderful shops the town has to offer; it has something for everybody, whether you’re looking to treat yourself or find a unique gift for a loved one, so come and check it out for yourself.
Pershore will host several events and activities this summer including:
Welcome Back Weekend
After many postponed events, Pershore will go back to its origins and celebrate its reopening with a ‘Welcome Back Weekend’ celebratory market of crafts, food and drink sourced from local suppliers. Picnic in the town’s glorious Abbey Park whilst enjoying some light entertainment. For the more adventurous, a fun fair will be in attendance to mark the town’s famous carnival.
When: Bank Holiday Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 August
Outdoor cinema
You’ll need popcorn for this one! Following the success of our open-air cinema screening last year, we are delighted to confirm it will be back again this year on 28 August. Last year, visitors brought deck chairs to Abbey Park in Pershore to watch Monsters Inc. This year, we’ll be giving you the chance to have your say on what film is shown, so keep an eye on our Facebook page.
Visitors can also expect to see a variety of activities, arranged by Wychavon District Council, from mini golf and face painting to rock climbing and a Punch and Judy show, in Pershore and towns Evesham and Droitwich Spa from the end of July to the end of August. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more information.
Throughout July, families visiting Pershore will be able to take part in the Bepuzzled Treasure Trail. This is a free-to-play, adventure trail in which families will search around the town for 10 weird and wonderful, steam punk-inspired vehicles. This is the perfect opportunity to keep the kids entertained while you indulge in some retail therapy. Find out more about our Bepuzzled Treasure Trail.
FACT: You can also do this trail in Evesham and Droitwich Spa.
Pershore is renowned for its access to the River Avon, which loops around the town passing Abbey Park and the gardens of The Angel Hotel and The Star Inn, before journeying on to Evesham. Teeming with wildlife, boats drifting past, anglers lining the banks and walkers out for a stroll, the river provides a pleasant atmosphere, and these gardens are the perfect place to enjoy it, and the establishments’ award-winning food. The Star Inn’s fish and chips is popular among those who sit outside.
FACT: In 2019, The Angel Hotel was voted Worcestershire’s Vale & Spa’s Favourite Pub.
You can also enjoy food by the river at Pershore Bridges Picnic Site.
You’ll need to dust off your walking boots for this one! Tiddlesly Wood is an magical woodland located just a five-minute drive (or 30-minute walk) away from Pershore’s high street. Its 80 hectares is home to an array of wildflowers such as bluebells, violets and cowslips, making it very picturesque. It’s a great place to do bug spotting with the grandkids. Butterflies, bees, and beetles can all be found amongst the orchard and regular visitors to Tiddesley Wood should see white admiral butterflies feeding on honeysuckle. As well as bug-spotting, the orchard is also a great spot for birdwatching.
FACT: Did you know that the Purple Pershore Plum, which is celebrated yearly at the town’s Plum Festival, was bred from the Yellow Pershore (aka the Egg Plum) that was discovered in the woodland in 1833?
A trip to the theatre is the perfect way to kick off an evening. Inspired by the people of Pershore, Number 8 is a locally led, thriving community arts centre that hosts a vibrant programme of film and live events, including music, theatre and dance.
Take a look at what’s on.
After the show, why not wind down with a drink at one of Pershore’s award winning pubs or its new, classy bar, The Claude Choules? You can take a peek at the new bar in our blog which is coming soon.
Award-winning Abbey Park is not only home to Pershore’s magnificent abbey, but also a wet play area where kids can splash around and keep cool during the summer. Please note, the wet play area is currently closed and is due to reopen at the end of July. For updates, visit Wychavon District Council’s water play fountains webpage.
Abbey Park has been awarded green flag status every year since 2008 and there’s no wonder why with its tree-lined paths, beautiful flower beds, sculptures and community orchard. It’s a great spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic! Many take advantage of some of the towns’ takeaways – such as famous burger eatery, Roly Poly Eats – and enjoy these in the park.
FACT: Located in Abbey Park is a magnificent sculpture of a horse – known as The Pershore War Horse Memorial – that has been made from recycled horseshoes to honor the servicemen and women, and animals, who died in wars.
What better way to view Pershore than from above! On special days such as the August Bank Holiday, the one thousand-year-old Pershore Abbey opens its tower for visitors to climb. Before you reach the top at witness its magnificent view, you’ll be guided through the Abbey’s history on a tour that lasts between 30-40 minutes.
Adults tickets cost £4 and children’s cost £2.
Visit Pershore Abbey’s website for more information and to book a tour.
Please note, booking may be limited or closed because of Covid-19 so be sure to check Pershore Abbey’s website before making a visit.
Criss-crossed by footpaths and boardwalks, Avon Meadows is a wonderful place to get away from it all, relax and reconnect with nature, without having to travel far from the town centre. Nestling on the bank of the River Avon, you can find the nature reserve only a 5-minute walk from the centre, with one of the easiest access points being from King George’s Field, just behind the Football Club. It’s a haven for wildlife and beautiful wildflowers.
For information on how to get to Pershore, visit our How To Find Us page.
Let us know what your top things to see and do in Pershore are by using #IndieRetailMonth and tagging us in your Facebook posts.
