Little town that’s considered UK’s secod best place to live

Each year, thousands of tourists make their way west from London to the Cotswolds, drawn by the allure of picture-perfect locations like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water. Yet, just a stone’s throw away, nestled on the banks of the River Avon, lies a town that many simply bypass – despite it recently being crowned the second happiest place to live in the UK.

Welcome to Evesham, a historic market town in Worcestershire that often goes unnoticed by tourists flocking to the Cotswolds. Ideally situated between Worcester, Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon, it boasts centuries of history, a unique agricultural heritage and excellent transport links – all hidden away from the typical tourist path.

Evesham’s identity has always been intrinsically linked to its land. The town is nestled in the fertile Vale of Evesham, an area renowned for fruit and vegetable cultivation since medieval times.

By the 19th and 20th centuries, market gardening had become the backbone of its economy, with one crop in particular becoming its signature – asparagus, which now enjoys Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, putting it on the map in the same way Champagne or Cornish pasties are associated with their regions.

The River Avon meanders through the heart of the town, shaping much of Evesham’s character. Historically, it served as a crucial transport route, facilitating the movement of goods to and from the region, reports the Express.

Today, it forms the hub of leisure and community life, with footpaths, boating, and events animating the riverbanks.

Spring and summer bring a lively atmosphere to the town. The annual regatta in May attracts rowing teams and spectators to the Avon, while July’s River Festival fills the parks and paths with stalls, entertainment and live music.

Adjacent to the river is Abbey Park, a vast green space that seamlessly combines modern landscaping with medieval remnants. Here, visitors can explore the bell tower and ruins of Evesham Abbey, which dates back to AD 701.

It’s a tranquil spot with newly refurbished walkways, popular for family walks and evening events such as bat walks.

For those keen to delve deeper into history, the Almonry Museum provides an in-depth look at the town’s past. Situated in a 14th-century building, its exhibits cover everything from local horticulture to the Battle of Evesham in 1265 – a pivotal battle in England’s medieval civil wars that took place just outside the town.

In 2025, The Guardian ranked the town as the second happiest place to live in Britain, recognising its sense of community, historic setting and access to green spaces. Despite being overlooked by many tourists, Evesham boasts a surprisingly diverse range of attractions.

Cotswold Vale Alpacas, located on the outskirts of town, offers alpaca walks and feeding sessions that have become a hit with families. The Valley, a compact shopping and leisure park, features miniature train rides and a splash area that younger visitors particularly enjoy.

One of Evesham’s most unique features is the Hampton Ferry, a manually operated cable ferry that has been connecting the town with Hampton village across the River Avon for centuries. For evening entertainment, the restored Regal Cinema, a 1930s art deco treasure, screens films and also serves as a café-bar.

Evesham’s charm lies in its perfect blend of accessibility and tranquillity. It’s approximately 25 minutes from Worcester by road, roughly an hour from Birmingham, and is situated on a direct train line to London Paddington, with journeys typically taking around two hours.

The M5 motorway is just a short drive away, making the town an ideal base for commuters.