Evesham

Asparagus spears poke through the rich soil come springtime, marking Evesham as the undisputed champion of Britain's most divisive vegetable. This market town sits snugly in the Vale of Evesham, where the River Avon meanders through some of England's most fertile farmland.

The town itself has a proper working feel - no tourist veneer here. Market gardening remains king, and you'll spot farm shops selling everything from strawberries to plums depending on the season. The high street runs fairly quiet midweek, but that's half the charm.

Art lovers shouldn't miss Cock Harbour Gallery and Hayley Reynolds Gallery, both showcasing local talent. For something completely different, All Things Wild offers an entertaining afternoon with the kids, though it's not quite Longleat. The surrounding countryside rewards exploration too - Sheen Hill and Bayliss Hill provide cracking views across the vale on clear days.

Getting here's straightforward enough. Evesham sits just off the A44, about 20 minutes from Worcester and half an hour from Stratford-upon-Avon. Honeybourne station connects you to the wider rail network if you're coming by train.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of Worcestershire. You're well placed for day trips to the Cotswolds - Broadway's only a short drive - while the vale itself offers brilliant cycling through apple orchards and market gardens. Come in May for the blossom, or late summer when the fruit's ripening and farm gates groan under the weight of produce for sale.