The Vale of Evesham and its neighbouring area has been famous for its fruit and vegetable growing since Medieval times and is known to be some of the most productive horticultural land in the country.

For a few short weeks between mid-March and mid-May the road sides along the 50 mile AA signposted Blossom Trail are ablaze with colour.

The spring Blossom Trail can be enjoyed in many ways - in your own time or as a fun-filled organised day out. To enhance your visit to the Vale even further, this publication focusses on the horticultural highlights the area has to offer throughout the rest of the year - award winning parks and gardens, garden centres, nurseries and farm shops (many with cafes) selling outstanding local produce and home cooked delicacies. From April to June this will also include the famous Vale of Evesham asparagus - whose prestige has gained it PGI European Protected food name status.

SPRINGTIME IN THE VALE For almost

four decades the Vale of Evesham Blossom Trail has been recognised as one of the top “wonders of spring” and can be experienced on foot, by bike, by car or on a coach.

The term Blossom is given to a cluster of flowers that bloom on any plant - this can include magnolia, hawthorn, blackthorn and ornamental cherries.

Blossom trees however, tend to be associated with the fruiting (Prunus genus) varieties – these include cherries, plums, apples, pears, peaches and crab-apples.

Blossom provides pollen to pollinators such as bees who initiate the cross pollination necessary for the trees to reproduce by producing fruit. The colour of the blossom that can be seen throughout the Vale of Evesham range from the delicate whites of pear, plum, orange, some cherry and most almonds, to the variable degrees of pink of apple, peach and cherry.

Cycling - Blossom Trail BikeawayThe Blossom Trail Bikeaway makes it the perfect time to get back into the saddle. The annual bike ride provides a choice of three routes to suit all ages and capabilities starting from Hampton Ferry on Sunday 7 April. This fantastic outdoor adventure follows selected parts of the trail providing beautiful views of the blooming blossom whilst raising money for worthwhile local charities.

For more information visit: www.bikeawayventures.co.uk or call 01386 565564.

GARDENS

Croome Court A mid-18th century neo-Palladian mansion owned by the National Trust, surrounded by extensive landscaped parkland at Croome D’Abitot, near Pershore. The mansion and park were designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown for the 6th Earl of Coventry, and were Brown’s first landscape design and first major architectural project. Some of the mansion’s rooms were designed by Robert Adam.

Spetchley Park Gardens A country mansion standing in 4,500 acres of gardens and parkland in the hamlet of Spetchley, near Worcester. The house and parks are separately Grade II* listed. The house is built in two storeys of Bath stone with a large tetrastyla ionic portico entrance. Within the house is a Roman Catholic chapel. The estate has belonged to the Berkeley family which owns Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire, since it was first built in 1606.

Snowshill Manor and GardensA National Trust property located in the village of Snowshill, on the outskirts of Broadway. It is a 16th century country house, best known for its 20th century owner, Charles Paget Wade - an eccentric man who amassed an enormous collection of objects that interested him. He gave the property to the National Trust in 1951, and his collection is still housed there.

D E S T I N A T I O NS H O P P I N G. . .T W O M I L E S F R O M E V E S H A M

THEVAL L EY

T H E V A L L E Y | W O R C E S T E R S H I R E | W R 1 1 4 D ST H E V A L L E Y S H O P P I N G . C O . U K

FREE PA R K I N G

TVE 99x210mm Advert - Blossom Trail.indd 1 28/02/2019 16:28

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

Nestled on the banks of the River Avon and set in 125 acres of countryside, The Valley is a great shopping destination conveniently located off the A46, with extended opening hours from 1 April - Monday to Saturday 9am until 6pm and Sundays 10.30am until 4.30pm Green-fingered visitors can indulge at Blue Diamond Home & Garden, while creatives will find plenty at Crafter’s Companion and Cotswold Needlecraft. Fashionistas can pick up some new threads at Outdoor and Country, Fat Face and Tog 24, and if home interiors are your thing, a visit to Julian Charles and ProCook is a must.

All kinds of cyclists, from weekend hobbyists to elite competitors, can test their skills in Boardman Bikes’ Performance Centre where there is a mind-blowing wind tunnel alongside a showcase bike shop.

