Pershore has attractions on throughout the year so your visit can be timed to coincide with one of the many events. There are many flower shows, open gardens, fêtes and village walkabouts as well as our Plum Fayre on August Bank Holiday Monday. Browse the Local Events page or contact us for a copy of the Events Diary.

Pershore's own new Number 8 Community Arts Centre (below left) has a 250 seat multi-purpose theatre/cinema, an Art Gallery, Dance Studio and a bar and coffee shop for relaxing and meeting friends.

Pershore also has a new Sports & Leisure Centre with excellent facilities including a 25 metre Swimming Pool, Health Suite, Studio, Sports Hall, Solarium and Rivers Fitness Room with all the latest equipment. The Centre also offers a variety of classes and activities to suit all ages.

Animal lovers will enjoy the agricultural shows, riding competitions and dog shows. Pershore Abbey has many concerts on throughout the year.

The River Avon also has its own attractions. Spend a tranquil dayfishing or stroll alongside the river and take a hamper and stop for a picnic. Boats can be hired for a leisurely journey along the Avon or pick up our circular walk leaflets from the Tourist Information Centre in the Town Hall.

HISTORIC HOUSES & GARDENS

There are also many Historic National Trust Houses to visit nearby, including Coughton Court home of the Throckmorton family since the fifteenth century and Snowshill Manor, a traditional Cotswold manor house recently re-opened after refurbishment, containing Charles Paget Wade's extraordinary collection of objects from around the world.
Located in Worcester, The Greyfriars is a beautiful timber-framed merchant's house built in 1481 and visitors can view the beautiful oak panelled interior.

Hanbury Hall near Droitwich has been a family home for nearly 300 years. It has a magnificent staircase and ceiling murals, Dutch flower paintings and the Watney collection of fine porcelain.

Gardeners are spoilt for choice with famous Hidcote and Kiftsgate gardens nearby. Also Croome Park, originally landscaped by 'Capability Brown' and owned by the National Trust, is restoring its grounds to their former glory.

Just a few miles outside Pershore lies Spetchley Park and Gardens, a plantsman's paradise with 30 acres of Victorian gardens created by successive generations of the Berkeley family and a deer park.

MUSEUMS AND ART GALLERIES

The Commandery

Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU
Tel: 01905 361821

Visit Worcester's Commandery and journey from past to present. There are exhibitions, living history events, workshops and activities for all ages.
Open throughout the year. Mon-Sat 10.00am-5.00pm and Sunday 1.30pm -5.00pm

The Elgar Birthplace Museum

Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcester, WR2 6RH
Tel: 01905 333224

The museum gives an insight into the life and music of Sir Edward Elgar, one of England's greatest composers.
Open daily from 11.00am-5.00pm
Winter closure: 23rd Dec 2005 - 31st January 2006 inclusive.

Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum

Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT
Tel: 01905 25371

Visit the changing programme of contemporary art and craft exhibitions. There are also many events and activities and talks and tours can be arranged for group visits.
Open from 9.30am-5.30pm Mon-Fri and 9.30am - 5.00pm Saturday

Worcestershire County Museum

Hartlebury Castle, nr Kidderminster, Worcs DY11 7XZ
Tel: 01299 250416

Visit this interesting museum at Hartlebury Castle with an exciting programme of events throughout the year.
Open Tuesday - Friday from 10.00am - 5.00pm and Weekends from 11.00am - 5.00pm. Open until December 21st 2005

Worcester Porcelain Museum

Severn Street, Worcester, WR1 2NE
Tel: 01905 746000

Enjoy an informative and entertaining audio tour, featuring Henry Sandon and skilled craftsmen, which tells the story of the factory's history. Guided Tours, Educational Visits, Exhibitions and Events. Also visit Chamberlains, the museum shop, for a tempting array of gifts.
Open: Monday to Saturday from 10.00am - 5.30pm and Sunday from11.00am - 5.00pm
Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Easter Sunday

WATERSIDE RECREATION

• Stroll along the River Avon, take a hamper and stop for a picnic at Pershore or Eckington Bridge.
  
  
• Spend a tranquil day fishing on the banks of the river or at the nearby fishing lakes.
  
  
• Visit in summer when the river comes alive with raft and dragon boat racing.
  
  
• Hire leisure and long boats and journey along the Avon.
  
  
• Visit our local Leisure and Water Park where you can try your hand at windsurfing, sailing and canoeing.

LOCAL PRODUCE & CRAFTS

The Vale of Evesham is famous for its fresh fruit and vegetables. Visit the many farm shops, pick your own or farmers' markets for excellent local produce. Contact us for a copy of the Vale Trail Guide.

April-June is Asparagus season.Known locally as 'Gras', an annual auction is held at the medieval Fleece Inn at Bretforton.

Pershore is renowned for its plums. Many varieties are grown here, with Victoria and Majories Seedling being the commonest. Look out for the famous Pershore Yellow Egg, Pershore Purple and the new Pershore Emblem.

Autumn is the season for pears and apples with Cox's and Bramley's being widely available.

- BREDON HILL OPEN STUDIOS - four studios within four miles of each other.

• Beckford Silk (01386 881507) - a unique country workshop producing hand printed silk and velvet scarves, ties and accessories. There is also a shop and a café serving light lunches and home-made cakes.
  
  
• Samantha Dadd Art Studio in Conderton (01386 725679) - original paintings of landscapes and studies of flowers depicted in their natural environments, art prints and cards.
  
  
• Conderton Pottery (01386 725387) - Toff Millway specialises in salt-glazed stoneware pottery, producing magnificent lasagne dishes, cheese platters, pedestal fruit bowls and various other pots.
  
  
• Bredon Pottery (01684 773417) - Tony & Sue Davies make a range of decorated earthenware pottery which is ovenproof and dishwasher safe.

*****