We had a leisurely start to the day, choosing lunch in one of the cafés listed in the ‘Extra Mile’ book that seeks out foody delights as alternatives to motorway services.

We settled on Ellenden Farm Shop Café near Harvington. When we arrived, I realised that we had been there before on a day trip to Evesham. I chose a humble toasted teacake with marmalade, it was delicious.

Before checking into our hotel, we visited Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. It is quaint with interesting history and due to the weather very cold inside.

After our visit we were able to book into our Stratford hotel, The Indigo. We were warmly welcomed and shown to our room in the Georgian part of the hotel. The room was delightful with plenty of lighting options.

Rather than unpack our bags we decided to head into town, visiting a second-hand bookshop and Waterstones. In Waterstones I saw a book on Malta cuisine. I had been tempted to buy it when I first saw it after our holiday in Malta just over a year ago. I resisted buying the book at the time just in case I was having rose tinted spectacles after our recent visit. I realised I still loved the recipes in the book but unfortunately the book was damaged so once again I chose to leave it on the shelf.

Back in the hotel I had a glass of wine in the hotel bar before returning to our room for a cup of tea and a lovely relaxing shower.

We dined in Loxley’s, a pre valentines day dinner due to our Valentine’s Day ‘date night’ being in the theatre to see Hamlet. I chose chicken with pureed carrot, potato dauphinoise and fricassee of mushrooms. It was beautifully presented but unfortunately, I forgot to take a quick photo!

We had a nightcap in the hotel bar, the Woodsman where we sat in our favourite seats as we had done earlier in the afternoon.

There was a particular shop (Magpie) that Mr C wanted to visit in Evesham so on Saturday we took a trip there stopping for lunch at Ellenden Farm shop cafe. Local produce is used throughout the menu and I decided to have a hot cross bun which arrived warm and toasty.

When we arrived in Evesham Mr C was a man on a mission whilst I was in photography mode. Eventually I caught up with him at ‘Magpie’ where we (especially Mr C) spent some time perusing what was on offer.

Next, we visited Abbey Gardens where All Saint’s church, St Lawrence church and the Abbey Bell Tower are situated. St Lawrence church is only open in the morning but we were able to visit the delightful Parish church. After I left the church, I lingered to take some photos in the church precinct and then walked through the bell tower arch to explore the scant remains of the former Abbey.

Mr C had been heading in the opposite direction but caught up with me as I was about to return through the archway. At the same time a man stopped to talk to me, pointing out a Peregrine falcon on top of the tower. He called to her so she turned to face us for a photoshoot, although my photo doesn’t do her justice. She then gracefully flew off round the tower giving us a fine display of her wings.

My new found friend also shared the less welcome news that some of the male falcons were being shot at and killed by ‘perhaps’ catapults…

We didn’t have enough time left to visit the Almonry Museum, the building itself also being part of the original Abbey complex. However, we had just enough time to stop for afternoon tea in the Old School Café where dogs are welcome and children merely tolerated. The shared chocolate chip flapjack was delicious.

Evesham we will be back!