There’s plenty to keep the kids entertained too. Board the Evesham Vale Light Railway and chugg through picturesque countryside before stopping off for a picnic, or let the little ones burn off energy at The Valley Castle Adventure Playground.

If all that fun has worked up an appetite, you will be spoilt for choice at The Applebarn Restaurant, Coffee #1 or The Crafty Cuppa.

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

THE VALLEYThroughout the Blossom Trail you will find there are many different varieties of blossom, below are some of the different types you can find during spring time in Worcestershire’s Vale & Spa.

For more information visit: www.valeandspa.co.uk/blossom

HISTORY1827

1870

1980

1927

1983

1993

2000

2001

2002

Yellow Egg plum discovered in Tiddesley Wood

Around 900 tonnes of plums harvested and sent to market

Traditional orchards diminishing

Blossom Trail established - 8 miles long at this stage and mainly around the area known as “The Lenches”

Survey undertaken to evaluate opportunities the Trail could provide. Trail extended to 20 miles incorporating the town of Evesham

Second survey embarked upon-Georgian town of Pershore and its surrounding area included in the trail

For the first time in its history, the trail was postponed because of the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease

The blossom recovered and the trail once again bloomed with the launch of the 40 mile route

The Trail celebrated its silver jubilee with the route being extended again to include apple orchards and the charming village of Broadway

A locomotive was named “Pershore Plum” to celebrate the centenary of the Yellow Egg Plum. The steam train could often be seen in Worcester, Stratford and Birmingham

2008

BLACKTHORN

PLUM

PEAR

CHERRY PLUM

CHERRY

DAMSON

EXPLORING THE BLOSSOM TRAIL

Coach ToursExperience the delightful apple and plum orchards thoughout the Vale with your very own tour guide. Enjoy this wonderful sightseeing journey and learn all about the fascinating history of the area. It promises to be an interesting and enjoyable day out. This tour will pick up from various points throughout the county on Thursday 11 and 18 April.

Booking is essential. For details call Dudley’s Coaches - 01386 792206

WalkingIf you would like to enjoy the wonderful countryside on foot then Worcestershire’s Vale & Spa makes an ideal location. We can offer a range of walking routes long, short, easy or difficult - we have something for everyone.

For more information visit:www.valeandspa.co.uk/explore/walking

General InformationTel: 01386 565373

Email: info@valeandspa.co.uk www.valeandspa.co.uk

Tourist Information CentresBroadway

Tel: 01386 852937Email: info@visitbroadway.co.uk

Droitwich SpaTel: 01905 774312

Email: heritage@droitwichspa.gov.uk

Evesham Tel: 01386 446944

Email: tic@almonry.ndo.co.uk

PershoreTel: 01905 843896

Email: tourism@pershore-tc.gov.uk

Worcestershire’s Vale & Spa has some of the best parks in the area with numerous Green flag award-winning parks to choose from. In Droitwich Spa these are Lido Park, Vines Park and St. Peters Fields. In Evesham these include Abbey Park, Crown Meadow, Corporation Meadow, Charity Brook Park, Jubilee Gardens, Waterside Gardens and Workman Gardens and in Pershore Abbey Park.

To find out more about our spectacular parks please go to www.valeandspa.co.uk/explore/parks

PARKS

ABOUT THE BLOSSOM

APPLE

LONDON

BRISTOL

WORCESTER

LONDON

BRISTOL

WORCESTER BLOSSOMTRAIL

BLOSSOMTRAIL

BIRMINGHAM

MANCHESTER

BIRMINGHAM

MANCHESTER

Where to find us: The M5, M42 and M50 motorways are on the

doorstep, as are mainline rail links from London Paddington and Birmingham. Overseas connections are well catered for, with nearby airports including

Birmingham, East Midlands and Bristol.

