Every year, thousands of visitors head west from London towards the Cotswolds, eager to see postcard-perfect spots like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water. But just a short distance away, sitting quietly on the River Avon, lies a town that most people pass straight through - despite recently being named the second happiest place to live in the UK.

This is Evesham, a historic market town in Worcestershire that often slips under the radar of tourists rushing to the Cotswolds. Perfectly positioned between Worcester, Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon, it has centuries of history, a unique agricultural legacy and strong transport links - all tucked away from the usual tourist trail.

Evesham’s identity has always been shaped by its land. The town sits in the fertile Vale of Evesham, a region known for fruit and vegetable growing since medieval times. By the 19th and 20th centuries, market gardening defined its economy, and one crop became its trademark - asparagus, which now holds Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, putting it on the map in the same way Champagne or Cornish pasties are tied to their regions.

The River Avon flows through the town centre, setting the scene for much of Evesham’s character. Historically, it was a vital transport route, bringing goods to and from the region. Today, it’s the focus of leisure and community life, with footpaths, boating, and events filling the riverbanks.

Spring and summer see the town at its liveliest. The annual regatta in May brings rowing crews and spectators to the Avon, while July’s River Festival fills the parks and paths with stalls, entertainment and live music.

Next to the river stands Abbey Park, a wide green space that blends modern landscaping with medieval remains. Here, visitors can explore the bell tower and ruins of Evesham Abbey, which dates back to AD 701. It’s a peaceful spot with newly renovated walkways, popular for family strolls and evening events like bat walks.

For those wanting to dig deeper, the Almonry Museum offers a detailed look at the town’s past. Housed in a 14th-century building, its displays trace everything from local horticulture to the Battle of Evesham in 1265 — a decisive clash in England’s medieval civil wars that unfolded just outside the town.

In 2025, the town ranked as the second happiest place to live in Britain in a list by The Guardian, recognised for its sense of community, historic setting and access to green space. And, for somewhere that many tourists miss entirely, Evesham has a surprisingly varied list of attractions.

Cotswold Vale Alpacas, on the edge of town, runs alpaca walks and feeding sessions that have become a favourite with families. The Valley, a compact shopping and leisure park, offers miniature train rides and a splash area popular with younger visitors.

The Hampton Ferry, a manually operated cable ferry across the River Avon, is one of Evesham’s most distinctive quirks. It’s been linking the town with Hampton village for centuries. Finally, for evenings out, the restored Regal Cinema - an art deco gem from the 1930s - screens films and doubles as a café-bar.

Part of Evesham’s appeal lies in its balance between connectivity and calm. It’s around 25 minutes from Worcester by road, about an hour from Birmingham, and sits on a direct train line to London Paddington, with journeys taking roughly two hours. The M5 motorway is just a short drive away, making the town an easy base for commuters.