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 Evesham has been called the Gateway to the Cotswolds, and makes a great centre for exploring the beautiful countryside. Roughly equidistant between Worcester, Cheltenham, and Stratford-upon-Avon, and situated on the River Avon in the fertile Vale of Evesham - once famed for fruit growing and market gardening - the town provides the ideal setting for coarse fishing, angling, boating and riverside walks. Boats may also be hired for day cruises for short breaks to explore the charming waterways of the Cotswolds.
History
 Evesham can trace its existence back to the 8th century. The name 'Evesham' is derived from "Eof's ham" ("ham" in English placenames meaning "homestead"). Eof (or Eoves) was a humble swineherd, who saw a vision of the Virgin Mary and reported his experience to Saint Egwin, third Bishop of Worcester. Ecgwin also experienced the vision when he went to visit the spot, and founded the Benedictine Evesham Abbey there in 709. By the time it was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540 the Abbey was estimated to be the 3rd largest and most powerful in England, and funded smaller abbeys and churches in Belgium, the Netherlands and France. A large source of income came from pilgrims to the abbey.
A thriving town grew up around the Abbey, and it was here on 4th August 1265 that Simon de Montfort, known as the father of the English Parliament, and his alliance of rebellious barons were defeated at the Battle of Evesham by the royal forces under Prince Edward (later Edward I). De Montfort was killed in the battle and his remains buried in front of the High Altar in the Abbey Church. A modest stone memorial in the park now marks the spot where de Montford's burial took place.
Attractions in Evesham
With the Dissolution of the Monastries, much of the Abbey was dismantled and sold as building stone, leaving little but the twin Churches of All Saints and St. Lawrence and the fine 16th century bell tower remaining in the Abbey precincts. Abbey Park and its adjacent riverside meadows are now the venue for fairs, concerts, river activities and the Evesham Show.
 There are several other houses of historic interest in the town, notably a fine 15th Century timbered merchants house called the Round House (now a bank), a late 17th Century town house, Dresden House, once occupied by Dr. Baylies, physician to Frederick the Great of Prussia, and an old manor house once owned by King Canute. No visit to Evesham is complete without a visit to the Almonry - dating back to 1400 this was once the home of the Almoner at Evesham Abbey, and remains a superb example of early English architecture. It now houses a Tourist Information Office and Heritage Centre, and an excellent museum of social history of the town and Vale of Evesham.
More information Evesham (external links)
More information about the Cotswolds The limestone hills of the Cotswolds are preposterously photogenic, strewn with countless picture-book villages built by wealthy cloth merchants. Wool was important here as far back as the Roman era, but the greatest fortunes were made between the fourteenth and sixteenth centuries, during which period many of the region's fine manors and churches were built. Largely bypassed by the Industrial Revolution, which heralded the area's commercial decline, much of the Cotswolds is a relic, its architecture preserved in often immaculate condition. Numerous churches are decorated with beautiful Norman carving, for which the local limestone was ideal: soft and easy to carve when first quarried, but hardening after long exposure to the sunlight. The use of this local stone is a strong unifying characteristic, though its colour modulates as subtly as the shape of the hills, ranging from a deep golden tone in Chipping Campden to a silvery grey in Painswick .
The consequence of all this is that the Cotswolds have become one of the country's main tourist attractions, with many towns inundated by tea and souvenir and antiques shops. To see the Cotswolds at their best, you should visit in winter or avoid the most popular towns and instead escape into the hills themselves. This might be a tamed landscape, but there is good scope for walks, either in the gentler valleys that are most typical of the Cotswolds or along the dramatic escarpment which marks the boundary with the Severn Valley. A long-distance path called the Cotswold Way runs along the top of the ridge, stretching about one hundred miles from Chipping Campden past Cheltenham, Gloucester and Stroud as far as Bath. A number of prehistoric sites provide added interest along the route, with some - such as Belas Knap near Winchcombe - being well worth a diversion.Destination Guides > Europe & Russia > Europe > England > Cotswolds and Somerset > Cotswolds Just six miles from Evesham, Broadway is beautiful Cotswolds village worth taking a small detour from the route to visit.  Broadway is situated at the heart of the Cotswolds. It got its name because of the wide street and has been a traditional coaching stop for centuries. The town is extremely pretty and so very English. The buildings are made from local honey-coloured stone so characteristic of the area.
The main street consists of many curiosities and antique stores. It is very popular amongst tourists and during the summer months it can be bursting at the seams! With a range of excellent accommodation and restaurants, Broadway provides an ideal base to tour the surrounding area.
Lygon Arms
One of the best known inns in Broadway you will not be disappointed if you stay here. The inn dates back to the sixteenth century and is set in three acres of gardens. You can dine in the superb Great Hall with barrel-vaulted ceiling surrounded by oak panelling and heraldic artefacts all lit by the great open fire. Take afternoon tea on the veranda and sleep in a four poster bed. This is luxury accommodation with prices to match. Famous guests include Oliver Cromwell and Charles 1.
Abbots Grange
Towards the centre of Broadway is a triangular green overlooked by Abbots Grange. Built in the fourteenth century it retains some of the features from that period. In the late eighteen hundreds American artist Francis Millet lived here and converted the building into a studio. It was frequented by many English and American artists during the 'Arts and Crafts' movement. They wanted a retreat away from the grimy cities where they could capture the romantic surroundings on canvas. Writings at the time tell us that they led a bohemian lifestyle that was tolerated if not encouraged by the locals!
Broadway Tower
Overlooking the town is Broadway Hill. This is the highest point in the Cotswolds. The view is magnificent and on a clear day you can see thirteen counties. Sitting on top of the hill is Broadway Tower, a magnificent English folly. Built by Lord Coventry in 1797, it was used by the leader of the Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris. You can see some of his famous designs which are still housed in the tower.
Dormy House
This seventeenth century building was originally named 'Willersy Hill Farm'. Originally a farmhouse it was bought by Broadway Golf Club in the 1940's. The name comes from the golfing term for 'unbeatable'. Today this fantastic building is a hotel and conference centre but it has retained all its charming features. It is worth visiting the iron-age burial ground nearby.
Broadway and the surrounding areas prospered as a result of sheep farming and the rise of the woollen industry. The demand for wool changed the character of the English countryside from forest and woodland to enclosed grassy fields with dry stone walls.
The Cotswolds has a unique beauty with Broadway being the jewel in the crown!
About the Author
Ann is a part time content author writer for the Laughing Camel Online Road Trips and Destinations Project where she compiles some unique tour routes and destination information.
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