www.valeandspa.co.uk

2019

A delightful year round journey around the Vale of Evesham

01386 565373 info@valeandspa.co.uk

Designed by

1

EVESHAM

PERSHORERiver Avon

BROADWAY

River Avon

Croome Court

SpetchleyPark Gardens

Bredon Hill

Broadway Tower

Snowshill Manor and

Gardens

BredonsNorton

Strensham

Eckington

Birlingham

GreatComberton

LittleComberton Haselor

ElmleyCastle

Kersoe

Ashtonunder Hill

Hinton onthe Green

SedgeberrowAstonSomerville

HintonCross

Childswickham

Wickhamford

Badsey

Blackminster

Bretforton Honeybourne

Saintbury

Willersey

MiddleLittletonSouthLittleton

Pebworth

Offenham

Twyford

Norton

Lenchwick

WoodNorton

Chadbury

Defford

Besford

Pensham

Wick

Fladbury

Charlton

Cropthorne

Throckmorton SherrifsLench

Pinvin

Peopleton

Drakes BroughtonWyrePiddle

Bishampton

AbbotsLench

ChurchLench

Atch Lench

RousLench

Abbot’sSalford

SalfordPriors

Rushford

Cleeve Prior

Bidford-on-Avon

HarvingtonStoulton

Spetchley

UptonSnodsbury

Flyford FlavellRadford

A46

A44

A44

A44

A44

A44

A46

A46A4104

A4184

A422

A4538

A440

M5

M5

M50

B4088

B4088B4082

B4083

B4082B4084

B4084

B4084

B4078

B4632

B4632

B4035

B4035

B4085B4510

B4085

B4080

B4084 B439

B4624

J7

J8

16

8

217

14

9

1

12

18

15

13

3

19

7

11

5

6

4

10

Four Acres Nursery, Great Comberton T: 01386 550357 Golls Nurseries, Evesham T: 01386 871740 Knowle Hill Plant Centre, Evesham T: 01386 831527 Rails End Nursery, Ashton Under Hill T: 01386 881884 Station Garden Nurseries, Blackminster T: 01386 832698 Walcot Organic Nursery, Walcot Lane, Pershore T: 01905 841587 W. K. Rowlings Nurseries, Cropthorne T: 01386 860793

The Real Flower Petal Confetti CompanyWyke Manor, Wick, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3NZ

Visit the colourful Confetti Flower Field!Over 20 acres of delphiniums and cornflowers bloom on the Wyke Manor Estate for a few days each summer. It’s a spectacular sight! The flowers are grown to become wedding confetti, but before they are harvested you can come and walk around the 20 acre field, soak up the colours, beautiful views and enjoy tea and cake in our pop-up café. This unique spot is also perfect for photographers!

Open 10am-5pm daily from 28 June to 7 July.Please visit our website for full details and directions. Sorry, no dogs.

T: 01386 555045www.confettidirect.co.uk/flowerfields

Three Springs Garden NurseryDefford Road, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3BX

Looking for a traditional garden nursery? Then look no further.We grow, we nuture, and we are here to HELP.We stock alpines, perennials, shrubs, ornamental trees, fruit trees and bushes, aquatic plants and roses.

A full range of seasonal stock including, vegetable plants, seeds, potatoes, onion sets, herbs, bulbs, year round bedding plants, Christmas trees and logs.

We also stock an extensive range of composts, chemicals, growing sundries, tools, outdoor pots and planters.We are always here to give help and advice, so why not pop in and have a look round a growing nursery. 

Opening hours: Mon 9.30am-4.30pm, Tues closed,Wed-Sat 9.30am-4.30pm, Sun 10.30am-4.pm, Bank Holidays 10.30am-4pm

T: 01386 555476

Ellenden Farm Shop & Farmhouse

Kitchen CaféEvesham Road, Harvington, Worcestershire, WR11 8LU

“A farming family with a passion for quality, price & service”Come and enjoy a meal in our Farmhouse Kitchen café, prepared by our in-house chef, using produce from our own and other local farms, with beautiful views of the blossom in our traditional apple, pear & plum orchards. Our shop stocks a range of home-grown and locally produced produce, including our own highly-regarded beef and lamb, plus home-grown asparagus, and eggs laid by our own hens. We also have a range of local beers, wines, ciders, and gifts.

T: 01386 870296 | E: shop@EllendenFarmShop.co.ukwww.ellendenfarmshop.co.uk

Birlingham NurseriesUpper End, Birlingham, Nr Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3AA

Not just a garden centre!We are a local friendly family run business. Home grown asparagus, usually the earliest in the Vale.

Birlingham Nurseries - Variety of petennials, shrubs, herbs, seasonal bedding, summer vegetable plants, compost, seeds, stoneware and wooden garden furniture.

