Always up to explore more of the country I now call home, when a friend suggested we go for a wander around the market town of Evesham, I was up for it. Evesham, about an hour south of Birmingham, is an riverside town on the northern edge of the Cotswolds, in the county of Worcestershire.

Upon entering the town, the first structure that caught my eye was the town’s Almonry Museum (£5 adults, £2 seniors/students, free for children) – partly because it’s a well preserved 14th century building and partly because I was wondering what the heck an almonry is! From a plaque outside, I quickly found out the Almonry Museum was formerly the home of the Almoner of the Benedictine Abbey; an almoner being a monk whose role it was to provide alms to the poor. Today the building serves as a museum, focusing on Evesham local history as well as having displays on science and broader history.

As we headed farther into the town, we came upon Evesham Abbey, a regal structure. The abbey that stands today is a replacement abbey that was built shortly after the Norman Conquest – the original 8th century abbey being what Evesham town was built around.

The original Evesham Bell Tower, built in the 16th century, has remained – what a marvelous way to tell time!

The abbey and bell tower lie along the River Avon, where an aptly named Abbey Park exists. From the Park Quay, pictured below, the Handsam Boat Company runs boat trips seasonally from the end of March to October (£3.50 adults, £2 children) and offers self-drive motor boat hires.

The park had several play areas for children and a walking path along the river, where we enjoyed a crisp walk on a winter day.

Evesham’s Market Square consists of several timbered houses, much like this twin gabled 15th century merchants house which is now occupied by a bank. Tea houses and pubs also dot the market square if you fancy a drink or a bite.

Have you been to Evesham? What are your recommendations to do?