about the throughout the blossom trail you history will ... · the spring blossom trail can be...
TRANSCRIPT
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: [email protected] www.valeandspa.co.uk
Tourist Information CentresBroadway
Tel: 01386 852937Email: [email protected]
Droitwich SpaTel: 01905 774312
Email: [email protected]
Evesham Tel: 01386 446944
Email: [email protected]
PershoreTel: 01905 843896
Email: [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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