Vale Vintage - Unique gifts, house and garden items. Old, new, shabby chic and reclaimed

Pershore Log Cabins - Compliment any garden guest /play room, office, workshop or man cave. Display models on site. Top quality Noridic spruce

Open Monday - Saturday 9.30am-5pmSunday 10am-4pm

T: 01386 750668

Clive’s of CropthorneThe Heath, Main Road, Cropthorne, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3NE

With fantastic views of our fruit trees in blossom and outdoor children’s play area, Clive’s of Cropthorne has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relax with a coffee and slice of homemade cake, sample our delightful breakfasts and lunches or shop locally sourced produce in our farm shop and butchery we have something for everyone.

Open Tuesday - Saturday 9am-5pmSunday 10am-4pm (Closed Monday)

T: 01386 860439

Broadway Tower Broadway Tower, Middle Hill, Broadway, WR12 7LB

Broadway Tower is a privately - owned Cotswold destination set within 50-acres.Enjoy a tasty lunch at the Morris and Brown Café before climbing the Tower to explore the exhibitions and enjoy breath-taking views spanning 16 counties.

Feeling energetic? Hire an e-bike from our Tower Barn visitor centre or unwind with coffee and cake.

The “secret” Nuclear Bunker is open on weekends from April - October and our herd of Red Deer are always on show.

Morris & Brown cafe 9am-5pm T: 01386 852945Broadway Tower 10am-5pm T: 01386 852390The Tower Barn 9.30am-5pm T: 01386 572284www.broadwaytower.co.uk

Wayside NurseriesNew Road, Elmley Castle, Nr Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3HN

A family owned and run Nursery set in the beautiful surroundings of the picturesque village of Elmley Castle, nestling at the foot of Bredon Hill.

Growing a wide range of summer bedding, perennial plants and evergreen shrubs. Supplying Evesham town centre with a colorful variety of summer and winter bedding plants for their tubs and baskets. Established over 19 years formerly at Abbey Road Evesham. Our welcoming and helpful team will always offer friendly advice.

Contact Lee on T: 07816 053887

Wayside Farmshop50 Pitchers Hill, Wickhamford, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 7RT

Fresh local produce daily.Vintage style tearoom serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Asparagus and plum specialists.

Situated on the A44 between Broadway and Evesham.

Follow us @waysidefarmshop on Facebook and InstagramT: 01386 830546www.waysidefarmshop.com

Revills Farm Shop and Farmhouse CaféBourne Road, Defford, Worcestershire, WR8 9BS

The best home grown asparagus.Local produce and goodies from further afield!

Great café seasonal menu, coffee, tea, breakfast, lunch, homemade cakes, scones. Winter months sit by the fire. Summer sit outside and admire the views.

Enjoy a beer, cider or glass of wine. Come out for a bike ride. Friendly staff, ample parking. All you need in one place.

T: 01386 750466 | www.revillsfarmshop.co.uk

The New Hampton Farm Shop and CaféPershore Rd, Evesham, Worcestershire, WR11 2NB

Traditional green grocers of the highest quality.Specialising in the finest, fresh local fruit

and vegetables. Pies, cakes, bread and milk, sausages, bacon, cold meats, cheese, plants and a selection of gifts. Café selling fantastic ‘Tunki’ coffee, breakfasts, light lunches and real dairy ice cream.

Open seven days a week

T: 01386 41540www.hamptonfarmshop.com/the-cafe

Pershore CollegeAvonbank, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3JP A national centre for horticulture situated on a 60-hectare site the College offers the very best in land-based learning, from leisure courses to full-time further education and

higher education specialisms in agri-tech and arboriculture. On campus we have Pershore College Garden Centre & Nurseries, open to the public and trade, Monday to Saturday. Our new main building houses a ‘living wall’, vivarium and aquaponics system.  www.wcg.ac.uk/page/96/ pershore-college

Blossom Trail Route

Branch off Blossom Trail Route

Tourist Information Centre Picnic Area

Apple OrchardsDiverted Coach Route

Only suitable for carsPlum and Pear Orchards

2

19

18

10 9

8

7

6

543

11

12

14

15

16

17

13